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Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia, after it’s capital Ljubljana. The city is situated on the banks of the Drava river, on the meeting point with the Drava Valley, Drava Plain and the Pohorje mountain. As of latest measurement the city of Maribor has a population of 140 thousand people.

Maribor is an easy reach for travelers as it’s accessible by car, train, plane, bus and bike from most international and domestic destinations. Once you arrived in downtown Maribor it’s advisable to proceed on foot as it’s quite a small town, there are also two tourist information centers, they are located at Partizanska ulica 6a, just next to the Franciscan Church and the Old Vine House on Lent (oldest part of Maribor nearby Vojašniška ulica 8). They are opened everyday providing help in accommodation and free maps of the town. Maps of central Maribor can also be found in the town streets on the walls of houses.

The city of Maribor has a rich history and culture with many sightseeing’s including the Water tower (also known as vodni stolp), also the Mariborski grad (Maribor’s castle), Stara trta (Old Vine), Stolnica (Cathedral), Kulturni center Sinagoga (Cultural centre Synagogue) and Vinagova vinska klet (Vinag Wine Cellar) are popular among under the tourists as well local citizens. It’s advised for tourists to buy a quality bottle of wine brewed in the Maribor wine fields as it’s worldwide known as one of the best. Especially the white wine, which also can be purchased in local supermarkets.

All nationalities are required to bring a valid passport to enter Slovenia, except European Union citizens with valid national ID cards. If you are from the United States, you need to present the passport but do not need to show your return ticket or to get a visa if you are staying for up to three months only.

Busan (부산, 釜山) locally also known as Pusan is a city located in the province of South Gyeongsang, South Korea. It’s South Korea’s second largest metropolis after it’s capital Seoul. It also houses the largest port of the country, ranked 5th worldwide. As of latest measurement the city Busan has a population of 3.6 million people.

Busan is situated roughly 280 miles south eastern of the South Korean capital Seoul, and about 93 miles north eastern of Japan’s main island. The city of Busan is large, and makes it profit from industry and it’s port. Though, it does have an touristic side with for example its beaches Gwangalli, Haeundae and Songjeong situated in the east, it’s active nightlife with lots of night markets, discotheques and bars in the Seomyeon area. The daytime shopping district Nampodong in the south, and the main entertainment area in downtown Busan, and of course it’s internationally known ruins of mountain fortress Geumjeong guard in the north.

Nowadays the city of Busan is mainly visited by tourists from Japan, China and Russia. International tourism has been slow for several years. Although this is for no particular reason, the city fits perfectly for any type of traveler. May you be traveling alone, searching for romance as a couple or with the entire family. It’s laid back ambiance, the natural and cultural scenes, the friendly local environment and lower prices than elsewhere in South Korea is what draws Russian, Chinese and Japanese tourists to the city.

American citizens just need a valid passport for a trip to Busan which allows them to stay for maximum of 30 days. There after a visa is required. Other nationalities may require a visa when visiting Busan. Spring, from April till June is the best time period for traveling to Busan.

Daegu (대구, 大邱) locally also known as Taegu is the 3rd largest in South Korea, after Seoul and Busan. It’s official name is Daegu Metropolitan City, and is the capital and principal city of Gyeongsangbuk-do or simply Gyeongbuk, the surrounding province of the city, although it’s not legally part of the province. As of latest measurement the city of Daegu has a population of 2.5 million people.

Traveling to Deagu is rather easy, especially as it has its own airport named Daegu Airport (TAE/RKTN) which has daily flights coming from Seoul, China, Philippines and Bangkok. Once arrived in the downtown area you can get around using car, taxi or bus. Please note that Daegu is a very big city so it’s easy to get lost, keep a hotel card and phone number always with you. The city is split up in several areas for shopping, nightlife, markets and history. Daegu city is situated in a valley and experiences some of the hottest summers, and mildest winters, of mainland Korea.

Deagu city’s most popular sightseeing destination is Mount Palgong situated just outside the city. The mountain offers stunning views of the countryside and the city itself. It’s also home to various Buddhist temples. Tourists can find several restaurants, coffee shops and jimjilbang sauna’s throughout the region. The attractions are accessible through day trips and offered in any travel agent through the city.

American citizens just need a valid passport for a trip to Daegu which allows them to stay for maximum of 30 days. There after a visa is required. Other nationalities may require a visa when visiting Seoul. Spring, from April till June is the best time period for traveling to Daegu.

The city of Rotterdam has several nightlife areas including Witte de Withstraat, Wilhelminakade, Oude Haven and Stadhuisplein. The Oude Haven meaning “Old Harbor” area is also part of the Rottedam nightlife located nearby the Blaak metro station, Maas boulevard and Willemsbrug. The Oude Haven has a long lasting history, the first cafe was established over 25 years ago. It grew in popularity when restaurants, cafe’s and lounge bars were added to the scene. The busiest night being Friday and Saturday night.

Although the Oude Haven is officially a nightlife area you must take in account it’s different than your typical Rotterdam nightlife area. It’s an alternative scenery without buzzing dance clubs or discotheques. The area offers many different style of nightlife establishment from old fashioned cafe’s to modern and luxury lounge bars where you can relax, drink and enjoy the laid back ambiance. There’s no loud music, packed dance floors or long lines at the toilets. The average price for a glass of beer comes down to €2,40 as of January 2010.

It’s one of the few nightlife areas which is also active during daytime when lunch and dinners are served on the outside terraces which offer spectacular views on the old harbor and the Willemsbrug. Local and international cuisine are present at almost any of the bars. During the summer months, festivals are being held such as the Harbor Jazz Seasons when travelers as well local citizens enjoy a drink hearing live jazz music played by international artists.

In the Oude Haven area are the following nightlife establishments; Popocatepetl, Cafe ‘t Bolwerk, Villa Kakelbont, Stockholm, MOOII, Kade 4, Pardoen, RIVA and Weimar. Each establishment has their own opening times, most of them are opened 7 days a week. Latest reported opening times during regular week days is 3:30 AM while during weekends its 4:30 AM.

Oude Haven
Spaanse Kade
3011 ML Rotterdam

http://www.oudehaven.nl/

Cafe Rotterdam is a trendy nightlife spot in Rotterdam city, Netherlands in the Cruise Terminal situated at the banks of the Nieuwe Maas river, Wilhelminakade with unique views on the Erasmusbrug. Since January 2010 it’s available for exclusive parties and weekly festivals.

When arriving at Cafe Rotterdam you shall be impressed by it’s size, with a total of three stories and the fact that the building has several entrances, a main one located in the middle and and multiple on the sides. The area where most parties are being held is located on the right side, with a marvelous view on the Erasmusbrug and a restaurant on the terrace area with local and international cuisine. Once you enter the building there’s a place to store your jackets free of charge. Here’s a total of two floors is to your availability.

The inside view is trendy, the lights are pointed to the top which is easy on the eyes, the music pretty loud yet when there’s a lot of people it still gives a good atmosphere. The DJ is visible for everyone located directly on the stairs between the ground and first floor, the design bar is spread out in the back, which is big enough to process the many people ordering. As well the fact that Cafe Rotterdam has enough crew members walking around to serve and clean up empty glasses. On the first floor there’s another spacious restaurant, as well toilets which were quite large and clean. A little side note, which was noticed while there was that the club can get quite hot.

Cruise Terminal Rotterdam
Wilhelminakade 699
3072 AP ROTTERDAM
Telefoon (010) 290 84 40
Fax (010) 297 42 51

http://www.cruiseterminalrotterdam.nl

The Erasmusbrug, or in English “Erasmus Bridge” is a cable stayed bridge across the Nieuwe Maas river, or in English “New Meuse” river linking the northern and southern halves of Rotterdam city, Netherlands. It was designed by Ben van Berkel, completed and officially opened by Queen Beatrix on September 6, 1996 with a total length of 0.5 miles and height of 456 feet the Erasmusbrug has earned the nickname De Zwaan or in English “The Swan”.

At night the Erasmusbrug shines in its glory, with each individual light pointed at the top it’s magically visible from both sides of the far stretched banks of the Nieuwe Maas river, with as special places the Golden Tulip Cafe & Hotel and Cafe Rotterdam. Around the area of the Erasmusbrug, which is situated at the Kop van Zuid there’s several popular sightseeing destination including the Speedo, Rotterdam Port Experience, Nieuwe Luxor Theater, Euromast, Strand aan de maas and the Tropicana. Further more several mainstream buildings are located near the bridge like the Rotterdam court house and the KPN office.

Twenty four hours a day buzzing traffic goes over the bridge, including cars, trams, bicycles and anything that moves yet no ones stops for a moment to enjoy its views. The bridge has been integrated in the Rotterdam city life that locals barely recognize it’s beauty anymore. Yet, in my experience simply walking the bridge at night, viewing the lights as far the eye can reach on the river banks, in combination with the thrills of trams and car traffic passing by, the wind in your hair and the smell of the Nieuwe Maas water in combination with marvelous views make it a unique and relaxing experience.

That the bridge is internationally recognized can be simply proofed by it’s presence of international films such as the Jackie Chan film Who Am I? and the repeated shows of Red Bull Air Race and Bavaria City Racing.

Cafe de Witte Aap is situated in Rotterdam city, the Netherlands in the Witte de Withstraat 78 on a corner location nearby several coffee shops, restaurants and other nightlife lounges and cafes. Though it’s a bit small de Witte Aap does a good job keeping balance between bar and drinking area. Dancing isn’t one of the possibilities, especially on Friday or Saturday nights. To enlarge the drinking/standing area, the crew starts removing chairs around 8:30 PM.

Upon entrance you find yourself in a nice yet loud ambiance, keeping it’s balance with a relaxed background music. The lounge couches in the back, and a broken mirror make the place seem more spacious than it actually is. The lights are a plus also, there’s no disco lighting yet a very clear, bright constant light which doesn’t shine or hurt the eyes. The bar curves nicely around the drinking area and has a good display of its liqueur selection although as of January 2010 no prices or menus could be located. The price for one glass of beer is €2,40. They seem to have plenty of crew walking around, customers get their drinks in efficiency and the bar seems very clean.

Cafe de Witte Aap comes with several free facilities which can be used by customers, first of all it has Free WIFI to connect your blackberry or iPhone, there’s a ATM machine downstairs opposite of the toilets, of which are two total. On the left side of the bar you can hang your coat or jacket yet there’s no security overseeing them. Cafe de Witte Aap can be visited at the following address and is open from 13.00 till 05.00, 7 days a week.

De Witte Aap
Witte de Withstraat 78
3012 BE Rotterdam
010 - 4149565

http://www.dewitteaap.nl/

These pictures date Friday 23th of January 2010 Cafe de Witte Aap, Rotterdam.