Amsterdam
Amsterdam has been made world-famous through reports of its lax drug laws, liberal structure, and legal prostitution. These aspects may or may not be reasons for visiting this beautiful country, but allow me to tell you that they do not begin to compare with the glory and wonder of the landscape, combined with the impressive and fascinating historical sights and museums. The scenery alone is intoxicating, and the musical performances and shopping facilities are stupendous. Even with all of the incredible activities and interesting engagements, something must be said for experiencing a hashish brownie at one of the local bakeries. The scenic splendor of Amsterdam is in excess, and this exquisite city houses some of the finest museums anywhere. The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are both extraordinary, and the Anne Frank House is a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into the life of one of history's most tragic heroines. Amsterdam features one of the lowest crime rates in the world for a major metropolitan city. The locals are eager to help you, and no one seems afraid to be walking around at night, and why should they be? The government is stable and the close-knit communities ensure safety on the streets virtually all of the time.
Queen's Day, celebrated on April 30, is a sprawling street festival that is typically the most rousing and fun-filled day of the year. The Holland Festival of the Arts is a cherished event, and it seems as if on any day in Amsterdam, you will be treated to a spectacular display of lights, sites, music, and entertainment.
Cork
Cork is a wonderful little city located along the coast of the St. George's Channel off the shores of Ireland. It is a small town with a big heart, and one thing for sure, the scenery is beautiful. The picturesque landscape of Cork is absolutely amazing, and the few structures that do exist are tremendous. Cork is nestled in between two separate branches of the River Lee, and it is a quaint spot that is perfect for vacationing and relaxing. It is in the perfect location if you are interested in taking sightseeing trips in and around the city, and the town itself is quite compact, making everything easily accessible. Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, and the major trade center of the south. In total, there are 175,000 people who reside in Cork, and every one that I have come in contact with seems like a jolly bloke ready to tell a story and have a drink.
In 1185, Cork was officially established, but the city remained very small and insignificant for centuries. In the 17th century, rapid expansion began to occur, primarily because of the butter industry. The butter trade ensured prosperity for Cork in the 17th and 18th centuries, and these were good times for the small town that was on its way to becoming the premier city in southern Ireland. The River Lee divides Cork into two parts, and as a result, an astounding array of bridges and quays are laced throughout the city. Every view seems like a postcard photo, and even with a modest amount of activities, Cork remains incredibly exciting. The air is clean and crisp, and the mood is always right. The atmosphere throughout the city is a lively and energetic one, and simply walking around looking at the sights is enough to keep you from ever getting bored. A few of the restaurants in Cork are absolute gems, and the area in and around Paul Street features outdoor merchants selling all kinds of interesting items. The Shandon Steeple is a joy to climb, as you are welcome to ring the bells at the top, and this is only one of the highlights of this great city.
Dublin
Ireland is a fascinating and mysterious island nation, one of turbulence and beauty, extravagance and controversy. The shifts in power have led to some political upheaval, but when visiting splendid Dublin, none of this should come into play. After decades of violence, the Irish government finally declared a cease-fire in 1994, and since that time, as peace has increased, tourism throughout Ireland has escalated. This is a fantastic thing because Ireland is a wonderful place to visit when all is well. Dublin is an extraordinary city that is best experienced on foot. Many of the best sites are in a compact section of the town, and while others might require a vehicle to reach, there is no other experience like walking the streets of Dublin. The charming suburbs are glorious, and the small cafes and coffeehouses are enchanting. There are a number of elegant museums in Dublin, and a couple of outstanding galleries and concert theaters. You will never get bored in Dublin, and this is why many visitors to the area stay here longer than planned.
Along the outskirts of Dublin you will find the most relaxed and subdued portion of the community. The days are to be enjoyed, is their philosophy, and you should not miss the clean air and lively sporting events. Dublin is the capital city of Ireland, and nearly one-third of the population of the country resides here. Speaking in relative terms to the rest of the world, Ireland is a very young country when it comes to the average age of its citizens. This is no exception in Dublin, and in fact, Dublin is just about the youngest city in Ireland. Largely comprised of college students, Dublin is a town whose number one priority is revelry. There are plenty of pubs and clubs to go around, but there is so much more to this city that makes it a spectacular place to visit. The last few years have been a remarkable transformation period for Dublin, with new homes, buildings, and offices being built with no end in sight. The city is booming and has been called the most beloved capital in all of Europe. As tourism increases and Dublin expands, purists hope that it will retain at least some of its grace and small town feel. My suspicion is that it will, but for now the balance of quaint elegance and lively entertainment is absolutely perfect.
Belfast
Belfast is an ancient city that has definitely had its share of strife. The Irish government is currently focusing 100% of its attention on mending the cities that have endured so much suffering. Belfast is certainly one of these, although the charm, wonderful architecture, fabulous sights, and radiant atmosphere have remained intact. The city originally relied on trade, and developed into one of the most powerful port cities in Europe. As an old Victorian city, Belfast was called Titanic Town, not only for the prominent fact that the Titanic itself was constructed in Belfast's Harland & Wolff shipyard, but because the shipbuilding and trade industries here were incredibly strong and ruled the country at one time. Unfortunately, that is not the case anymore, but with careful planning, perhaps the Belfast port will once again flourish. In the 1980?s and early 90?s, Belfast was a dangerous area to visit, because of intense political and religious turmoil and upheaval. After 20 years of violence in this war-torn region, the government finally declared a cease-fire. Thanks to the mandated peace treaty of 1994, Belfast has seen much more tranquility, and the violence has decreased considerably. During times of peace there are hundreds more job opportunities, and Belfast once again has become a lovely place to visit. In the last few years, Belfast has enjoyed increased tourism, a higher employment rate, and a better state of life for many of its citizens.
Scottish and English settlers came to Belfast in the 1600?s in an attempt to enlarge their empires. The city's location was a perfect spot to expand trade for these countries. Prior to the English arriving here, Belfast was a small village named Beal Feirste. After Sir Arthur Chichester took over, Belfast doubled every decade, growing at a remarkable rate. Today, 300,000 people live here, which comprises one-fourth of the inhabitants of all Northern Ireland. The City Hall and wide range of museums are spectacular, and Belfast also features wonderful parks, gardens, movie theaters, dining establishments, and shopping facilities.
Flam
Flam is located deep in Sognefjord, in the heart of southern Norway. It is the longest of all of the fjords in Norway. The fjords formed after the last Ice Age, over 10,000 years ago. After the glaciers withdrew, the waters of the Norwegian Sea crashed in, creating sharp gashes in the land that are what we now know as fjords. Today the fjords serve as stunningly dramatic scenery that is uniquely Norwegian. Located just a short distance from Oslo, Flam is the only fjord town accessible by rail. It is famous for its namesake Flam Railway; but this lovely town is mainly a small railway terminal with a population of only 450. The residents of Flam pride themselves on the warm, friendly atmosphere they maintain and the beauty and placidity of their land. As anyone who has ever visited Flam would agree, it is a town that shows off some of Norway's most gorgeous scenery. Snow capped mountains tower above the sleepy town and glorious topography. Flam Valley is a place of gushing waterfalls and fantastic peaks. It is a charming inlet on the water where every view is a beautiful one. Most of the structures in Flam are situated right on the water, making for picturesque views from every place.
Bergen
Bergen is a picturesque city in the gorgeous country of Norway. Located in the western region of this glorious land, Bergen is a beautiful and diverse area full of natural wonders. The museums are fantastic, and the Bergen Art Museum in particular is a real gem. The visual splendor of Bergen is remarkable, and you will never tire of this extraordinary city. The fjords are magnificent, and the longest fjord in Norway is Sogne, located just to the north of Bergen. Many of the old buildings in the heart of the city are beautifully constructed and are charming spots just waiting to be explored. The eating and shopping in Bergen are both excellent, as there are a number of high quality restaurants and stores to peruse. The jewelry and clothing in Bergen shops are extremely nice, and in some locations you will discover great hard-to-find items. A combination of natural and man-made beauty makes the Hanseatic Wharf area one of the most spectacular port areas in the world. Wherever you go in Bergen, you are sure to be amazed, and the waterfront of the city is particularly impressive.
King Olav Kyrre established Bergen as a Viking harbor in 1070. It was by far the most important port in all of Norway for import, export, and general usage. In the thirteenth century, Bergen was officially declared the capital of Norway. In 1241, the Hanseatic League was established in order to create monopolies on certain segments of European trade. Bergen joined forces with several German cities and became one of four main trading powers and one of the primary ports for salted fish and timber on the continent, making the area incredibly powerful and prosperous. This rich heritage has survived the centuries, and Bergen continues to be a thriving city. Just recently, it was declared one of the three tidiest cities in Europe, which is quite an honor indeed. If you like cleanliness, crisp air, and an abundance of sights and adventures, then Bergen is a perfect city for you. There is definitely a lot of rainfall in this port city, but you are sure to be cheered up by one of the friendly locals, who will insist that you join in for a laugh and a drink at one of the local hangouts.
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