Cape Town, District 6

District Six used to be a mixed-race suburb within Apartheid South Africa. After the regime decided the area was unfit for the residents, they forcefully removed the 60,000 inhabitants, in order for the area to be cleared. Its location near the harbor, the city center and the attractive Table Mountain made it a prime real estate area, one of the main reasons the government decided to clear the area 40 years ago, and a good reason for visitors staying near the V A Waterfront or the city center to visit the suburb, which now boasts the expansive and interesting historical District Six museum.

The neighborhood itself is still in the process of being restructured. It is a politically difficult legacy, as the ANC government promised it would restore the suburb and hand it back to former residents, but practical and ethical obstacles remain in place.

The museum features a permanent exhibit, located in an old, wooden community church, where the central theme is the reconstruction of the memories and identities of the community of freed slaves, immigrants, merchants and artisans who were cut off from their living space. This is done by combining actual objects from the former neighborhood with digital visual and audio effects.

Temporary exhibits rotate, and include art projects, photography and video screenings. The entrance fee is R20 (about $2). The district lies in between Sir Lowry Road and De Waal Drive, and it is easily accessible. The recent (2009) science fiction movie District 9, directed by Peter Jackson has attracted more attention to the history of District 6, as the movie is based on the story of the forced removals.

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh formerly known as Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam. The city is situated on the banks of the Saigon River, about 37 miles from the South China Sea, and 1090 miles south from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It’s metropolitan area covers a population of over 9 million people, while Ho Chi Minh city alone has a population of 7.2 million.

For the regular tourist, Saigon, as it’s still being called by most of the city locals, can seem a mess of crowded and chaotic traffic and clogged roads. Though the majority of the population, and thousand of expats and immigrants tend to disagree. They’ve all been fallen for the hidden charms of the lively city of Ho Chi Minh.

The city of Ho Chi Minh has been going through a financial and economic growth, attracting foreign investors and local contractors to help build and restore the city. These investments has led to a new generation of first class hotels, high end restaurants, modern shopping malls and trendy nightclubs and lounges. Yet it’s history and sightseeing haven’t been forgotten, they are still clearly visible throughout the city and locals are proud to show them with to those who interested.

When arriving in the city for the first time it’s recommended to visit the Tourist Information Center which can be found on Loi Loi Street in District 1 which is in the heart of city center, you can ask further information and pick up a free Ho Chi Minh city map, that’s for anyone who missed the free “VN Trip Map - for travel and coupons” hand out by Vietnamese women wearing the traditional oa dai dress at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Travelers to Ho Chi Minh need a valid passport and visa. United States and European passport holders must have a valid passport and a visa is required. Travel in Vietnam is generally safe and violent crime is uncommon. Pick-pocketing is rife, and drive-by purse snatching is a common trick. The summer months are between June, July, and August though some rain may be expected.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a major port and city situated on the South Central Coast, on the coast of the South China Sea of Vietnam. It’s one of the five independent municipalities in Vietnam. It used to be called “Tourane”  during the French colonization of Vietnam. Da Nang is the third largest city in Vietnam after Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. As of latest measurement Da Nang has a population of 790 thousand people.

Arriving in Da Nang you will most likely land at the smallest international airport in Vietnam, Da Nang International Airport. There’s frequent domestic flights to Da Nang from all over Vietnam. Once arrived, it’s a 2 miles taxi ride to downtown Da Nang, it’s recommended to make use of the regular taxi companies Mai Linh, Taxi Xanh, or Song Han rather than a unscrupulous taxi driver who has a fast meter or tries to haggle you for the jackpot.

The city of Da Nang does not have the ever going hustle from Ho Chi Minh City, yet shares the same sights, and is close to the atmosphere and charms of Hoi An and the imperial capital of Hue. The possible downsides of the laid back, less serious aspects of Da Nang is that even locals complain that there isn’t much to do else than drinking. Though, this is untrue. The city offers plenty sightseeing that can be accessed by tourists as well locals like a zoo, soccer stadium, several spacious parks, plenty pool halls and a water park. Besides the fact, that locals and tourists don’t have to be drinking at home but can go have fun in the many nightclubs, bars and pubs throughout the town. Also, Da Nang offers a beach named Son Tra peninsul which is a popular travel destination in town.

Travelers to Da Nang need a valid passport and visa. US passport holders must have a valid passport and a visa is required. Travel in Vietnam is generally safe and violent crime is uncommon. Pick-pocketing is rife, and drive-by purse snatching is a common trick. The summer months are between June, July, and August though some rain may be expected.

Kraljevo

Kraljevo (Краљево) is a city and municipality in the Republic of Serbia. The city is located on the river banks of Ibar about 4.5 miles from its confluence with the Zapadna Morava, and in the middle of an valley with the Kotlenik Mountains to the north, and Stolovi Mountains in the south. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 100 thousand people.

In the last decade Kraljevo has become a remarkable travel destination for lovers of Serbian culture and history. For example the city has several famous museums and art galleries like the National Museum, founded in 1950 which collects and features exhibits documents and archaeological, ethnological and art collections. As well the New Gallery, which was the former grammar school that has become a prominent space for exhibitions and scientific meetings. Another valuable sightseeing is the Institute for Protection of Cultural Heritage where numerous medieval Serbian buildings are gathered together in between venerable monuments.

Besides culture and history sightseeing, the city of Kraljevo also offers several areas for relaxing like the local beach at the banks of the Ibar, aside the beach there’s a boulevard with sporting areas filled with restaurants offering brilliant local cuisine and a nice view over the beach and river.

American and European citizens aren’t required a Visa to enter Kraljevo when the duration of the stay does not exceed 90 days. A valid passport is that’s valid for at least 6 months needs to be shown upon arrival to the immigration officers at the international airport. Tourists are required by law to register with the Serbian police within 24 hours after entering the Serbian border.

Odense

The city of Odense is the third largest city in Demark, after Copenhagen and Århus. It’s the main city and “unofficial” capital of the island Funen and is seat of the Odense Municipality. The city is more than a thousand years old. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 160 thousand people.

Odense is one of the oldest cities throughout Denmark and therefore offers a lot of cultural sightseeing and history. One of the most famous sightseeing in Odense is the Odin Tower (Odinstårnet) which was constructed in the year 1935, and used to be the second tallest tower in Europe after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The tower was once blown up by a Danish Nazi group in the second world war and never got rebuilt, what’s left is a miniature model in the spacious park of Odinsparken where the original tower was situated.

Because a rich culture and history the city of Odense also offers several sightseeing interesting for family and couples like the Odense Zoo, Funen Village the Danish Railway Museum and the H.C Andersens House. Besides the fact that these are also, the top 4 most visited attractions by travelers. Downtown Odense has many narrow pedestrian streets with stores and shops, small pubs and cafes, local restaurants where you can feel, taste and enjoy the life of Denmark locals.

Travelers to Odense need a valid passport and visa. American Citizens will receive a 90 days visa upon arrival. Odense suggests travelers to use their public transportation network to get round which has perfect time schedules, routes and is reasonable priced. The best period to visit Odense is in the summer months from June till August with average temperatures of 68 degree Fahrenheit.

Ostrava

Ostrava is the third largest city in the Czech Republic, as well the second largest urban agglomeration after Prague. The city of Ostrava is situated on the confluence of the Opava, Oder, Ostravice and Lučina rivers. The city has benefit from the largest exploitation of high quality black coal through the Czech Republic which has given the city the nickname “steel heart of the republic” (ocelové srdce republiky). As of latest measurement the city of Ostrava has a population of 337 thousand people.

In the recent years the industrial face of Ostrava has been changed rapidly into a travel destination that can offers history, culture and sightseeing. Downtown Ostrava shows a historical city center where most the buildings, churches, old apartment buildings and shops have been restored. One of the main sightseeing in the city is Stodolni street which offers more than 70 nightclubs, pubs, cafes and bars. Each settlement has a unique atmosphere, music and style which makes Stodline street special. Visitors can either relax at one of the lounge bars or dance the night away in the discotheques. The street is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

As earlier mentioned Ostrava is home to a rich cultural life all year round, it offers five permanent theater where opera’s, drama and ballet and operetta is being played in multiple languages, as well local as international. In addition, there’s a range of cultural centers which often have musical events featuring international artists with all sorts of music. For museums lovers the OKD Mining Museum is recommended showing the historical coal mining throughout the city with large collections of mining lamps and equipment. Also there’s a reconstructed coal mine beneath the museum.

United States and European citizens do not require a valid visa in order to enter the Czech Republic when the total length of the stay does not exceed 90 days. Though, if you’re planning to visit for longer than 30 days you have to register with Alien and Border police. Always make sure you have your travel documents, return ticket and hotel reservation ready to present to the immigration officers.

Osaka

Osaka (大阪市) is Japanese city situated at the mouth of the Yodo River on the Osaka Bay. Osaka is also referred to as “nation’s kitchen” as well “Mecca of gourmet food”. It’s designated city under the Local Autonomy Law and the capital of Osaka Prefecture. In the history, Osaka was the commercial capital of Japan. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 3,7 million people.

When arriving in Osaka, through the Kensai International Airport you should understand the city of Osaka is the complete opposite of Japan’s capital Tokyo. Its a much commercial centric city, also please mind to stand on the right at the escalators instead of left in Tokyo. Also you’re recommended to try to eastern Japanese cuisine when looking for a restaurant to have lunch or dinner. The more you navigate downtown Osaka the more you discover and learn about the city’s history, culture and sightseeing.

The city is known to be friendly and easy going, perhaps Osaka owes most visitors to the city because of its vibrant nightlife and the excellent shopping facilities. The variety of the restaurants is considered best throughout the country. A trip to Osaka is easily combined with nearby areas of Kyoto and Kobe. Kobe for example is a international city with a Chinatown and ethnic restaurants which is defiantly worth a view, while Tokyo is an ancient capital full of historical sightseeing.

Visitors to Osaka need a valid passport and visa. European and American citizens will receive a 90 days visa upon arrival. Generally seen the city is safe for tourists, regular travel rules apply so have a close look after your belongings. The best period to visit Osaka is in the summer months from June till August.

Haapsalu

Haapsalu is a seaside resort town situated on the west coast of Estonia. Haapsalu is situated about 63 miles north west from the capital city Tallinn. Tourists and locals refer to the city as “Venice of the North” due to the plenitude of water. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 15 thousand people.

The city of Haapsalu has been known by travelers for centuries due to its pleasantly warm seawater and peaceful atmosphere. Almost any of the narrow streets with early twentieth century wooden houses lead you towards the sea. It’s being most visited by traveling families and romantic couples due to the sightseeing and activities that include, picnics and long walks along the shore or visiting one of the many spa’s throughout the city offering mud baths, sauna’s and massages. Also sea activities are popular in Haapsalu doing sailing and swimming.

Haapsalu also has an cultural side, many of the main sightseeing age mid centuries. Including the Episcopal Palace, Promenad and the Assembly Hall which was built in 1898, when visiting these sightseeing don’t forget your camera especially in the summer months. Every year the town is heart to many travelers that love classic music visiting several festivals like the Old Music Festival and August Blues Festival. For more information about the town of Haapsalu there’s a tourist information center located in downtown.

If you are from the United States or Europe, you need only a valid passport to enter Estonia. You will not be asked for a visa or a return ticket if you are staying in the country for 90 days or less. Still, it’s advised to carry your travel documents safely with you.

Nagoya

Nagoya (名古屋市) is the third largest incorporated city after Yokohama and Osaka in Japan. The city is situated on the Pacific coast in the Chūbu region on central Honshū. It’s also one of Japan’s main ports along with those from Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe and Yokohama. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 2,3 million people.

Unlike other big Japanese cities the skyline of Nagoya isn’t that filled up yet with big sky scrapers and office buildings, all though the current plans are that in 2012 it’ll look like any other massive Japanese city like Tokyo or Yokohama. That the city doesn’t have a skyline yet doesn’t bother at all, Nagoya has interesting and historical sightseeing available for tourists and locals. One of the main sights include the in 1612 constructed Nagoya Castle, which is famous for the golden dolphins on the rooftop. Nagoya is active building in downtown adding culture and technology together to create a harmonious environment to its locals and visitors.

In the center of the city, downtown Nagoya it’s full of people, bustling and busy yet its enjoyable with good markets and malls for shopping. Look for the Osu and Sakae area’s as they are both great for shopping, you can find many big shopping malls here that provide quality stores, restaurants and facilities as well several history museums. For some relaxation the nearby Hisaya Odori Park which consists of series of parks is often the “secret hideout” where many go to sit, eat and find peace.

Visitors to Nagoya need a valid passport and visa. European and American citizens will receive a 90 days visa upon arrival. Generally seen the city is safe for tourists, regular travel rules apply so have a close look after your belongings. The best period to visit Nagoya is in the summer months from June till August.

Maracaibo

Maracaibo also known as “La Tierra del Sol Amanda” meaning The Beloved Land of the Sun is the second largest city in Venezuela after the capital Caracas, Maracaibo is the capital of the Zulia state and is situated in the shores of the Maracaibo lake. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 3.7 million people.

The historical monuments in old town Maracaibo have been nicely restored, including Venzuela’s first elevator building “Botica Nueva” and the most famous landmark of downtown “Chiquinquira Basilic”. Just across the street from the Plaza, next to the Plaza Bolivar its surrounded by Maracaibo sightseeing known as the Government Palace, Baralt Theater and the Casa Morales which is the location where the Venezuelans singed the declaration of independence. While in downtown, you’re nearby the neighborhood of Santa Lucia which is defiantly worth a visit as well.

Several cultural sightseeing in the city of Maracaibo include fine art galleries and museums, the largest museum of South America, Maczul is located in city center, some others include Lia Bermudez Art Center and Theater of Fine Arts.

Maracaibo nightlife is vibrant and diverse, it offers cafes, pubs, bars and discotheques which can be find on several main nightlife streets including 72th, Dr. Portillo and Santa Rita Avenue. The most busy nights are Fridays and Saturdays. When you are looking to eat, and shop before going out at night it’s recommended to visit the large shopping malls Centro Sambil and Doral Center Mall, these malls provide quality stores, restaurants and outlets. When looking for shopping near lake side head over to Galerias Mall and Centro Lago Mall. Of course throughout the cities markets are located near the side of the street, where you can buy fake clothing and hand crafted souvenirs made by the local Guajira tribe.

Once landed at Maiquetia International Airport you are required a valid passport and visa to enter Maracaibo. To get around in the city simply hail a tax in the street, be warned first agree upon a price before getting in as they have no meters. You can also choose to travel by metro which is clean, modern, safe and extremely cheap. The city has a good climate throughout the year.


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