Part Four: No. 20 to No. 11
Yeah, we are approaching Top 10! Am I boring you yet? But before that, these are my No. 11 to No. 20.
20. Stockholm, Sweden: The "Venice of North." Though expensive, it is a really beautiful and also possibly one of the most civilized cities in the world. It also helps that two of my good friends from Harvard now call it home. Come in June, you can enjoy its famous white nights and joyful atmosphere.
19. Krakow, Poland: Out of all these newly megapopular former Eastern Bloc cities, this is the only one making it to my Top 20 (Okay, there is another "half" of the Eastern Bloc city making it to my Top 10). In many ways, Krakow is just more understated and charming than Budapest and Prague. It has one of the largest and most lively central squares in Eastern Europe (in which Kieslowski's two Veronicas, from the 1991 movie "Double Lives of Veronica," briefly encounter). While the former Jewish neighborhood Kazimiez (made famous by Steven Spielberg's "Schindler's List") is re-establishing itself as the new Jewish culture center in Central Europe, it also become a nightlife district with endless selection of bars and nightclubs. Nearby, there are several UNESCO sites, including the famous salt mine museum and the most (in)famous NAZI concentration camp of all, Auschwitz. If you are devoted Catholic (as one of my closest friends), you can also visit the late pope John Paul II's childhood home. I have been to this city in both winter and summer and able to enjoy two different kinds of atmosphere.
Photo album: Christmas market in Krakow and Snow-covered city streets of Krakow
18. Barcelona, Spain: Spain has three cities in my Top 50 and this is the highest ranked. Not a surprise, eh? Of course, many people think Barcelona is a little too touristy and the petty crime is way too common (It's true, I was pickpocketed in a bar and almost robbed in a metro, so be careful please), but it is just such a fun place to visit! Wander around town to appreciate Gaudi's buildings (Is Cathedral of Holly Family still unfinished?) and sample its great Basque style tapas, Pinxcho.
17. San Francisco, USA: My former No.1 city now has fallen to only No. 20. Tons of misfortune arose back in 2005, when I moved to its suburb and stayed for a few months. Some of the bitterness remains (in which I don't want to discuss here) but I think I still like San Francisco a lot and do not object to move back some day. It is still heartbreakingly beautiful and the art and restaurant scene are still on top of most US cities. Hopefully, maybe after keeping my distance for awhile, I will fall crazily in love with her once again...
16. Amsterdam, Holland (Including nearby towns of Leiden, Delft, Haarlem): One of the most liberal cities in the world and also the most bicycle friendly. It is quite cultured and sophisticated. Even though I don't smoke marijuana, I can still have good time there on every visit. It also helps that they have one of the best user-friendly airports in the world.
15. Antigua, Guatemala (including nearby Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango): It is that small Spanish colonial town in the mountains, just one hour from ill-reputed Guatemala City (so you can fly to Guatemala City International Airport and head to Antigua directly). This town is small, easy to walk around and has many nice cafe and bars. It also has highest density of Spanish language schools in Guatemala. From here driving only 2 to 3 hours, you can arrive at Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful volcanic lakes in the world. In Chichhicastenango, you can shop and haggle at its traditional markets and get many Mayan handicrafts for you next home decoration. Unfortunately, some high profile crime incident earlier in 2007 makes me feel this country has yet to become as safe as it seems. Check your country's safety advisory before you plan your visit....You can view
my photo album of Antigua and My photo album of Lake Atitlan here.
14. Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania: The highest debut destination of 2007, now it has moved into Top 15 and becomes the highest ranked destination among in Africa. What makes it most special was I reached my 100th country right here on Zanzibar, and Stone Town is my entry point to this island (semi-independent) country. The whole town is quite Arabic in atmosphere, yet also very African. Its Islamic dominance also makes it exotic and fascinating. Pay attention to carving on old doors when you wander its narrow alleys. That Saturday night's (the day I reached my 100th country) hip-hop performance in its old fort was especially unforgettable...that was the first time I felt rap music could be that fun and groovy!
13. Vienna, Austria: The capital of formerly largest empire in Central Europe. Though Austria is no longer a superpower as in Hapsburg's Austro-Hungarian Empire, many legacy remains. It is still "Capital of Classic Music" as we people in Asia call it. Also a great gateway to other Eastern European city. It is great to find out that I will have a chance to attend a conference in spring of 2009 in this lovely city....
12. Seattle, USA: Another beautiful city by the bay in the US west coast. It is just rainier (and thus more depressing). But, who can resist the charm of Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, Olympia National Park, hilly streets, serene lakes, and Bill Gates? Okay, just ignore the last one...
11. Brussels, Belgium (including the nearby towns): 2006 and 2007 are finally the year that Brussels turning around in my perception because I visited it twice for both Christmas 2006 and summer 2007 (a connection point for my African trip and the Balkan trip). After years of passing through and ignoring this city, the bilingual and multi-cultural Belgian capital finally enters my conscience. Thanks to my Belgian friend (whom I met in the trip tothe Western Balkan in spring 2006). Though overshadowed by the French capital to the south and Dutch capital to the north, Brussels can stand tall as a world class city by itself. And who can resist its great varieties of beer and chocolate? Due to Belgium's small size, it is easily a daytrip to some very charming smaller town like, Gent, Louven, and the best of them all, Bruges.