My "Top 50 Cities" List
- Part III - No 30 to No. 21
Continue my countdown...Yes, you really see my Top 50 cities are from all over the world.
30. Taipei, Taiwan: Unfortunately, it actually falls from Top 20 since I moved back here a few months ago. 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...It 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 (wink, wink). Well, you may need to be fast because I cannot guarantee how long will I still be here (remember? "I'm like a bird, I want to fly away. I don't know where my home is.....)
29. Sydney, Australia: Well, now this country has a head of state who speaks my tongue. 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?
28. Cape Town, South Africa: A visit this year 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 African overland trip there.
27. 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.
26. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Another Latin city in Top 30! 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. London, England: Finally a revisit in 2007 put the U.K. capital back into my Top 30! Well, maybe because I was so overwhelmed by its high price (it was really a bad time if you earn US dollars or Taiwanese yuan), it still fails to reach my Top 20 this time :( A huge world metropolis definitely deserves an even higher ranking. Well, maybe food, hotels and tubes (subway/metro) are all expensive, but at least one thing is technically free: the museums!! Can you believe that I dropped by British Museum everyday in my visit, just to see one small exhibition at a time?
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. Washington DC, USA: One of my former homes that I actually still miss. Okay, Its nightlife really sucks now and the crime rate has crept back up again. But the numerous great and mostly free monuments and museums are its biggest attractions. It is also one of the greenest cities in US (don't come here in spring if you have hay fever). Hopefully, after 2008, there won't be needs to have so many protests here (and we don't get angry eveytime we pass 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.)...
21. Edinburgh, Scotland: Though I haven't visited for awhile, it still remains my favorite of the whole United Kingdom. The set up (the hill, the castle) is just mesmerizing. Nearby, there are also some nice bays and lakes (loch as they say) to chill out.
So, yes, we are getting into the Top 20 soon...