Stavanger
Norway's fourth largest city, with over 110,000 inhabitants, Stavanger is a gorgeous city full of beauty and wonder. Stavanger was founded in 1125, built around the landmark St. Svithuns Cathedral. The Cathedral still stands, and is now called the Stavanger Cathedral; it remains a cultural highlight. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Stavanger served as a religious center of Norway, and people from all over came here to be spiritually cleansed and to pray. Stavanger was tremendously influential, but it was not until the 1500?s that the region really began to expand and grow in terms of population. It was at this time that timber sales from Stavanger to other areas in Norway and beyond took off, providing an enormous economic boost to the city.
The name Norway comes from the word Norvegr, which means the way to the north. This term was used over 1,000 years ago by the Vikings as they described the shipping route of Norway. Today the country is referred to as the Land of the Midnight Sun because of the long days during the summer and long nights during the winter. In the wintertime, it is not uncommon to have darkness last for over seventeen hours. The scenery in Stavanger is glorious, especially the glaciers and mountainous regions. Destinations to ski, hike, and explore are plentiful, and there are a number of fantastic sightseeing locations as well. If you are looking for a hopping nightlife, Stavanger is not for you. But if you are looking for adventure, excitement, and beauty, then look no further.
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.
New York
New York City has something for everyone. It is North America's most cosmopolitan destination, and boasts of an artistic and cultural history that reigns supreme among American cities. It is fast paced, loud, and certainly never boring. Its sights and sounds are a glorious combination of everything imaginable. From Bohemian Greenwich Village to the elegant Upper East Side, the diversity here is sure to astound you.
Historic Battery Park is an educational mecca. Little Italy and Chinatown have marvelously maintained their immigrant population and heritage. Today they offer a cultural richness that is truly a gift to the city. Soho (South of Houston St.) and Tribeca (Triangle Below Canal St.) exist on the cutting edge of fashion and style, and are proof of an industrial area's potential for chic. Gramercy Park will make you feel as if you have somehow made your way to London. The Flatiron District has become famous for its technology boom, or Silicon Alley. Chelsea is a hip, European-feeling area that is home to many of New York's photography studios and galleries. These are just some of the city's gems, each offering a unique flavor and pace. Visitors could spend days in any one of them, but for the ultimate New York experience, make your trip a mélange of them all. To truly see the city could take a lifetime, but sampling from the bits and pieces of New York's variety is a treat for any tourist.
Orientation is key to navigating this city. Terms like uptown and downtown are literal descriptions referring to north and south. If you are south of your destination, locals will tell you to go uptown, and vice versa. The terms also refer vaguely to areas of the city. Uptown describes anywhere above lower Manhattan (north of about 34th St.), and downtown usually means lower Manhattan (34th St. and below) through Chelsea, which begins near 22nd St. You will also hear east side, and west side, referring to the areas above 59th St. that are on either side of Central Park.
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