Founded in 1550 by King Gustav I of Sweden, Helsinki has grown into a stunningly beautiful and highly enjoyable city, celebrated for its great quality of life. Situated on the southern coast of Finland, Helsinki spans 715 square kilometers (276 square miles) and overlooks the Baltic Sea. The city’s coastal setting, with over 300 islands dotting its archipelago, combined with lush green spaces, offers a striking contrast that defines its unique character. Comparable in size to other European capitals like Oslo and Dublin, Helsinki is divided into several districts, each with its unique charm, from…
Place Reviews (Thursday)
Category Archives for Place Reviews (Thursday).
Panama’s Special Bocas del Toro- another world
The Bocas del Toro archipelago, is an enchanting group of islands approximately 35 km off Panama’s Caribbean coast, located at latitude 9.35° N and longitude 82.25° W. The archipelago consists of nine major islands and over 200 smaller cays and islets Summary Getting There by Air To reach this idyllic destination, most visitors fly into Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport (BOC), also known as José Ezequiel Hall International Airport. Air Panama and Flytrip offer direct flights from Panama City (Allbrook Airport) and SANSA from San Jose, Costa Rica. Getting There by Ferry and…
Cali’s Magic: From Historic Streets to Salsa Beats
Overview This year, I decided to spend some time in Colombia, South America, making this the 85th country I’ve visited. As I embarked the Avianca plane in Bogotá to travel to the city of Cali, I racked my brain trying to work out why I was going there?!. Cali isn’t globally known as a standout tourist destination. I’ve never met anyone who had been there! It doesn’t make the news. Few people could find it on a map. That’s never stopped me before, though, as I’ve been to hundreds of places off the beaten track,…
Bogotá: Bold, Beautiful and Boggling Contrasts
Founded in 1538 by Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, Bogotá has evolved from a small colonial town into the political, cultural, and economic heart of Colombia. Spanning 1,775 square kilometers (686 square miles), it’s similar in size to Houston and slightly larger than Delhi and São Paulo. The city’s population is estimated to be between 8 and 11 million, which is comparable to New York and Bangkok. Bogotá is divided into 20 localities, each with its own character, featuring a blend of modern skyscrapers, low-rise buildings, and historic edifices. I barely scratched the surface…
Santiago: The Heart of Chile
I rank every city I visit based on various factors, including aesthetics, culture, and transport. Santiago, the capital of Chile in South America is the 242nd city of over 100,000 people I have visited. Chile is my 85th country, so I’m pretty confident in my ratings! Location and Orientation Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile, nestled in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. The city sits at approximately 600 meters (1,968 feet) above sea level, providing a stunning backdrop of…
Under Rated Spokane -16 Top Things for a Great Visit
Spokane: the city where half the people mispronounce it, and the other half can’t find it on a map. It’s located in eastern Washington and has a rich history in railroads and mining, along with a vibrant arts scene and stunning natural landscapes. With the Spokane River winding through the city, it combines historic architecture with contemporary development, creating a unique and intriguing place to explore. Home to 233,000, the city flies under the radar as a tourist destination. Yet, I have immensely enjoyed my visits there. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts,…
Whimsical Portmeirion, Home of “The Prisoner”
I am a fan of the weird 1960s TV series called “The Prisoner”. This cult classic was written by and starred the actor Patrick McGoohan, who had previously worked on a top-rated British TV series called “Danger Man”. The Prisoner is an enigmatic, brilliant TV series that has left a lasting impression on fans worldwide. If you don’t know it, here is an explanation (language warning): “The Prisoner” was filmed in the strange, whimsical, and wonderful village of Portmeirion in Wales. I had an unforgettable day visiting Portmeirion. Walking through its winding streets felt like…
One Amazing Travel Year: Countless Stories across 23 Countries, 60 Cities
Two main themes explain my 2023 travel adventures. The first was a massively serious checking-off bucket list of places and activities including a first visit to the Isle of Man and Malta, the White Cliffs of Dover, Canterbury Cathedral, Michalenegos’ Last Supper, and multiple museums. riding several heritage railways, seeing my Irish ancestors’ hometowns, watching several amazing shows across the world and visiting Concordes on display in three countries! I have now visited 87 countries (out of an ultimate goal of 99 )and reached 578 cities! The second theme was revisiting favourite haunts including Abu…
Canterbury: Historic Gem of Southern England
My decision to stop in Canterbury was a spontaneous one. I found this city, located in the county of Kent, to be deeply enchanting, I was really sad to leave. I was impressed with how pretty the city is and blown away by its treasury of history, striking landmarks, gardens, and culture. Canterbury holds significant importance in English history, largely due to its religious, cultural, and historical significance. The city was a major pilgrimage site because of the Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a centre of Christianity in England. The murder…
Escape to Stunning Lake Como
As a seasoned traveller, I’ve been fortunate to explore many beautiful destinations worldwide, but Lake Como in Northern Italy has always held a special allure. My recent stay in Blevio, with visits to nearby Como and Bellagio, offered a delightful taste of the elegance and natural beauty that this region is renowned for. Where is Lake Como? Lake Como (Lago Di Como)’s strategic location is one of its most attractive features., conveniently situated at the crossroads of Switzerland and Italy, making it a gateway between the two countries. The town is approximately 40 kilometres (25…
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