My first ever "Top 50 Cities" List
- Part V - No 20 to No. 6

Finally we are in the Top 10!

Now you can finally see my Top 10!! So which country has 2 spots in my Top 10....yes, it is from a mostly very cold place.

10. 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.

9. 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.

8. 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...

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. Too bad jobs were so difficult to find (especially for new immigrants) there, or I would have preferred to stay there.

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. Chicago, USA: The highest riser on my whole Top 50 in the past 2 years. It is also the only city that spent more than 14 years from the first visit to finally reach my Top 10! Again, Chicago can be ranked this high up is mainly due to that I finally had an opportunity to live there and be a part of it. It is called "second city" though in my mind it is no second to any other in the US (it is the highest ranking US city). A highly culturally rich and ethnically diverse city, but still manages to be much cheaper and less arrogant than cities on both coasts. Of course, there are always prices to pay for some place this good: yes, the winter is very harsh...

So the grand finale is coming. Guess which continent may almost have it all? And which other continent can break even?

Til' next time...