Isstrout, I'm VERY aware of the mayan, aztec, hopi, zuni, and other ruins found throught the America's. They are very awe inspiring and very much a part of my personal heritige, and in no way meant to belittle them. However, in the case of Endingburg or Paris or Canterbury... or hundreds of other European cities, these aren't ruins, they are living, breathing, vibrant buildings that are hundreds or thousands of years old. I've heard, but have not yet seen, that parts of Mexico City are like that. Where ancient native american structures are part and parcel of the cityscape. The ruins I've seen have been amazing, no doubt, but the co-existance of antiquity and modern day in parts of Europe is simply unparalleled. Tresamie, I've seen photographs of Neuschwanstein, and it is something to see! I hope to visit in in person someday soon.