Part Five: No. 10 to No. 6
Finally, we are in Top 10! Last year's Top 10: Amsterdam and Brussels are both out this year, so we should have 2 new entries this year. And where are they?
10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (including Costa Verde and resort town Paraty): First visited in 2006, so I still have quite fresh memories about this city. Its beautiful setting is on par with Vancouver and San Francisco. However, it is not as overpriced and foggy as San Fran and definitely not as wet and cloudy as Vancouver. With its tropical location, it is beach going weather almost everyday in Rio. It also has some of the most beautiful denizens on earth. Unfortunately, just like many cities I love, it is not a very safe city to wander around by yourself at night. But using precaution, it should be fine.
My recent photo album of Rio de Janeiro
9. Istanbul, Turkey: The only major city that lies on two different continents. It is also one of the most fascinating and historic cities of mankind. Though most Europeans do not consider it European. For me, it is definitely more European than Asian. It is beautiful and joyful to just wandering around (just like many Southern European cities). After Turkey's recent economic boom, it is also much easier to walking around without getting hassling. Try their rice in mussels if you have opportunities.
Istanbul Photo Album Mmm...I haven't finished most of them. So this (Chinese language) one is the only one I can show you at this moment...
8. Munich, Germany:Finally moved back to my Top 10 after staying at around No. 11 or No. 12 for several years. This year's visit for its craziest festival - Oktoberfest - definitely helps. However, with or without Oktoberfest, I do still really enjoy each visit to Munich. It is poshed, clean, slightly pricey (but nowhere near New York or even Washington DC), and maybe have most friendly people in Germany. Great beer halls and good gateway to some nice mountain towns/ski resorts in the south. And yes, New Swan Castle (Neuschwannstein) can be accessed from here. Photo of Munich from my 2005 trip
Photo album of facebook: 2008 Oktoberfest Diary
7. Vancouver, Canada - Including Whistler, Victoria and some other towns on Vancouver Island: Sort of like my "second hometown," I've lived there for sometime in late 20 century. Its topographical setting is stunning and mesmerizing. Though it rains a lot, its ever changing cloud and light patterns actually makes its ambiance more interesting. Due to Canada's more open-door immigration policy, Vancouver becomes possibly the most culturally diverse city in the West Coast of the whole American continent. It definitely has the best Asian restaurants outside of Asia. Taking ferry west, in three hours, you can reach the English-flavor town of Victoria. Where the Royal British Columbian Museum is one of the best in Canada. Traveling north, passing through fjords and waterfalls, you can reach Whistler, one of the most beloved ski resorts in North America.
Come 2010, when the Winter Olympic Game will be hold in Vancouver and Whistler, all eyes will be on this beautiful city. Have you booked your trip there yet?
6. Kyoto, Japan: The highest ranked city in Asia. And after a re-visit in April 2008 (just in time for cherry blossom), Kyoto moves back to my Top 10. No doubt, it is the most delicate and interesting city in Japan. There are so many beautiful temples and nice park (with famed Japanese "dry landscape" garden) in this ancient city. It is also more relaxing than other Japanese big cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka. Actually, I will say, among all the Asian cities with ancient history, Kyoto is the most comfortable in its skin living with both tradition and modernity.
Some photos of Kyoto:
2008 Cherry Blossom in Kyoto: Part One
2008 Cherry Blossom in Kyoto: Part Two
So the grand finale is coming. Guess which continent may almost have it all? Which city would eventually be my Top city among them all? A formerly divided city that evolved into the avant-gard art center? A city of two solitudes? THE city of light? Or...the city that just brought us change and audacity of hope?
Til' next time...