Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the most warm and inviting cities in existence. A picture of this quaint city includes cobblestone streets, a few towering skyscrapers and friendly people that will greet you at every turn. This is very unlike the typical hot pavement and traffic-covered streets that are usually associated with a major city. Copenhagen is truly a fairy-tale town where pollution does not exist but the sweet scent of bakeries envelopes the area instead.
Copenhagen is part cosmopolitan city and part small town that has plenty to offer its visitors. This is the political, financial and cultural capital of Denmark that 1.5 million people call home. Museums, historical sights, cafés, and the most delicious restaurants abound here. The day will captivate you and the night will intrigue you, so do not plan to go to sleep early. Go crazy and live it up at the many clubs and bars, or have a cappuccino while watching a magnificent sunset.
Copenhagen has quite a tumultuous history, starting in 1157, when Valdemar the Great gave it to Bishop Absalon. Before this transition year, Copenhagen was just a simple fishing town. Bishop Absalon built a castle here, which is now Christianborg Palace. Copenhagen grew to be a great center as a Baltic trade route, and in the 15th century, the town became the royal residence and the capital of Norway and Sweden. Walking around Copenhagen today, one will be able to see beautiful castles and towers that date back to the 16th century and the rule of Christian IV. This king was enamored of fine architecture, which resulted in a wealth of construction that still marvels visitors today. We are quite lucky Christian IV built up the city as much as he did, because some of the buildings from his time are the only historical landmarks that survived two major fires in the 18th century, as well as the bombings by Lord Nelson during the Napoleonic Wars.
A sweet lull of peace sweeps over Denmark now, which disguises Copenhagen's difficult history. It is a colorful town brought to life by street musicians and performers on every corner. Delight your eyes with the lights that illuminate these same streets at night, and take a stroll along a drawbridge over one of the many canals. It is impossible not to fall in love with this seafaring city.
Vigo
Galicia is a Celtic-like region located in the mysterious northwest of Spain. It is green, dense, and misty, with destinations ranging from tranquil beaches to incredible mountains and medieval villages. Vigo is a small, subdivision of Galicia, and is situated on the picturesque western coast of Spain. This is Spain's most Atlantic territory, and perhaps the most fascinating area in the entire country. Galicia stretches from the isolated Castilian plains to the gorgeous seacoast. Vineyards can be found everywhere, and the wildest mountain range in all of Spain, the Picos de Europa, is located here, as well.
Spain's northwestern region is so scenic that it is not odd to see tourists holding multiple cameras. The lush diversity of Galicia is breathtaking, and it remains somewhat isolated from foreigners. Typically, travelers to Spain wish to be amidst the bustle and party life of Barcelona and Madrid, but to miss Galicia is to miss out on seeing one of the purest forms of intrinsic geographic beauty in the entire world. The nearby city of Santiago de Compostela is home to a cathedral that supposedly houses the remains of St. James the Apostle. For over 900 years, travelers and pilgrims have visited this ancient, historically significant location. Shrines, churches, and hospitals of the past are scattered throughout the northwest.
Gallego is the official Galician language, and it is closely related to Portuguese. The majority of road signs are in this form of Castillian Spanish. Several distinctions such as this differentiate Galicia and the northwestern region from the rest of Spain.
Lisbon
Lisbon is a diverse and outrageously enjoyable city that demands a look. It is already a very popular tourist destination, but it will no doubt continue to have an increasing amount of visitors as the years go by. It is not a quiet town, but it is not as sprawling or congested as some of the neighboring capitals. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, and with a population that hovers right around one million, most of the other famous European cities are much larger. This is just fine with the citizens of Lisbon, who prefer their city remain somewhat secluded and protected. This is one of those places to which you must be sure to bring all of your high performance photography gear. But even if you aren't a seasoned shutterbug, buy a disposable camera and snap as many shots as you can! The landscape, horizon, and glorious sunsets here are unparalleled, and the unique architecture will not be seen anywhere else on earth. Even the cobblestone streets are remarkable, built on hillsides, making for a roller coaster-like view of the city or the river at any given time.
In 1755, an earthquake and tidal wave completely destroyed the city, and after that a complex of parallel streets was constructed in between the two main squares. The Alfama is a Moorish sector that is found to the east of Lisbon, and Bairro Alto is located to the west. Lisbon is full of tremendous sights and a fantastic array of top-notch museums. The squares are ideal locations for picnicking and people watching. The weather here is excellent, with hot summers, warm springs and autumns, and cool winters. The more time you spend in Lisbon, the more you will fall in love with it, so keep that picture of the kids handy to remind you of home or you may never want to leave!
Malaga
Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, is home to 550,000 residents and is a marvelous city for visiting and sightseeing. The weather in Malaga is fantastic, and the wide array of activities and interesting features will have you begging for more. No stay is too long in Malaga, and the diversity of the city is magnificent. The port area is comprised of ancient streets and gorgeous foliage, and at the center of the city is a mass of high-rises and government buildings.
The climate of Malaga is subtropical, and the region averages 324 days of sunshine every year. Talk about a prime vacation spot! About a decade ago, crime in Malaga reached an all-time high, as unemployment rates and drug use skyrocketed. Thanks to government programs and aid from nearby cities and countries, the area has improved greatly. Tourism has certainly benefited Malaga. The drug peddling that was occurring on the streets ten years ago has thankfully been virtually eliminated. However, like anywhere, it is still wise to be conscious of your surroundings at all times, and do not leave valuables lying around. As mentioned, taking such care should be the norm whenever traveling, no matter where you are.
The Plaza de Merced, cathedrals, and museums of Malaga make it a remarkable site for studying the history and culture of Spain. The coastline that borders the city is magnificent, and it creates a wonderful backdrop to the ancient land.
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