Barcelona
Barcelona has always been a prosperous city , thanks to an exquisite harbor, fertile soil, and a population of hard working, caring citizens. This great city was a strong, incredibly diverse region when Madrid was still a fledgling town with basically no landmarks or significance. The numerous Mediterranean empires that had at one time or another conquered the area brought tremendous influences, much more so than the Iberian presence to the west. Barcelona was most influenced by Rome, Carthage, and France during the Charlemagne era.
The monuments of Barcelona open a book into the rich history of the area. These include the intricate and beautiful Gothic Quarter from the medieval times, the series of Catalan art nouveau, and the surreal artwork of Picasso and Miro. But if you are searching for a little excitement and outdoor fun to mix in with your education and culture, look no further than Barcelona.
In 1992, Barcelona was given a huge boost by serving as home to the Summer Olympic Games. This race to the 21st century was quite beneficial to Barcelona and the neighboring areas, and the restructuring program that became everyone's focus was given the name Post Olympic. As a result of all of this hard work and dedication, Barcelona has recently developed into one of the premier port cities in all of Europe. There are so many fascinating sights and wonderful events; you will be awed by your choices and so much to do. Extraordinary museums and landmarks can be found everywhere in this ancient city with a rich heritage and culture. The Museu Picasso is one of the greatest art exhibits anywhere, and through the center of the old quarter of Barcelona is the gorgeous tree-lined promenade, a visual splendor. The nightlife is truly something, and the shopping is fantastic.
Tunis
Tunisia contains an amazing collection of rich culture and heritage. Throughout the millennia, many empires have left substantial footprints upon its sands. The Romans, Phoenicians, French, Ottoman Turks, the Byzantines, and the Arabs have all given their contributions to this African country, making it one of the busiest tourist destinations in Africa.
Tunis is the capital of Tunisia, and is one of the most tourist friendly cities in the Islamic world. In fact, the greatest sights Tunisia has to offer are just a few minutes away from Tunis, which is an added advantage. One of these magnificent sights is the ancient city of Carthage. It dates all the way back to 814 BC, run by the Phoenicians who quickly built it into a great metropolis. The Romans took over the region in the 6th century BC, following the 128-year Punic War. The Vandals then conquered the region in 439 AD, followed by the Byzantines in 533 AD. The Byzantines were not strong enough to hold onto it long either, as the Arabs took control in 670 AD.
The north coast of Tunisia is known as the green belt, with a fertile coastal plain backed by the thickly forested Kroumirie Mountains. This type of environment breeds wild boars, jackals and mongoose. Tunisia has been westernized in recent years, now home to fast food restaurants, radio stations that play the latest pop music tracks, and women that adorn themselves in the most recent European fashions. If you want to see a bit of traditional life, however, then travel to the more rural areas where the hammam (bathhouses) and the mosques remain the central focus of their lives.
Palermo
Palermo is the capital city of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, and the small mass of land right next to the toe of Italy's boot. All of Sicily's official business is conducted here in its largest city, with 900,000 people calling this northern port town home.
Sicily has one of the world's most fascinating histories, mainly due to the diverse backgrounds of the people who have ruled this small island through the centuries. Sicily has been inhabited since the Phoenicians called it home. In succession, the Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, and Bourbons have all controlled Sicily. Each ruler's influence can still be felt today. It can be seen in the flaxen-haired descendants of the Normans or by noting that Palermo's Duomo was originally a mosque.
Palermo's old town is in the middle of the city, and is divided into four quarters. Much of what there is to see in Palermo can be found within the confines of the four corners, as the city center is known.
In a microcosm, Palermo represents Sicily, and Italy for that matter. Tradition is highly respected here, with family and religion at the center of most of what goes on here. The Mafia, which used to completely run this island, has lost ground due to the recent election of a high profile, anti-Mafia mayor. But crime is rampant in the city, and women traveling alone should guard their valuables extremely closely. Some of the world's best pickpockets and con artists use Palermo as their training grounds, so travelers are advised to be at their sharpest when walking the streets of Palermo.
The city's combination of backgrounds is what attracts people here the most. Unique architecture and interesting museum exhibits help the city stand out. But it is the manner of the people here that most people find most charming. The exuberance, the animation, the joie de vivre (pardon my French) of Sicilians is contagious.
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