Part Three: No. 30 to No. 21

Continue my countdown...Yes, you really see my Top 50 cities are from all over the world.

30. Madrid, Spain: If you ask me which city has the most overwhelming nightlife, this would be it. And yes Madriders really know how to party! The city itself is not that handsome or even eye-pleasing, however. Aside from its nightlife, its also has some great museums, especially the must-see Prado.

29. Taipei, Taiwan: Unfortunately, it actually falls from Top 20 since I moved back here in 2007. Maybe because I don't feel home here after being away for too long (and it has changed so much) and moving back here accelerates that feeling...I was supposedly to keep my hometown in Top 40 no matter what. Always underestimated and always overlooked, even by its own folks (sort of like myself, isn't it?), it is rarely a place to fall in love at first sight (or even second, or even third sight). You need a local to show you around to really enjoy it. Only a local knows where are the best restaurants, shopping places, and natural walks in the mountains nearby. Unfortunately, by the end of 2008, I moved away from Taipei once again (remember my them song? "I'm like a bird, I want to fly away. I don't know where my home is.....)

28. Sydney, Australia: Well, now this country has a head of state who speaks my language. Another beautiful city by the sea and possibly one of the most culturally diverse in the world. And who can forget those peaches (or sails) pose as opera houses? Okay, you may think its ranking is too low (many magazines rank Sydney as No. 1 in the world). But I haven't been there for a while...maybe an invitation for a re-visit?

27. Nice, Cote d'Azure & Provence:  After combining Nice and all other French Riviera cities into one, they moved up to No. 27 this year. But what not to love about it here?

26. Buenos Aires, Argentina:  It could have been ranked higher. However, the three days I was there, it was Monday to Wednesday. So I basically missed out all the weekend fun! In many ways, Buenos Aires is really a budget destination, a (sort of) first world city with the third world price tag. A place definitely is high on my "to re-visit" list. It is also advisable that you make a detour to Uruguay (if you don't need an extra visa) across the River de la Plata. I like the small town Colonia!

25. Cape Town, South Africa: A return visit in 2007 moves Cape Town back within my Top 30. Another city with great backdrop of mountains and the oceans. It offers a lot but still remains affordable (and I'm glad the crime there is not as horrifying as Johannesburg). I am glad I started my "once-in-the-lifetime" African overland trip there.

24. Bariloche and Lake District, Argentina: Yes, Bariloche actually ranks higher than Buenos Aires (and London). It is so stunningly beautiful. This "Little Switzerland" is better than the real thing. And it is Argentina, post-economic crisis, which means things are still in bargain basement price. Go to enjoy some great steak dinner and Melbec wines after visit the mountains and the lake, then sample Del Tourista chocolate afterwards. My photo album of Bariloche: Nahuel Huapi National Park outside the town and Bariloche, the town itself

23. Toronto, Canada: Canada's largest city is actually only my No. 3 favorite Canadian city for me. But 23th ain't bad either. Some says it is "New York Light." Though I would prefer to say it is the mirror image of Chicago. By the way, somewhere I read it is the most ethnically diverse metro area in world. Sorry, New York. I cannot wait to visit the new wing of Royal Ontario Museum...

22. Bangkok, Thailand: I used to have mixed feelings about Bangkok. It is a very crowded city with bad traffic and sex industry is so big there that it ends up attract some strange and undesirable people. Now I just ignored the unpleasant parts of Bangkok and surround to its pleasure. For me, the pleasure is the great Thai food and some bargain hunting opportunities. It also has some of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the world. Strangely, it is even a better place to meet other backpackers than many places I have been traveled to.

21. San Diego, USA: A city with nice beaches and surrounded by mountains. Yes, it is like a smaller, friendlier, or should I say, improved version of Los Angeles. It is only three hours' drive from LA, so if you fly from Asia or Europe into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you can escape from LA to SD as soon as possible. Indeed, San Diego may be a better candidate to make you fall in love with Southern California than L.A.A visit to S.D. in summer of 2008 and reconnected to a friend I met in DC back in 1990's put it high in my heart among all the American cities (Only 3 other US cities rank higher than San Diego)

Now, unto the Top 20.....