miaomiaochan

Lovely place—full of culture and history. There’s no end to the temples and shrines. It’s also dignified, as it’s the former capital city of Japan.

Its weather is perfect in summer-not too warm, and even breezy. It’s noted in China for its brutal winters, but even in that season it’s worth visiting for all the sights-icicles hanging from tree branches, frozen rivers, snow up to your knees, etc.

The locals’ skin is said to be healthy and smooth because of the “soft” quality of the water there. I can attest to this—the water feels silky on the skin. The air quality is equally good; there’s hardly a cloudy or hazy day to be seen.

The residents are extremely friendly and hospitable.

I must admit I had reservations about visiting the Vatican, but after I had visited, I have no regrets at all. Religious or not, it’s definitely worth visiting.

I’m no history or art geek, but I was awed and overwhelmed nonetheless. The museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica are incredible, and really puts in perspective just how much power the Church wields and had wielded in history. I was kind of appalled at how much talking was going on despite repeated orders not to talk in the Sistine Chapel…you’d think people would have more respect even if they weren’t Catholic or even religious at all.

I’m not sure if I’ll visit again, but I’d recommend it to others.

My parents and I visited the Kingdom of Bahrain for a few days during my visit to KSA. They wanted to show me the remarkably luxurious and high-end malls. I have to note that I saw my first real-life Lamborghini in the parking lot of one of those malls…

Admittedly, aside from the shopping centers and the construction of several skyscrapers, there isn’t all that much. To be fair, it is the capital of a tiny island nation. Nevertheless I found it interesting, if only because it’s my first time there.

I’d only been there for a couple of hours, but I remember the beautiful views of the Gulf. It has some pretty modern shopping malls, and seems to be rather liberal—relatively speaking.

I’d been there for a couple weeks on a visit, as my immediate family has relocated there temporarily.

It’s an interesting experience because this is my first time ever in that region and in a Muslim country, period. The malls are surprisingly modern and beautifully designed. Still, the locals’ customs and traditions took some getting used to, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d feared.

The driving and parking situation are absolutely insane, though. I could never imagine living there for an extended period of time…

I went with my parents to Shanghai a couple of years ago. We stayed in a rather antique hotel for two days (its floorboards literally cracked and had holes in them!). Apparently, it’s famous for having had some notable people as its guests.

The food there is simply wonderful. I would go back just for the food, honestly. The residents are kind of notorious in China for being a bit brash and being fast talkers, but they are good people.

Warning: it is extremely hot and humid during the summer.

I went with my cousin and her team last summer. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to spend walking around or shopping, so I did not see as much as I’d have liked.

It has some nice views of the sea, and it’s interesting to see the obvious, strong Portuguese influence on everything.

I am Chinese, and I was born on the mainland in a city near Beijing. My dad’s side of the family mostly lives in Beijing.

I admit I’m ashamed for the country because of the terrible air pollution and noise pollution in Beijing, but this city is definitely a treasure for all the history it holds. The parks are beautiful…and would be better appreciated if not for all the visitors who crowd them.

That said, I am extremely proud that Beijing will finally get to show itself off to the world in 2008. It’s regrettable what the government had done to try to improve China’s image before the Games, but despite that, I believe Beijing is at least worth everyone’s consideration.

In my honest opinion, Knoxville itself really isn’t all that interesting and doesn’t have any truly notable attractions (unless you’re a women’s basketball fan-the HOF is located in Knoxville. Obviously, if you’re a UT fan, this is the place to be.). I used to live here-for 10 years, actually. If you want more interesting attractions, head east (sorry) to the Great Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forge.

Mind the traffic on I-40/75; while I lived there, there was no end to the highway construction projects. The roads are well-maintained, though.