World's Most Visited Cities - 2010

London gets knocked off the top spot in figures released from Euromonitor International Top City Destinations Ranking, covering 100 of the world's leading and most dynamic cities in terms of international tourist arrivals. After recording a decline in 2009, international arrivals to countries regained growth in 2010. Star performers in 2010 were emerging city destinations located in Asia Pacific, thanks to a strong economic environment and growing travel and tourism dynamism. Most European cities lagged behind as a result of the weak economic prospects in the Eurozone, which impacted intra-regional travel.

Top three destinations

In 2010, Hong Kong, Singapore and London were the most popular city destinations worldwide. Hong Kong topped the ranking with almost 20 million arrivals in 2010 and an outstanding 18% increase compared to 2009. The booming economy of Hong Kong coupled with its growing appeal as a travel and tourism destination is drawing more business and leisure travellers each year. In 2010, mainland China remained the largest source market for Hong Kong, accounting for approximately 60% of arrivals.

Singapore was the second most visited city, attracting 18 million tourists in 2010 – 16% more than in 2009. The Singapore Tourism Board launched a 3-pronged approach – Innovation, Integration and Productivity – in 2010 that focused on luxury travel, travel accommodation and tourist attractions throughout the city.

London closely followed Hong Kong and Singapore in third position, with 15 million arrivals in 2010. London is by far the most popular city in Europe, benefiting from a wide mix of entertainment options, including historical sites, art galleries and restaurants, which make it highly appealing for all kind of visitors. Nevertheless, the city is under pressure, having recorded sluggish 3% growth in 2010 in the face of increased competition from other destinations like Hong Kong and New York City.

Top City Destinations Ranking 2010

City	Ranking	Arrivals '000 2010	% volume growth 2009/2010	Previous Rank 2009
Hong Kong	1	19,973	18.0	10
Singapore	2	18,297	16.0	3
London	3	14,581	2.6	1
Macau	4	13,098	25.9	22
Bangkok	5	10,984	10.0	2
Antalya	6	10,641	20.0	5
Kuala Lumpur	7	10,351	10.0	4
New York City	8	8,961	4.2	6
Paris	9	8,176	5.5	8
Istanbul	10	8,124	7.7	9
Dubai	11	7,752	-0.4	7
Mecca	12	6,122	-12.4	11
Miami	13	6,003	5.6	13
Rome	14	5,620	1.4	12
Shanghai	15	5,397	22.9	18
Barcelona	16	5,160	15.6	16
Las Vegas	17	5,130	0.8	14
Cairo	18	4,998	3.5	17
Beijing	19	4,901	18.8	27
Los Angeles	20	4,550	1.1	15
Pattaya	21	4,430	4.0	19
Amsterdam	22	4,021	9.0	23
Tokyo	23	3,817	28.0	31
Prague	24	3,758	2.5	24
Moscow	25	3,740	1.4	25
Phuket	26	3,612	7.5	29
Dublin	27	3,587	-15.0	20
Punta Cana	28	3,521	3.1	61
Vienna	29	3,520	4.7	28
Madrid	30	3,402	1.1	30
Kiev	31	3,343	-5.4	26
Orlando	32	3,277	0.4	34
Taipei	33	3,224	11.4	35
Mugla	34	3,211	9.0	32
San Francisco	35	2,929	6.3	33
Edirne	36	2,912	9.7	39
Toronto	37	2,879	6.2	40
Berlin	38	2,872	2.6	36
Seoul	39	2,809	14.2	43
Chennai	40	2,785	18.0	55
Guangzhou	41	2,687	16.2	50
Sydney	42	2,610	0.3	56
Budapest	43	2,606	-3.9	37
Denpasar	44	2,600	6.1	44
Sharm el Sheikh	45	2,558	10.0	58
Buenos Aires	46	2,509	13.6	51
St Petersburg	47	2,500	7.8	46
Warsaw	48	2,450	5.6	48
Damascus	49	2,436	7.2
Ho Chi Minh	50	2,435	28.4	62
Cancún	51	2,434	3.8	57
Delhi	52	2,350	20.0	45
Brussels	53	2,235	-1.6	47
Mumbai	54	2,195	10.0	53
Bucharest	55	2,136	5.4	21
Aleppo	56	2,116	7.2
Munich	57	2,053	-1.3	54
Marrakech	58	2,028	6.1	60
Mexico City	59	2,028	3.8	42
Jakarta	60	2,000	6.4	64
Vancouver	61	1,951	0.0	59
Auckland	62	1,950	3.6	80
Rio de Janeiro	63	1,929	7.0	38
Lima	64	1,925	5.1	67
Milan	65	1,910	0.8	63
Seattle	66	1,893	-0.3	66
Lisbon	67	1,881	4.7	70
East Province	68	1,877	-11.2	52
São Paulo	69	1,825	4.5	69
Agra	70	1,813	18.5	77
Jaipur	71	1,777	18.5	82
Johannesburg	72	1,771	6.0	75
Chiang Mai	73	1,769	5.0	73
Shenzhen	74	1,749	19.5	83
Christchurch	75	1,744	1.3	95
Hangzhou	76	1,744	10.9	78
Athens	77	1,733	-7.0	65
Venice	78	1,695	1.7	76
Florence	79	1,690	0.3	72
Honolulu	80	1,666	5.1	87
Abu Dhabi	81	1,624	12.8	84
Halong	82	1,581	28.0	92
Washington DC	83	1,569	22.4	91
Burgas	84	1,535	-1.8	79
Riyadh	85	1,512	-12.1	71
Varna	86	1,501	-0.2	81
Cape Town	87	1,486	4.9	85
Melbourne	88	1,466	3.8
Hurghada	89	1,459	10.0	93
Edinburgh	90	1,404	6.0
Minsk	91	1,398	9.0	90
Suzhou	92	1,379	18.8	96
Zurich	93	1,378	23.1
Sharjah	94	1,335	3.4	89
Kolkatta	95	1,313	12.0	98
Algiers	96	1,312	5.8	n/a
Chicago	97	1,300	9.8	86
Krabi	98	1,291	5.5	94
Queenstown	99	1,265	3.5
Manila	100	1,250	25.6

Source: Euromonitor International

Off the List from 2009  - Stockholm (ranked 41 in 2009), Oslo (ranked 68 in 2009), Tel Aviv (ranked 74 in 2009), Wellington (ranked 88 in 2009), Sofia (ranked 97 in 2009), Montreal (ranked 99 in 2009), and Palma da Mallorca (ranked 100 in 2009).
 
Vietnamese cities record robust growth

Vietnamese cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Halong, recorded the strongest growth in arrivals, at around 28%, in 2010. Rising disposable incomes and improving living standards in Asia Pacific were key contributing factors, as travelling became more affordable. It is also worth noting that improved government policies in Vietnam helped attract more inbound tourists in 2010.
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. It is the centre of the country's economy, contributing one-third of Vietnam's GDP. The city is famous for its remnants from the French War and US War, such as Independent Palace, Notre Dame Saigon (Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica), War Remnants Museum, and many modern skyscrapers. It also houses the busiest airport in Vietnam, and acts as the transfer point for many tourists who want to visit other places in the country.
Halong is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The bay features thousands of limestone hills and mountains in various sizes and shapes. The limestone in this bay is said to have gone through 500,000 years of formation. With beautiful landscapes, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam.

Upcoming sporting events to foster future visits in Kiev, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro

Upcoming large sporting events like the Euro 2012 football championship, the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games are expected to be the main drivers of inbound tourism development in host cities such as Kiev, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in the near future. In preparation for these events, all cities are aggressively investing in infrastructure development, which is set to positively impact the future of travel and tourism. In Kiev, for example, government authorities are paying special attention to the modernisation of airports as these will serve as points of arrival for most Western Europeans. All major events are key to boosting travel and tourism before, during and after the events through increased awareness of the host cities, mainly as leisure tourism destinations.

Tokyo rebounds

Tokyo rebounded strongly in 2010, after recording a 17% decline in arrivals in the previous year. The removal of the ban on visas for individual Chinese travellers back in July 2009, coupled with the completion of expansion projects at Narita International Airport and Tokyo Haneda Airport during 2010, were key in fostering inbound flows during 2010. Ongoing support for the Visit Japan Campaign (VJC) was also key in attracting more tourists to the city in 2010 from India, Russia and Malaysia. However, the tsunami disaster in March 2011 will lead to declining arrivals in the near term.

Antalya welcomes new tourists

As growth in arrivals from main source countries like France, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria slowed significantly in 2010, Antalya saw a new wave of tourists from the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Eastern European countries, including Iran, Japan and Russia, flock to the city. This resulted in a strong 20% rise in arrivals in 2010, to almost 11 million tourists, up from nine million in 2009.
With very long coastal areas and a great deal of natural beauty, Antalya works as a magnet for tourists from colder countries like Russia. In the past few years, golf tourism has also turned into an important growth driver for tourists travelling to the city. In Turkey, most golf facilities are in the vicinity of tourist resorts, around the coastal regions which have the necessary facilities like accommodation, restaurants and entertainment. The Ministry of Tourism plans to establish another 11 golf courses in these tourist areas as well as in Istanbul.

Steady growth ahead

Euromonitor International foresees an even stronger growth for arrivals in 2011. Uncertainty in the global economy, especially in the US and Europe, which are major tourism source markets, is likely to cause slower, but still positive, growth. The hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games in London is likely to alleviate some of the pressure felt by the UK city as a tourist destination as it benefits from increased media exposure and stronger arrivals in the short term. Euromonitor International expects cities in emerging markets to continue to steal share of global arrivals, especially in Asia Pacific. This shift will be accelerated by the expansion of low-cost carriers, open skies agreements and rising middle classes that are travelling in ever greater numbers, especially intra-regionally. This is likely to give rise to international city break packages from travel retailers.

Given the uncertain economic outlook for developed markets, there is still the challenge of a possible shift in consumer behaviour. With less disposable income, travellers may be prone to taking fewer and shorter trips to save money. Also, cost-conscious consumers will use the internet to run price comparisons and seek the cheapest forms of transport, which may hinder the industry's ability to raise prices. Even among high-income travellers, value for money will remain important in the future. While people may be willing to spend more on travel, they will make sure it is money well spent.

Source: Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Ranking - Analyst Insight from Euromonitor International

Travel Predictions for 2012

As the economic agenda continues to dominate, the travel and tourism research team at Euromonitor International takes a look at what will be hot in travel and tourism during 2012. Europe is set to face a tough year, with recession imminent, which will weaken tourism demand. However, opportunities exist in emerging regions, from Africa to Latin America, but also in developed regions such as North America and Western Europe, thanks to new technology, such as social media, as online goes from strength to strength.

Europe

Gloomy economic outlook After the positive performance recorded in 2011, 2012 is expected to be a challenging year for the travel and tourism industry in Europe due to austerity measures taken by several governments to reduce high public debts and deficits, rising unemployment rates and an expected credit crunch. As a result, outbound tourism flows from Europe are forecast to decline, especially from countries such as Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal, which will be in recession as a result of the tight austerity measures they have been forced to implement. Also, Northern European countries are expected to face slower economic growth and, as a result, a sluggish performance in terms of outbound tourism flows.

Inbound destinations
Inbound travel is expected to record a poor performance in Europe in 2012 due to weak intra-regional demand. However, the still unstable political situation in North Africa may, to some extent, favour Southern European destinations. Greece is expected to record a positive performance, thanks to growing tourism flows from Turkey, Eastern Europe and emerging economies. Inbound tourism to Turkey is expected to achieve the best performance in the region however, benefitting from increasing popularity in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Arab Spring benefits Turkey
The Arab Spring has fuelled impressive growth in Arab tourism to Turkey. Saudis, Kuwaitis and other tourists from Gulf countries, who are generally more inclined to spend their summers in Syria or Egypt, are flocking to Turkey. Turkey's strategy to lure more Arab tourists comes at a time when they are seeking new destinations outside their troubled region, and this is now paying off. Tourist arrivals to Turkey are expected to continue to grow steadily in 2012, thanks to the increasing popularity of the country in the Middle East, Russia and Western Europe.

Shift towards budget travel options
As happened during the recession in 2009, in 2012, the negative economic outlook is expected to result in a shift in consumers towards less expensive travel options. Long-haul flights, luxury hotels and business travel are expected to suffer most, while low-cost carriers and budget travel accommodation outlets are expected to fare better.

Social travel products
2012 is also expected to see the role of online bookings, social media networks and technology companies grow further in the travel and tourism industry in Europe. Travel companies will increasingly invest in creating a relationship with their customers through social media. As a result, the social component and the relationship with the travel company will increasingly become not only a competitive advantage but even part of the enjoyment of the travel product. Technology companies such as Google, Apple and Facebook are expected to increase their role in the industry thanks to the vast amount of information they own on travellers' profiles.

Middle East and North Africa

Instability effects
Increasing instability and uncertainty in Syria is seeing a continued decline in arrivals to the country, and is threatening to further affect neighbouring Lebanon, as well as potentially affect Jordan.

Growth surges
Internet penetration across the Middle East is rising fast, and the leading markets include the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Internet usage across the region grew by almost 2,000% between 2000 and 2011, the highest rate in the world. There are now almost 70 million internet users in the region, and the number is still growing rapidly, with the introduction of faster and more reliable internet connections. The trend is expected to continue throughout 2012. One of the fastest growing categories in the region is health and wellness tourism, including spa and medical tourism. The leading market for health and wellness tourism is the UAE, which is experiencing renewed growth in tourism, and has benefited from the turmoil in Egypt as well.

Morocco branches out
Morocco is regarded as a relatively safe destination in the region, which, despite very slow growth in 2011, saw continued positive growth over the past 10 years, and growth forecast at a 2.4% CAGR in arrivals over 2011-2016. Morocco's Vision 2020 tourism plan is one of the factors influencing ongoing growth, with the authorities seeking to promote the destination in countries such as the US, Russia, and China rather than sticking to traditional source markets in Europe, which are being threatened by a renewed economic crisis.

North America

Higher prices in 2012
Hotels, airlines and car rental companies are expected to raise prices in 2012 if demand continues to hold, despite economic uncertainty. With record-setting demand in 2011, hotels are likely to be more aggressive on pricing, although prices are still not back to pre-recession levels. Consolidation and no capacity growth are likely to drive airline prices higher, especially if oil prices spike. The car rental industry may also raise prices after two years of intense competition. All three industries are likely to keep pushing ancillary products, looking for ways to sell additional products and services to maximise revenue.

Cuba: a hotspot for Americans
In January 2011, President Obama relaxed travel restrictions, allowing Americans to visit Cuba for religious, academic and other non-governmental travel, which had been permitted until 2004. Furthermore, US international airports can now apply for licences to allow charter flights to enter Cuba. As a result, tours and charter flights have steadily increased to the island, which is likely to lead to a strong year in terms of American visitation to Cuba in 2012 as adventurers want to visit the island before the travel ban is completely lifted.

Attracting emerging market visitors
Despite the hassle of travelling to the US for residents in emerging markets, the US is expected to see strong growth in visitors from these countries in 2012. Their booming economies, coupled with must-see tourist attractions and relatively inexpensive shopping, will draw in visitors. For example, Euromonitor International predicts that arrivals from China, Brazil and Argentina will grow by 22%, 17% and 11% respectively in 2012.

Latin America

Middle class go global
A strong economic environment has set the stage for a new wave of consumerism in Latin America, mainly as less affluent consumers have gained increased access to credit and seen discretionary incomes rise in the past few years. Having already travelled domestically, this new target market is expected to start travelling internationally in 2012. International destinations like Florida and New York City are expected to rank highly in popularity amongst middle-class consumers. Travel retailers introducing international package holidays with tempting prices and reasonable financing options are most likely to succeed in the short term.

Authenticity and experiential travel
With a vast territory and numerous attractions to offer, Latin America has all the resources needed to become a leading travel and tourism destination in the world. Its cultural pluralism and diversity works as a magnet for the growing desire for authentic, experiential travel. Destinations set to capitalise on this are those located off popular tourism routes and currently seeing investments from local tourism offices to further develop their tourism potential. The addition of more destinations will help Latin American countries to improve their product offerings by offering greater choice to the consumer and, consequently, boost overall spending, as each destination will offer exclusive tourist routes and products, which will certainly help to attract a higher number of inbound tourists to the region and also encourage them to stay longer in Latin America.

Potential in social networking
Growth expectations for social networks in Latin America are high in the short and medium term. The number of internet users is forecast to reach 313 million by 2015, representing an increase of 8% over 2010-2015. Venezuela is set to achieve the highest growth in internet users during 2010-2015, at 62%, followed by Mexico and Colombia. In absolute terms, Brazil is likely to lead future growth, mainly because of its size, with an additional 37 million internet users by 2015. Higher numbers of internet users mean greater interactivity in social media sites in future. Therefore, travel and tourism companies need to have strategies in place to be able to quickly respond to all types of “tweets”, Facebook posts or online comments.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Moving from luxury to mass
Budget holidays will continue to be an attractive offer for travellers in the current economic climate, with destinations such as South Africa, recently ranked as the sixth most cost-effective long-haul option for British tourists, and Namibia, which has been moving away from luxury to the mass market, benefitting from visits by price-driven adventure travellers. Volunteer travel is expected to continue growing during 2012, with many travel operators, responding to the demand for this increasing trend, providing new offerings, as well as classic volunteer programmes.

South Africa: Business and leisure leader
South Africa is not only the region's top destination for many visitors, but it is also becoming one of the world's fastest growing destinations. The success of the World Cup provided South Africa with a great opportunity to showcase its safe investment climate for visitors to the country and display the country's infrastructure, particularly in Johannesburg and Cape Town. These cities have become popular choices for business travellers thanks to their great range of facilities to host events, adventure and safari incentive trips.

Destinations stepping onto a global stage
Other Sub-Saharan African destinations emerging in 2012 include Ghana, which has become a serious emerging market, with high growth potential. It was the first country in Africa to be visited by Barack Obama after being sworn in as President of the US, creating great interest amongst Africans and African Diaspora. Uganda is another destination expected to boost tourism numbers as a result of its tourism diversification from gorillas to marine, faith-based, medical and eco-tourism.
In 2012, interest in Tanzania will be driven by the celebration of the country's 50th Anniversary of Independence.

Increasing Chinese interest
Although Europe remains the largest source market, Africa is seeing steady growth in visitor numbers from Asia, particularly China. The increased number of Chinese outbound tourists to Africa each year shows the great potential of Africa as a tourist destination. As Africa is now a key continent for China in terms of business, trade and tourism, some initiatives such as the “China To Africa” Project (CTA) led by Gambia, Tanzania and Cameroon are already helping to increase the number of Chinese tourists visiting these countries for both leisure and business trips. At present, 27 African countries have become outbound destinations for Chinese tour groups.

Africa's growing self-sufficiency
The African travel and tourism market is becoming important, with emerging markets showing tremendous potential to develop outbound leisure and lifestyle tourism within Africa. The increasing middle class in emerging markets, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Nigeria and Kenya, presents huge opportunities for intra-regional leisure and business tourism.

Source: Travel Team Predictions for 2012 

Rule Britannia - Why Britain Will Rule in 2012

Being the Olympic hosts of 2012, it also celebrates the Queens Diamond Julilee, which will make for a summer of events throughout London and the United Kingdom.

A big year for Britain, for it will showcase the world's largest sporting event in the summer, after a massive regeneration of east London, which will only mean prosperity to a nation struggling with financial difficulties. This will boost tourism now and in the coming years for a city which still remains the most visited city on earth!

The year also marks the Queens Diamond Julilee, marking 50 years after the Queen took to the throne. It means a shuffle in bank holidays, and an additional day, making for 4 days of celebration in the first weekend of June,  just 8 weeks before the Olympic opening.

So in tribute to Great Britain, a short video celebrating this nation.

Occupy London Movement - The Debate

The Occupy Movement started as a way to oppose government rules and regulations regarding the banking and financial institutions, in regards to the banking system that got saved by public money, and where wealth is kept in the top 1%.  

The problem with the movement is the lack of agreeing what the movement is about, its focus, and how it can be solved to end such an occupation. Personally, I don't think that even those who are camping here will come to an agreement that will end it. In the end, this movement is one to stay, an eye sore, more like vermin. If true change is to happen, it is by actions, not camping on a site.





This initial statement was agreed by over 500 people on the steps of St Paul’s on 26 October 2011, a work in progress and is used as a basis for further discussion and debate.

• The current system is unsustainable. It is undemocratic and unjust. We need alternatives; this is where we work towards them.

The above statement is true, but offers no solutions as to how this is done.

• We are of all ethnicities, backgrounds, genders, generations, sexualities dis/abilities and faiths. We stand together with occupations all over the world.

We do not stand together around the world, each occupation movement has different agendas, and as a whole the movement is not united in one common goal.

• We refuse to pay for the banks’ crisis.

 Too late, we already have. Lets move on.

• We do not accept the cuts as either necessary or inevitable. We demand an end to global tax injustice and our democracy representing corporations instead of the people.

What does the movement propose? Who will pay? Camping on a site does not contribute towards making our society better, perhaps the movement could be more politically involved.

1. We want regulators to be genuinely independent of the industries they regulate.

The above statement is true, but in the end it is the people that elect the governments, who in turn, create teh regulators.

1. We support the strike on the 30^th November and the student action on the 9^th November, and actions to defend our health services, welfare, education and employment, and to stop wars and arms dealing.

OK, but what does this have to do with the initial statement of the movement? It loses its initial focus of the Occupy Movement.

1. We want structural change towards authentic global equality. The world’s resources must go towards caring for people and the planet, not the military, corporate profits or the rich.

No kidding Sherlock! This has been happening for decades, at least 100 years! At the same time we dont' want to pay for equality - its just too expensive! Ask yourselves, have you bought because of the value/price, or because of ethical reasons. War is business - and America and Britain have done well with it for more than a century.

• The present economic system pollutes land, sea and air, is causing massive loss of natural species and environments, and is accelerating humanity towards irreversible climate change. We call for a positive, sustainable economic system that benefits present and future generations.

For this we have Greenpeace. The Occupy Movement has another purpose, but again ask yourself, have you bought something because of price/value, or ethical reasons? Even the movement is guilty of not following this mantra above, the site is dirty and polluted, the Occupy Movement does not lead by example.

• We stand in solidarity with the global oppressed and we call for an end to the actions of our government and others in causing this oppression.

We are oppressed and have been for more than a decade. It is the people that have elected the governments. The propaganda machine is at work. You believed it in the past, only now you realise we are only puppets in the hands of big players.

• This is what democracy looks like. Come and join us!

If democracy looks like the Occupy Movement, I'll stick with what I have.

I'm not against voicing your opinion, or beliefs. I understand what the movement is trying to obtain, though am unconvinced how this will be achieved. The camp is not pleasant, it occupies a public space. It is dirty and littered.

If the movement really wants a voice, perhaps daily demonstrations, or involvement in the politics is a much better way of achieving the aim of the first goal, a statement that reads;

Find a system that is sustainable, and just, with true democracy of the people. A call for a positive, sustainable economic system that benefits present and future generations.

What makes San Francisco?

The Painted Ladies, San Francisco

An outdoor museum of Victorian architecture and streetcars (or trams) of yesteryear from cities around America and as far as Milan (Italy), used as modern day surface transport, along with electric buses, a green alternative to gas and diesel of today - this is San Francisco!

What appears to be a time warp of memorability and things of days gone by, neighbourhoods like Haight and Ashbury, where beat neck generation of writers lived and hippy days were celebrated. Love and peace still the message today.

The Castro district is colourful and camp, men behave as women and women as men, it is a real declaration of civil liberties that were fought and won here. Though it seems everyone wants/acts to be a character from Will and Grace. It's not really a place where men are men, but characters from American gay friendly television shows, rather a typical characterisation of what a homosexual should behave - but far from the truth - it labels gay men as 'camp'.

The city celebrates the annual Folsom Festival at the end of September, the worlds largest outdoor fetish festival, where erotic pleasures are displayed and exhibited across 13 city blocks. Volunteers ready to be spanked, poked, caged, bound, tied, led in ways that exceed and push boundaries of sexual pleasures. Dress to be pleased, turn on, provoke and shock. Open eyes and minds are necessary to appreciate this festival, not for conservative thinkers or those that judge. This is a celebration of pleasures that pushes intimate personal limits, where pain, submission or domination is expressed and enjoyed.

Regardless of district, one will encounter the dozens of (friendly) homeless people this city seems to have so many of. Shopping carts, trolleys, baby carriages pushed and holding life possessions. It is a sickness San Francisco fails to correct, perhaps its always been there, maybe these street people just don't want the help, but for a visitor it does carry a burden of uneasiness at times.

It's a beautiful city where the sun burns in the hills and the low cloud engulfs the Golden Gate Bridge and blows winds to send chills to your inners. It is never really hot, nor very cold, but a mix of both at all times. One must always be prepared for a sudden change in temperature in San Francisco.

It's a mix of modern and classic nostalgia that is still celebrated and kept, and for this very reason, makes San Francisco a true living treasure.

Lost In A Grid - Barcelona

The Catalan capital of Barcelona is one of the best cities to visit, vibrant, modern, exciting and sexy.

It's not really a super size city and getting around is very easy with an excellent public transportation system of metro, buses and bike network.

Barcelona streets follow a grid which has existed since the Romans ruled, but knowing which direction is what can be rather confusing since all roads appear the same. Exiting a shop, or a bar may mean not knowing what is east or west, north or south. There are no distinct landmarks to point you in the right direction unless your near an open area or familiar tourist attractions.

It's easy to lose your orientation, especially after having a few lethal and strong cocktails of a night out. It can feel like your lost in a maze as simple as a grid.