I thought I'd posted this here already but apparently I haven't. Here goes!! : )<BR><BR>It was my 1st time in Paris. I was tired, hungry, lost, lugging around a heavy suitcase, trying to find my hotel. I'd already gotten on the RER B line going the wrong way and then I'd gotten off at the wrong exit (I think I'd gotten off the St-Michel stop instead of the St-Michel Notre Dame stop - I had planned to use the Seine to orient me). <BR><BR>So here I was bumbling around trying to figure out my map (I know, the hopeless tourist), didn't figure out for a solid 1/2 hr that the street signs were the BLUE ONES ON THE SIDES OF THE BUILDINGS, and couldn't see the Seine to orient myself and didn't know North from South.<BR><BR>So I'm making my way through the maze of streets, I was going north on rue Lagrang, I think, when I turned onto rue de l'Hot (something) and when I turned a corner there was this most beautiful church!! It just took my breath away!!! So I took out my camera to take a picture. <BR><BR>And I'm glad I did, too, as later it turned out to be my very first glimpse of the towers of Notre Dame and I'd been lucky enough to capture, on film for all posterity, my first glance!!!

A gigantic asthma attack!!!

i have spent day cutting and pasting from this thread. Leave for three weeks in Europe in less than 10 days. Love this thread and plan to post a few lost breaths of my own<BR>

Awww, Rita, have a fantastic time. I hope you come upon much, much breath-taking scenery!! : )<BR><BR>Bon Voyage!!!

Many times I had that feeling!something that took away my breath, some times even a simple thing or even at home or in a place that you where not expecting something so wonderful!but something I will never forget happened at Meteora, Greece,being on top of those rocks at one monastery, and the view from there, and the feeling, so peaceful like being on top of the world, actually like being in heaven, and this was at spring time, and next to me was a beautiful almond tree, full of flowers, and the perfume surranded me! it was heavenly!<BR>An other experience was, on that same trip , the view of Venice from the plane! fantastic!<BR>Thank you every one for sharing! and s.fowler for your idea!

the perfume of the almond tree surrounded me!!

Hi! is me again!<BR>I just come back from an Alaskan cruise, it was a wonderful trip, everything was so beautiful, and the glacier very impresive...the 3 cities very picturesques,... but what took my breath away was the magnificent Aurora Borealis we had one night,like no other ones I saw before! with no city lights to spoil it! just the sea, the sky, and us, on the ship enjoying this wonder!it cover half of the sky and it lasted for hours, changing shape and color, moving all the time,.. fantastic!!!

Meteora!!!!!

There are so many but to mention a few:<BR><BR>The walled city of Lucca.<BR>The Palio in Sienna.<BR>Walking from Arpoador towards Ipanema and Leblon beaches in Rio.<BR>Barcelona, either sitting people watching on La Rambla or at the Mirablau watching the sunset.<BR>Snorkeling surrounded by Sea Lions playing with your fins in the Galapagos.<BR>Sydney Harbor.<BR>Walking along the Lungo Mare towards Mergellina in Napoli.<BR>Sitting at a cafe on the Corso in Taormina.<BR>Walking anywhere in Paris.<BR>The first time I saw Ludwigstrasse in Munich.<BR>Watching the sunset over the Irawaddy in Pagan, Burma. <BR>A corner bar in Boqueron Puerto Rico, chatting a having a beer with the welcoming locals.

This is a pre-registration oldie but a serious goody - I'm topping it after reading a similar thread in the Lounge, http://www.fodors.com/community/fodo...ing-moment.cfm

I was inside the Mezquita in Cordoba. I heard Gregorian(?) chanting and smoke filled the inside. Streaks of light cut through the smoke. As people moved through this haze it created an ephireal like experience.

Walking into St. Peter's Basilica in Rome...what a magnificent sight..we saw other people just drop to their knees when they walked in, others mouths just dropped open.

Thank you, Gardyloo. I had never read this before, but am now struck by how many poets were posting. Where are they now? Most of the names I do not recognize, except one. I read his post and looked to see if I knew the name: Ben Haines. Oh, my. How I am sure he is still missed.

The love of travel comes through here. Many common experiences, but to be reminded of them reminds me of why my soul is so full when I travel.
I think what satisfies us most is when we dream for years of an experience, and then it does not disappoint. For some unremembered reason I had my own personal vision of something I wanted in Paris - to wake up to the sound of the bells of Notre Dame. When it finally happened, there was no disappointment, just total, utter satisfaction that I had on my own made my dream happen. I will never forget.

Rounding a corner in Florence for my first view of the Baptistery, Duomo, and Bell Tower... WOW WOW WOW!!! Jaw hit the sidewalk!

Also, have to agree with Maria above, Meteora!!!

Our first view from a lookout point of the Provence perched village of Gordes, on a beautiful sunny early Fall day.

Gardyloo, wow, where are all those posters today?
I did one similar to this many years ago.

Lincoln Memorial when it is lit at night standing on the spot MLK stood.
The Zugspitze Moutain on a sunny day. I love the descent on the cable car. Amazing beauty.

Omaha Beach and the American cemetery.

Climbing Crough Patrick. It is a pilgrimage but also some of the best views of Ireland. The people you encounter going up and down are very encouraging.

Cinque Terre. So happy I hiked it when I was able. You never know if the trails are open due to rain and we lucked out.

I did a fodor's search for Portugal trip reports and this thread came up....? Not what I was looking for initially, but can't help thinking all these wonderful memories that people shared 20 years ago are very inspiring, and the very best of what comes out of a travel website like Fodor's. I also felt as I read how travel has changed...some of these contemplative moments just can't happen so spontaneously any more because of sheer numbers of tourists in many places.

What's your feeling on that? Anyone else have wonderful moments to add to this list?

I cycled out of the valley which ends with the Crac des Chevaliers in Syria on a Sunday morning, early to avoid the heat of the day and not a sound disturbed the calm until the Gregorian Chant from the Monestry floated down upon us. I couldn't work out what to do, stop or ride on. So my legs just took me away up the hill.

I still use that bike every day, even if it does have new wheels, saddle, drive chain and brakes. Still, the same bike. I married Mrs Bilbo who was with me.

What took my breath away ?
Same as in 2017, 2016, 2006, 1996 etc : my wife.

Bilboburgler now there's a travel moment that will never be repeated!