#885 Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

If I had to pick the most iconic and original piece of architecture in the world, the one I knew from a very young age, it would have to be the Sydney Opera House. A beautiful structure reminiscent of sails, and beautiful from afar, up close, and spectacular when lit up at night -- one day I might even climb it. When I first saw it at the age of 11, it was a real treat, something so awe-inspiring and special it made a memorable impact.

I think the era it was built (started in 1959 and finished in 1973) and the fact that it remains so iconic makes it legendary. Few recently man made structures in the world have had such a long-lasting effect other than the Eiffel Tower (#898) in Paris. It was designed by Jørn Utzon, and when construction commenced, many geometrical and structural issues with the design remained, not to mention funding and political support. We can only be glad that they all were resolved and the construction succeeded!  

Note: Apologies, but I do not have any of my own photos of the Opera House with me. Image is from http://famouswonders.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Opera_House

#898 Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

http://www.frenchcravings.com/tag/eiffel-tower-image/

When I was on the top of this amazing structure, I was more than on top of the world: I was in heaven. It was on the Eiffel Tower that I first discovered that I am exhilarated by high places. I wanted to walk up and then walk down, both vetoed by my family. Sadly, don't have my own photos so commercial ones will have to suit. I looked at the chained in viewing platform imagining the crazy people who caused such confinement to be necessary. I loved watching students throw paper darts off the top, and seeing them sail away with the wind. What an unusual symbol of a country, but a beautiful one. I remember hearing that Parisiennes hated it when it was first built, but of course, now they wouldn't dream of it.

The collapsible toy, whether in the form of a pencil sharpener, or some other such thing... I think that must be one of the most famous souvenirs and so clever!

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/eiffel-tower-landmark.htm

#909 Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE

Soaring a mile over the sands of Dubai and towering over all surroundings, the "new" Burj Dubai, was renamed the Burj Khalifa after the sultan of Abu Dhabi (because he bailed poor Dubai out of it's financial troubles). It and it's smaller brother the "old" Burj Dubai, the elegant sail on the ocean's edge, are truly very elegant buildings and marvels of architecture and engineering. Whether it's having high tea at the 7-star old Burj, or enjoying the musical fountains in front of Dubai Mall at the foot of the new Burj, they are both examples of the elegant living that is Dubai.

And while you can't go to the top, you can visit a platform that is certainly high enough! With spectacular views over the metropolis of Dubai, following the Sheikh Zayed road as it disappears into the deserts towards Abu Dhabi or looking at the various canals from above, all views are impressive. What a wonder!

#914 Transfagarasan Road, Romania

Going up and down one of Romania's highest mountains, this road built by Ceaucescu is a most amazing drive. With glacial Lake Balea and year-round snow at the top, the hairpin turns just above the tree line form a wild journey into and out of wild nature. A small cabana and cable car at the top with tourist stalls offer a charming lunch stop that would be impossible in mid-winter. Returning via a 887m tunnel under Paltinu ridge that drops you back into the trees, it is an appropriately otherworldly journey.

Historically built by Ceaucescu after the Soviet's invasion of Czechoslovakia, it was intended to help form part of a national security zone offering an alternative north-south route, though fit his megalomania well. It was built in 4 years (and really only the summers in those years), and up to 40 workers are said to have died during it's maniacal construction. 

Source: Lonely Planet Romania & Moldova 3rd Edition

#920 Panama Canal, Panama

An astonishing feat of engineering that has changed modern times, the Panama Canal has been owned by three countries, connects two vast countries, has been functioning for almost a century, broke a country in two, and cost untold lives in its difficult construction. It is part of the modern economy ticking away and truly a marvel of human engineering.

It's being expanded and improved in time for its century anniversary. Truly a marvel!

One of the dredging boats that dug the canal.

A view of the construction of the canal from inside the museum.

Looking from the Miraflores locks towards the Pacific Ocean.

Draining the canal.

The many viewers -- a popular tourist attraction!

The modern ships dwarf the Miraflores station. Most ships are now constructed to within centimeters of fitting within the canal.

Miraflores locks.