What is your favorite city? This is probably the question I get asked the most and the hardest one to answer! I have been fortunate enough to have visited some amazing places and there is something I have loved from each and every place, but if I had to narrow it down (and this was a hard task!) I would have to say these are my Top 5 favorite cities:
1. HONG KONG – CHINA
Victoria Harbour
I suppose I am a little bias since this was the first city I visited overseas and the first country I lived on my own. It was a taste of freedom at the young age of 18. Hong Kong has a wonderful mix of old China with a metropolitan English lifestyle. The culture in Hong Kong is unlike any other. They do not consider themselves Chinese (though they are a Special Administrative Region of China) and neither do they consider themselves English (as once they were part of the U.K Commonwealth). They are have their own mixed identities which make Hong Kongers so warm and special. This city has SO much to offer. From their one of a kind harbor view (used in many movies, most recently Batman: The Dark Knight) to its wonderful peak views and astonishing mountain range. The nightlife there is pretty special too as exclusive clubs are hidden atop tall skyscrapers offering some of the best views in the world.
2. KYOTO – JAPAN
Maiko Photo Shoot
The old capital of Japan during the Edo period. This wonderfully maintained city is one of the most adorable towns I have ever visited. If you really want a taste of traditional Japan this is the place to go. From the beautiful shrines, to the wooden door tea houses where beautiful geishas entertain (for a hefty price I might add) Kyoto has so much to offer both visually and physically. While you’re here, be sure to visit an Onsen on Public bath (it is not disgusting, albeit a bit uncomfortable if you don’t like to walk around naked among strangers). These public baths offer hot springs and a number of spa treats such as whirlpools and saunas. I tried the “pink rose bath” which was a hot tub filled with water mixed with rose petals. It smelled AMAZING. Of course no visit is complete to Kyoto without a Maiko transformation. Locals and tourists alike visit photo studios to become a “Geisha Apprentice”. The traditional white make up, beautiful kimonos and headpieces are included in the package price. It is an amazing experience for the ladies! Don’t worry boys, they have outfits for you too. You can become a samurai and hold a real Katana during your photo shot!
3. AMSTERDAM – NETHERLANDS
Amsterdam Canals
Listen, I know why most people love Amsterdam, the infamous “coffee shops” and “red light district” are the most visited places by foreigners in this city. Of course I made a pit stop along the way (can’t go all the way there and not say I at least saw it) but the history and amazing architecture of Amsterdam take the win for me. The picturesque buildings along the river, the endless canals and the famous Anne Frank museum were some of the most wonderful things I have seen in my life. The tragic history old Amsterdam was bombarded with is sadly reminded of in this museum. There is no complete visit to Amsterdam without a stop at this once warehouse that hid (for sometime) the Frank family from the horrors of Nazi Germany. Walking through this building and thinking of the sorrow this family must have gone true was gut wrenching and shows the reality of this awful period in time. It also makes us appreciate the fact that it is over and hope nothing like that would ever happen again. (Photos were not allowed inside so I used some from the internet to share with you)
4. BARCELONA – SPAIN
La Sagrada Familia
Probably the most picturesque city of them all. If you ever thought stone mosaics were cool, you ain’t seen nothing yet if you haven’t visited Barcelona! What amazed me the most was the fact this city looked brand new. Every building, every street looked as though it had just been unwrapped from a carefully packaged gift box. Gaudi, the creator of these masterpieces died before his largest one would be completed. La Sagrada Familia is the largest, most intricate church I have ever seen. It is so much so that this building has yet to be finished! Park Guell is also another wonderful piece of art. This large garden complex is filled with mosaics that decorate the walls and chairs along the park. it is truly a wonderful place to just sit and taken in the lovely summer breeze. Of course one of the must-do things in Barcelona (and Spain as a whole) is try their delicious tapas. These bite-sized goodies will keep both your stomach and your pocket happy as you delight on these Spanish treats.
5. PARIS – FRANCE
Eiffel Tower
La Ville-Lumière or the City of Lights is everything you image and more. The cafes along the streets, the beautifully crafted pastries, the chicness and style of the people and of course the ever-impressive Eiffel Tower are some of my favorites things in Paris. Having lived there for 6 months, I was able to explore some of the “off the beaten path” beauties this city has to offer. Every shop here is unique, they may sell the same pastries but the way they make prepare and display them is so different you will think you are eating something completely different and magical every time. I would have to say aside from the big names, The Palace of Versailles, L’Orangerie, The Opera house, the Louvre is pretty special, but not because of the Mona Lisa (which is no larger than an 8×10, or so it seemed like to me) is the hidden apartment Napoleon owned in one of the wings of this famous museum. If you ever thought gold trims along the walls, victorian furniture with your initials carved on them and 100+ dinning tables adorned with massive chandeliers were your thing, you MUST visit this place. I have never seen anything glide it before. It is definitely my favorite sight in Paris, hands down. I felt like in a complete fairytale (mind you I have visited hundreds of castles too) but this one floor apartment was a dream come true for my inner princess desires.
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