Top 5 Cities of the World
The Travel Geek
This year, I decided to include a new type of countdown. As I am a graduated Travel Professional, I decided to rank the top 5 cities I've visited. I can't rank countries because every country has something unique and wonderful to offer. But cities can be incredible, fun or bland, boring and dirty or just plain overrated **cough cough**
London**cough**cough**.
I haven't really been to much, just 8 countries on 4 continents. But every year, I've made it my goal to visit at least one new city or place.
So here goes
#5 - LOS ANGELES California, USA
As you can tell by my username I have a love for Hollywood. Los Angeles was the first foreign city I visited. I have been many times, and each time I discover something new. Well many would consider it overrated, as yes the traffic is bad, there's pollution, blah, blah blah. When I was younger I dreamed of living there, and still would consider it a place to live. I know the streets of LA better than I know Vancouver (and I actually lived there). Hikes in Griffith park, to just walking down random streets. Not to mention, my fave hockey team is the Los Angeles Kings as well.
#4 - VANCOUVER British Columbia, Canada
This west coast Canadian city is easily the most beautiful city in all of Canada. It sits along the coast and is surrounded by mountains. I like to call this area "tropical Canada" because they have tamer winters, and even palm trees! The large urban park, Stanley Park is a fantastic place to escape the big city and it is right downtown! I use to live right in the heart of this city, and enjoyed every minute of it. It has some of North America's best beaches, great food to enjoy and friendly people to meet!
#3 - HARBIN Heilongjiang, China
This northern Chinese city is my husband's hometown. I got to spend 3 1/2 weeks here, and it is an incredible blend of Chinese and Eastern European culture. We got off the plane in a smog filled Beijing and then took the train ride north, to where skies are clean (at least in the summer), and streets aren't crowded with tourists. I was mistaken for Russian many times as they almost never see western visitors there (except for during the annual Ice & Snow festival in the winter). The food was amazing, the sights were wonderful, and the people were very friendly!
#2 - HAVANA La Habana, Cuba
The Cuban capitol is a beautiful, colorful, picture-esque city. Any visit will make you feel like you've stepped back in time, with classic American cars still roaming the streets. The food exceeded my expectations, including a restaurant that offered the best chicken I've ever had! The Cuban people are also so kind! I can't wait to return and spend more time walking the endless streets of Havana and discover new jems.
#1 - CAIRO Cairo Goveronate, Egypt
Cairo is my absolute most favorite city in the world. Well some many discredit it with heavy traffic, bad pollution, and recent events, it is an incredible city. Yes, it is chaotic and busy, but that just adds to its charm. As for the recent events, I was there during three separate protests and not a single one cause me harm (I was even present for one in the main square, but again it was harmless). The Egyptian people are the friendliest people I have ever met. You can walk forever and it never gets boring, there is always something new to try and see! I cannot wait to go back and visit someday!
Don't worry, we will get back to regularly scheduled music countdowns next!