1. The Roman Colosseum, "Flavian Ampitheater" (Rome, Italy)
-The Colosseum began construction around 72AD, and was completed in 80AD under Titus.
-The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.
-Although in the 21st century it stays partially ruined because of damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome.
What amazes me about the Colosseum is the mere size and the details of it. I haven't had the opportunity to visit it, but I've been told that the pictures can be deceiving. It is a massive structure built from stone and concrete. Just imagine this place packed with 50,000 screaming spectators as they watch an event or battle unfold before them. The only imagery that I can relate to is the movie Gladiator (2000). By the way, is a great film (highly recommended). The movie is a direct correlation as to why I admire it so much. The detail on the Colosseum walls and the once hidden rooms beneath the floors are amazing to me. The engineering and ingenuity for their time was astonishing.
(-wikipedia.com, and -http://italy.worldwide-accom.com/rome/colosseum/guides/the-colosseum-in-ancient-roman-times)
(Images- google.com/images)
2. Farmland (Anywhere)
-A farm is an area of land, or, for aquaculture, lake, river or sea, including various structures, devoted primarily to the practice of producing and managing food (produce, grains, or livestock), fibres and, increasingly, fuel. It is the basic production facility in food production.
-About 40.8% of the U.S. is currently considered to be Farmland as defined USDA's (United States Department Of Agriculture)
-Agriculture is a major industry in the United States and the country is a net exporter of food. As of the last census of agriculture in 2007, there were 2.2 million farms, covering an area of 922 million acres, an average of 418 acres per farm.
(-wikipedia.com)
Now I know what you're thinking, farms... really? Hear me out.
I'm an outdoor person. I don't mind getting my hands dirty outside with manual labor or tools. That is just the type of person I am. What excites me about farmland is the endless potential for the land. For example, you could use the land a way to escape the noisy city life, or you could use it for production purposes. Imagine working all day in a hectic office and then coming home to the sun setting over the plains emitting orange, gold and blue streaks across the sky. That could wash away any stressful work day in an instant. If you're more motivated you could take part in the agricultural aspect. It's not an easy endeavour, but working day and night on farmland is a highly respectable way of life. If it were my property I'd have anything and everything on it, so that I could take full advantage of the intrinsic and monetary value. Owning and operating a fully sustained farm would allow for me to take care of my family without the need to go grocery shopping or worrying about the financial shift in crop prices.
My fascination with farmland started when I was little. Growing up my family, we would take trips to Iowa so we could spend quality time with our relatives. What I remember most is driving the enormous big green John Deere tractors with my grandfather. The excitement I felt was unimaginable. On the farm we had cows, pigs, chickens, roosters, dogs, cats, and awesome toys like four-wheelers, a Bob Cat, and a few tractors.
Reflecting on the experiences and scenery I had in Iowa, it's a completely different world nowadays. Right now my round trip to work is 2 hours, and in that time there is no farmland in sight. That's just disappointing. This just shows you how developed and over populated our cities are getting. Young kids these days are missing out of the joys of nature, and are letting technology take over their lives. The reason why I like farmland is because it reminds me of the simple things in life. On a farm, you're not worried about facebook, technology, computers, or Internet. All you have to worry about is family, food, and shelter. These most important things in life, and I'm afraid some of those values have been lost.
(Images- google.com/images)
****Feel free to comment or respond with your thoughts.
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