"Top 50 Favorite City" - Part IV: No. 20 to 11

  Chicago, Illinois, United States
Friday, March 2, 2007

Yeah, we are approaching Top 10! But before that, these are my No. 11 to No. 20.

20. Taipei, Taiwan: Some special spot kept for my own hometown. Always underestimated and always overlooked, even by its own folks (isn't that just like me anyway?), it is rarely a place to fall in love at first sight (or even second, or 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). Unfortunately, I just left there, again, a few days ago.....

19. St. Petersburg, Russia: I have to say I have mixed feeling about Russia, especially I heard about Asian and Black foreign students got beat up in Moscow metro... (Moscow just barely missed my "least favorite" list). However, St. Petersburg is very beautiful city and has one of the best museums I've ever visited in my life (Hermitage). It is hard to imagine this city just celebrated its 300 birthday (younger than Boston!? ). A Japanese comic book "Window of Russia" (池田理袋子 的 『玉女情懷』) also increased my interest in this city.

My photo of St. Petersburg

18. Bariloche and Lake District, Argentina: 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:

Bariloche and Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina

More about Bariloche, Argentina

17. Kyoto, Japan: The highest ranked city in Asia (Okay I admit that I haven't traveled my own continent enough). The most delicate and interesting city in Japan. There are so many beautiful temples and nice park (with famed Japanese "dry landscape" garden) in this ancient city. It is also more relaxing than other Japanese cities. Actually I haven't visited there since 1980's but it still remains one of my favorites.

16. Stockholm, Sweden: The "Venice of North." Though expensive, it is a really beautiful and also possibly one of the most civilized cities in the world. It also helps that two of my good friends from Harvard now call it home. Come in June, you can enjoy its famous white nights and joyful atmosphere.

Photo Album of Stockholm: Part I

Photo Album of Stockholm: Part II

15. Sarajevo, Bosnia: Possibly the biggest shocker in Top 20 since so many people still remember quite horrifying images about it. The formerly war-torn (and still somewhat volatile) city is now vibrant with street lives that people in Baltimore will never dream to have. It mountainous setting and smaller scale also make it quite characteristic. The converging of 4 religions and cultures makes its building styles especially intriguing. Its story of resiliency is inspiring. And maybe due to its still weak economy, it is still very cheap. A place reminds you both the cruelty and bravery of human spirits. Finally it is the time, visit it!

14. Brussels, Belgium (including the nearby towns): 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 to, yes, Sarajevo). 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.

The photo album is coming...check:
http://travel.saricie.com/EuroWinter_2006/index.html

13. Barcelona, Spain: Spain's most popular city is a little too touristy and the petty crime is very common (just be very careful please), but it is just such a fun place to visit! Wander around town to appreciate Gaudi's buildings (Is Cathedral of Holly Family still unfinished?) and sample its great Basque style tapas, Pinxcho.

Read my 2002 travelogue:
Don't Cry for Me Barcelona

12. Vienna, Austria: The capital of formerly largest empire in Central Europe. Though Austria is no longer a superpower as in Hapsburg's Austro-Hungarian Empire, many legacy remains. It is still "Capital of Classic Music" as we people in Asia call it. Also a great gateway to other Eastern European city.

11. Munich, Germany: By barely missing Top 10, Germany fails to become another country that has two cities in my Top 10 (so there is only one country owns two spots in my Top 10, which may surprise you what it is). However I do really really enjoy each visit to Munich. It is poshed, clean, slightly pricey (but nowhere near New York or even Washington DC), and maybe have most friendly people in Germany. Great beer halls and good gateway to some nice mountain towns/ski resorts in the south. And yes, New Swan Castle (Neuschwannstein) can be accessed from here.

Photo album of Munich