From the incredible "Big Apple," New York City, in the southeastern corner, to Niagara Falls in the northwestern corner, this state is filled with must-see attractions. Here are my favorites.

 

     1. New York City - On everyone's Top 5 Cities of the World list, New York City is one of the most exciting places to visit in the history of the world. There is so much to see and do that a week may not be enough time. Normally return again and again to discover new things about the city.

 

     2. Niagara Falls - Certainly one of the planet's greatest treasures, this incredibly accessible destination has been fascinating travelers for hundreds of years. Because it straddles two countries, it is truly international.

 

     3. National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown - This testament to the uniquely American sport of baseball is hallowed ground for all true aficionados. Memorabilia from the early days of the sport through the current season are displayed, as well as tributes to its greatest players.

 

     4. Saratoga Springs in August - Nowhere else is the "Sport of Kings" more revered and put on display than in this lovely, quaint town during the summer racing season. It is the ultimate place to see and be seen. All eyes are on the classiest thoroughbreds in the world over the six-week period here.

 

     5. Corning - Made famous by the Corning Company, known all over the world for its glass products, this adorable town is pleasant to walk and recalls an older time when life was different in the United States. Be sure to stop in at the Corning Museum of Glass and be fascinated and mesmerized by what you see.

 

     6. Hyde Park - The estate of Franklin Delano Roosevelt sits serenely on the Hudson River, less than two hours from New York City, but it is a world away in terms of atmosphere and style.

 

     7. Lake George - One of the timeless and classic vacation areas in New York, Lake George is transformed during the summertime from a sleepy village to a booming beehive of activity. The area is particularly suitable for children with numerous water sports and many other peripheral activities. 

 

     8. Watkins Glen State Park - Although this area is famous for its auto racing venue, Watkins Glen's state park is a gem. Visitors delight in the well-designed and constructed walkway through the gorge, marveling at the numerous waterfalls and other formations. At night, during the summer, the walls become movie screens for the eerie and evocative production, "Timespell," which entertainingly tells the geological and anthropological history of the area.

 

     9. West Point - The United States Military Academy sits prominently on a promontory above the Hudson River. Its campus is a delight to stroll, remembering the great Americans who began their military careers here.

 

     10. Chautauqua - Famous for the symposia and fora which have taken place here over the years, Chautauqua has parlayed its association with intellect and communication into a thriving business. Summer workshops draw people from throughout the world. Other simply come here for solitude and thought.

 

       Other sights considered:

            Lake Placid

            Howe Caverns

       

      Pennsylvania is not a state that most associate with travel and tourism. Most think of it as an industrialized state which has little to offer except the Allegany and Pocono Mountains. However, there are a number of significant sights for the visitor which I have listed below.

 

       1. Philadelphia - One of the cradles of liberty, Philadelphia is loaded with history. Independence National Historical Park preserves the area of the city near the river where such sights as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the First Post Office can be found. Other important sights within the city include several world-class museums and some interesting markets.

 

       2. Lancaster County/Amish Area - This entire area west of Phildelphia is replete with Amish farms, and tributes to their simple way of life. A visit here makes one realize what's really important and allows one to appreciate how life can exist and actually prosper without modern conveniences.

 

       3. Gettysburg National Military Park - On the site of the bloodiest battle of America's most shameful and most divisive war, visitors are made aware of the personalities, strategies, and the awful price paid by the North and the South during the Civil War. Wander the hallowed ground and try to picture the battle unfolding.

 

       4. Longwood Gardens - Without doubt one of America's finest gardens are delightful to explore during any season of the year, but especially in the spring and summer when thousands of flowers are in bloom.

 

       5. Fallingwater - This masterpiece of practicality and of the harmony between nature and architecture which can exist is a testament to Frank Lloyd Wright, America's greatest architect.

 

       6. Hershey - A celebration of all things chocolate is what's in store in this Pennsylvania city. A great place to visit with children, Hershey also boasts a popular amusement park besides the must-do visit to Chocolate World.

 

       7. Pittsburgh - This classic industrial city has emerged from its dirty, polluted past with a new life and energy. Buoyed by its universities and its dramatic location at the junction of the Monongahela, Allegany and Ohio Rivers, Pittsburgh has become a center for the Arts and Sciences.

 

       8. Valley Forge National Historical Park - On the historic site of Washington's winter camp, visitors can relive the days of the Revolutionary War when things looked bleak for the nation in its struggle for independence. After this period of the war, the tide began to turn in America's favor.

 

       9. York - This city in south central Pennsylvania was an interim capital of the United States early in its history. Efforts to preserve many of the historic homes and buildings from this colonial period have been hugely successful and the city is a common stop on any tourist's travel through this part of the state.

 

       10. The Poconos - One of the state's most popular tourist destinations, the Poconos have long been a haven for resorts and summer camps. Numerous types of indoor and outdoor activities are available throughout the year.

     Massachusetts was one of the original thirteen American colonies so it is studded with important historical sites. These coupled with its classic natural beauty at either end of the state, both in the Berkshire Mountains and the coastal areas to the east make this state an extremely popular vacation spot for both Americans and foreign tourists. Here are my choices for the best of this New England state.

 

      1. Boston - The quintessential early American city, Boston is replete with history as well as Arts. There are numerous activities available for almost any interest and age.

 

      2. Cape Cod - The quaint, sleepy villages of Cape Cod come alive in the summer (and the traffic becomes unbearable), but the ambience is always lovely.  

 

      3. Salem - Here, the topic is always witches. Salem is particularly popular with those who enjoy haunted places, and eerie, often bizarre stories.

 

      4. Martha's Vineyard - This island is easily accessible via ferry from several places in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Take your car to explore the fairly large land mass, or hop on and off the island buses which stop at many of the popular locations on the island.

 

      5. The Berkshires - Especially scenic in the fall, this area revolves around a range of the Appalachians. The best time to visit, however, is during the summer when the Boston Symphony plays at Tanglewood.

 

      6. Plymouth - The first of the northern colonies in the New World has preserved its historical significance both at Plimoth Plantation, an open-air museum devoted to the early 1600's, and at the harbor, the location of a replica of the Mayflower.

 

      7. The North Shore (Gloucester and Rockport) - These sea-faring towns are pleasant to stroll and allow visitors the opportunity to explore the world of the fisherman.

 

      8. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame - This recently renovated testament to the sport of basketball contains much memorabilia associated with the college and professional version of the game. It is a must-see for the true fan. 

 

      9. Sturbridge Village - This open-air museum depicts life in the early days of Massachusetts with participants dressed in clothing of the day and engaged in activities which would have been commonplace in the original village.

 

      10. Nantucket - Another island off the southeastern coast, Nantucket is smaller and a bit less accessible but much more walkable.

 

       Other sights considered:

             Minuteman National Historical Park

             Cambridge

             New Bedford Whaling Museum

     Arizona is one of the most popular states in America for tourists. It has numerous sights of interest, most of which are notable because of their natural beauty. Here are my choices for the best of this southwestern state.

 

      1. Grand Canyon National Park - Perhaps the most dramatic and eerily beautiful natural area on earth, the Grand Canyon can be seen from space. The most rewarding visits include a walk down into the canyon.

 

      2. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - This classic scenery of the West has been featured in numerous movies. The breath-taking vistas of buttes and mesas are visible around every turn on the dirt valley road.

 

      3. Rainbow Bridge National Monument - The largest natural bridge in the world, this impressive structure lies deep in the canyon occupied by Lake Mead and must be reached by boat or by a very long and arduous hike. The area is sacred to Native Americans and should respected by visitors.

 

      4. Meteor Crater - Fifty thousand years ago, the flat Arizona desert exploded from the impact of a comet or asteroid. The crater remains and is a somber reminder of the potential devastation which can be caused by small solar system objects.

 

      5. Petrified Forest National Park - This national park has two different but related attractions. The petrified trees for which it is named are found throughout the park -- their amazing transformation from living thing to rock is preserved in the dramatic colors and shiny features of the logs. The northern part of the park displays the Painted Desert, an area of sandstone badlands which vibrant reds and whites and grays.

 

      6. Canyon de Chelly National Monument - This Navaho tribal land preserves for visitors an area once inhabited by native Americans amid the stark, desert landscape.

 

      7. Red Rock Canyon and Sedona - The ride through Oak Creek Canyon passes numerous unusual sandstone formations which give the area its name. The town of Sedona has long been known as a place for artists, adventurers, and other avant-garde members of society.

 

      8. Saguaro National Park - This park, actually two separate areas on either side of Tucson, features the world's largest cactus which grows only in this region. Many other plants are found on the premises as well as beautiful mountain and desert scenery.

 

      9. Mission San Xavier del Bac - The "White Dove of the Desert" is a classic Spanish mission located in the desert near the city of Tucson. The interior of the church needs maintenance but is nevertheless interesting to visit.

 

      10. Lake Mead National Recreation Area/Hoover Dam - The Hoover Dam, straddling the border between Arizona and Nevada, is considered one of the most significant engineering achievements of the Twentieth Century. Lake Mead, which was created when the dam was built, is now a fabulous recreation area for all sorts of water sports and activities.

 

       Other sites considered:

            Walnut Canyon National Monument

 

     

     Over the course of the history of man architects and builders have produced countless structures as a testament and tribute to their God or Gods and Goddesses. These edifices are some of the grandest buildings ever erected. As one travels the globe, he or she is often amazed by their grandeur and artistic accomplishment. The following list includes my choices of the best of this religious architecture. Other posts in the series will examine other types of architecture. Each will be followed by a photo album. Because of the difficulty of narrowing this list down, the structures appear in no special order.

 

      1. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey - First built as a christian church, then a mosque, now a museum, this incredible sight dates to the 5th century and the rule of the Roman Emperor Justinian.

 

      2. St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City - The largest cathedral in the world boasts a dome designed by the great Michelangelo and also houses one of the artist's greatest sculptures, the Pieta.

 

      3. St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow, Russia - This iconic church sits at one end of Red Square in Moscow. Its colorful onion domes make it easily recognizable.

 

      4. Melk Abbey, Melk, Austria - The beautiful abbey and its ornate chapel sit dramatically on a promontory overlooking the Danube River.

 

      5. Westminster Abbey, London, England - As much a museum as a church, this hallowed place has been the scene of many coronations and is the final resting place of some of England's most important political, scientific and artistic citizens.

 

      6. Rock Churches, Lalibela, Ethiopia - These underground worship sites are a tribute to man's religious fervor and persistence.

 

      7. Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad, India - The cave churches of Ajanta and nearby Ellora (see below) were painstakingly carved over many generations.

 

      8. Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, India - See above

 

      9. Meteora Monasteries, Meteora, Greece - Inaccessibly perched high on huge columns of stone, these remote sanctuaries were built to maintain the Greek Orthodox religion in spite of the Mongol invasion of the Middle Ages. 

 

      10. Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany - This is one of the largest churches in the world.

 

      11. St Francis Basilica, Assisi, Italy - Built to commemorate the life of St Francis, father of the Franciscan Order of Monks, this beautiful church depicts his life in vivid murals.

 

      12. Great Mosque, Mecca, Saudi Arabia - The holiest of all Islamic sites, this place is a required pilgrimage destination for all Muslims during their lifetime.

 

      13. Sagrada Familia Church, Barcelona, Spain - Still unfinished, this distinctive and unusual church was begun by native son, Antonio Gaudi, and is his signature work.

 

      14. Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok, Thailand - This temple, within the grounds of the Royal Palace, is Bangkok's holiest place. 

 

      15. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa, Tibet - This is Tibet's holiest site and is found in the city that the world associates with the now-in-exile Dalai Lama.

 

      16. Schwedagon Stupa, Yangon, Myanmar - This elaborate golden-spired temple is the major religious site in the mysterious nation of Myanmar (Burma).

 

      17. St Mark's Basilica, Venice, Italy - On glorious St Mark's Square, this unusual church is done in the Byzantine style, so often associated with Venice, because of its location at the crossroads between East and West.

 

      18. Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France - Much imitated and much revered, this is the classic Gothic church. Its location at the top of a hill makes it visible for miles.

 

      19. Temple of the Tooth, Kandy, Sri Lanka - Because of its possession of a relic of Buddha, this temple is place of pilgrimage for Sri Lankans and Buddhists everywhere.

 

       20. Swayabunath Stupa, Katmandu, Nepal - This temple is one of Katmandu's most important tourist sites.

 

       21. Hall of the Prayer for Good Harvests, Beijing, China - This incredible wooden structure within the Temple of Heaven complex in downtown Beijing was made without a single nail and has become a symbol of China.

 

       22. Mezquita, Cordoba, Spain - This distinctive mosque, with its candy-striped arches, actually contains an entire Catholic cathedral within its confines.

 

       23. Ummayyad Mosque, Damascus, Syria - Damascus is considered to be one of the world's oldest cities and this is its most important religious site.

 

       24. Pantheon, Rome, Italy - This temple to all religions is Rome's best preserved ancient structure and is still used today for religious services.

 

       25. Duomo, Milan, Italy - This huge and elaborate structure is the centerpiece of the city of Milan and one of Italy's most beautiful churches.

 

       26. Duomo, Florence, Italy - This gorgeous building is noted for its beautiful green, pink, and white marble and the famous Brunelleschi dome, at the time a radical and innovative design.

 

       27. Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey - One of only a few mosques in the world with six minarets, its name comes from the beautiful blue tiles which cover its interior.

 

       28. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France - This church of legend is famed for its gargoyles, its distinctive flying buttresses, and its beautiful Rose window.

 

       29. Abbey, Mont-St-Michel, France - One of the most unusual churches in the world, the abbey was built at the top of a rocky island off the coast of Normandy.

 

       30. Golden Temple, Amritsar, India - This elaborate and gilded complex is one of India's holiest places.

 

       31. Dome of the Rock/Church of the Holy Sepulcher/Western Wall, Jerusalem, Israel - The nexus of the world's three greatest religions, this complex defines the city of Jerusalem and makes one of the most important pilgrimage places in the world.

 

       32. Goreme Churches, Cappadocia, Turkey - These churches, hallowed out of conical rocks are elaborately decorated. They sit in one of the most unusual landscapes on Earth.

 

      33. Duomo, Florence, Italy - This gorgeous church with a pink, white, and green marble exterior is crowned with one of the most famous domes in the world, designed by Brunelleschi. The church Baptistry is equally striking and features Ghiberti's beautiful golden door.

 

      34. St Patrick's Cathedral, New York, New York, USA - This gothic masterpiece sits on Fifth Avenue in the center of mid-town Manhattan.

 

      35. Notre Dame Cathedral, Montreal, Quebec, Canada - The striking blue of the lighted interior lends an air of the supernatural to this lovely church.

 

       

     Towers are defined here as tall, cylindrical structures which are not office buildings or apartment buildings. Many of these structures (and they are becoming more and more frequent) are erected and added to a city's skyline purely for the attraction of tourists. Others have several purposes, e.g., restaurants, communications, but are still primarily focused on visitors and on the views. Unfortunately, the popularity of the original towers has given rise to a situation where almost every tourist city must have one. Here is my list of the best of these, to be followed by a photo album. The primary reason that these towers are "the best," however, is due to where they are!

 

      1. CN Tower, Toronto, Canada - This icon of Toronto was, until recently, the tallest standing structure in the world (it was surpassed by the Burj Dubai). Built in 1975, it rises over 1815 feet (553 meters).

 

      2. Space Needle, Seattle, Washington, USA - This symbol of Seattle, while only 605 feet (185 meters) tall, has 25 lightning rods and was built to withstand a 9.5 magnitude earthquake.

 

      3. Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai, China - This distinctive obelisk rises 1535 feet (468 meters), opposite Shanghai's famous Bund, in the Pudong district of the city.

 

      4. The Stratosphere, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA - This hotel-casino tower stands 1149 feet (350 meters) above Las Vegas' famous Strip. Besides the incredible view, it offers several thrill rides at its summit.

 

      5. Skylon Tower, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada - Only 520 feet (160 meters) tall, this revolving restaurant offers the most spectacular views of the Canadian and American Falls.

 

         But the most important, distinctive, and most famous tower is the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, it was the tallest structure in the world until the Empire State Building in New York City was erected. It is the symbol of Paris and an icon, recognized all over the world. Visit this marvelous monument before you die!

     Brussels is an enchanting city. Its old town is fascinating mix of beautiful architecture and playfulness. It is not as compact as some other "old towns" but there is much to see and the friendliness of the people make everything seem pleasant. Here are my choices for the best of Brussels, to be followed soon by a photo album.

 

      1. Grand Place - This elegant and stately square is one of the grandest in all of Europe. It is anchored by the Gothic Hotel De Ville (Town Hall) and accented by numerous gold-enhanced guild buildings, testimonies to the wealth and dignity of Medieval professions. Every other year the square is transformed into a "garden" with a floral display of begonias which carpet a large section of the square. 

 

      2. Manneken Pis - This sculpture has become a symbol of Brussels despite its small size and unremarkable workmanship. It displays a small boy urinating, with a stream of water shooting out. The irreverence seems to have captured the hearts and minds of locals and tourists alike since the statue is always surrounded by onlookers with cameras clicking.

 

      3. Royal Palace - This impressive mansion sits at a high point in the city and overlooks a large city park. The grounds are well-landscaped. It is still used for state functions.

 

      4. Excursion to Bruges - Bruges is one of the most completely preserved Medieval cities in all of Europe. It was once an important commercial and trade center, but was abandoned when the sea receded leaving it high and dry. Rediscovered and restored, it is a charming day trip or excursion from Brussels or a destination in and of itself. Its Venice-like canals give it a special ambience.

 

      5. Have Some Belgian Chocolate - Splurge a little and make a stop at Mary Chocolatier, in the upper part of the Old Town, not far from the Royal Palace. The white-gloved handlers will be happy to describe and pick out your indulgences.

 

      6. Check Out the Atomium - This huge model of an iron atom, a remnant of the 1958 World's Fair, is located on the outskirts of the city.

 

      7. Stroll or Rest Awhile in the Place du Petit-Sablon - This charming little square has numerous statues and places to sit and admire the landscaping.  

 

      8. Wander Through Mini-Europe - This scale model of Europe's iconic sights and attractions is just the right size for kids (and adults) to appreciate. It is located near the Atomium (see above).

 

      9. Enjoy the Original "French Fries" - What the world calls French Fries originated in Belgium and are known as pom frittes. They are available at numerous locations throughout the Old Town.

 

      10. Take an Excursion to Ghent or Antwerp - These two cities, although not as charming as Bruges (see above) are about equidistant from Brussels and provide optional excursions for those who want to escape the bustle of the capital. Both have their appeal and their must-see attractions.

 

        Other sights considered:

           Waterloo

     Poland's most important tourist city is rich with treasures for the visitor. Here's my list of the best places to see and things to do in this most interesting place. Check out my photo album which will soon follow.

 

      1. Wander Old town Square - Rynek Glowny is one of the largest and finest squares in all of Europe. The people of Poland are fun-loving and friendly, and the square is always alive with life.

 

      2. St Mary's Church - This brick church is fairly unassuming on the outside, but its interior is rich in both color and detail. The altarpiece is especially interesting. Listen for the bugler who recreates a momentous time in the history of the city with his abbreviated song.

 

      3. Shop for bargains in the Old Cloth Hall - The large building in the center of the square has been converted to shops and craft displays. Wander through for bargains or just the ambience.

 

      4. Wawel Castle - The classic castle on the hill, this complex includes the cathedral and other buildings. Note the tapestries in the castle and the Sigismund Chapel of the cathedral.

 

      5. Stroll the Streets of the Old Town - Krakow's old town is pleasant to walk and loaded with history and interesting architecture.

 

      6. Excursion to Auschwitz - This most notorious Nazi prison camp processed hundreds of thousands of Jews, gypsies, and other "enemies" of the Reich. The final resting place of many of Poland's Jews is just a few miles out of town.

 

      7. Climb Town Hall Tower - For incredible views of the square below and the entire Old Town, climb this fifteenth century remnant of the town hall (the building itself no longer exists).

 

      8. Check out the Florian Gate and Barbican - The only remaining gate of the original city is next to a defensive bastion known as the Barbican.

 

      9. Visit the Kasimierz Neighborhood - This section of the city is notable for its Catholic Quarter with numerous churches and its Jewish Quarter with several synagogues.

 

      10. Excursion to Wieliczka - These salt mines, just ten miles southeast of the city, are a World Heritage Site. Be sure to check out the Chapel of the Blessed Kings, an underground church made entirely of salt.

      Amsterdam, the epitome of tolerance and outrageous behavior, is also a city of great charm, with its many canals and excellent museums. Obviously a place of great contrasts, it should be savored over time to be appreciated. Here are my choices of the best that Amsterdam has to offer, to be followed by a photo album.

 

      1. Anne Frank's House - The most popular of Amsterdams' attractions, this immersion into Nazi-dominated Europe of the 1940's is a somber reminder of an embarassing and horrifying time in world history. The scene is familiar to all who have read The Diary of Anne Frank, but the actual physical circumstance is difficult to believe as tourists wander through the house where Anne and her neighbors were virtual prisoners for several years.

 

      2. Canal Boat ride - There is no better way to see the city than a canal boat ride. The perspective allows visitors to appreciate the architecture, the size, and the complexity of the city while avoiding the distraction of traffic and pedestrians. I suggest that this a fantastic orientation which can then be followed by walking or biking back to interesting places to see them in more detail.

 

      3. Rijksmuseum - The foremost museum in the city is a must-see, especially for fans of Rembrandt. But there is more than the Dutch artist to appreciate in this world-class art exhibition.

 

      4. Stroll the Red Light District - A walk through this "seedier" section of Amsterdam is a required sojourn for the curious. Culture-tolerated prostitution is on public display here, and, although some may be embarassed or repulsed by the wanton disregard for propriety, the system has worked well for many years.

 

      5. Smoke a Joint in a Brown Cafe - Marijuana-smoking is also tolerated here and is always available at these interesting establishments, all over the city. Even if you do not smoke or are unwilling to try, it is a worthwhile experience to just stop in and look around.

 

      6. Van Gogh Museum - Immerse yourself in one of the Netherlands' favorite sons in this museum dedicated to the tortured artist, Vincent Van Gogh. More of his paintings are found here than anywhere else in the world.

 

      7. Take an Excursion to Keukenhof Gardens - Not far from Amsterdam, in the town of Lisse, is one of the most beautiful gardens in the entire world. Visit in the springtime for the most beautiful display of Holland's famous tulips and other bulbs. The gardens are gorgeously landscaped and there are even indoor pavilions for the display of less hardy plants.

 

      8.  Drive to Haarlem - This lovely Dutch city is great for walking and has numerous interesting sights for the visitor. Worthwhile stops include the Grote Markt (main square), St Bavo's Church, and the Stadhuis (Town Hall).

 

      9. Check out the Interior of St Nicholas Church - This unassuming (on the outside) church, close to the docks and canal boat station, has a lovely interior well worth exploring.

 

      10. Begijnhof - The city's old almshouse has been restored and is also worth a look. Places like this are common in both Belgium and the Netherlands.

     Sydney, Australia, is an extremely popular tourist destination. Part of the allure is the people of Australia who are known to be very friendly and extremely fun-loving, the kind of people that everyone likes to be around. The other aspect is the Australian continent itself with its incredibly unusual and different creatures and its many natural wonders. The city of Sydney is the main gateway into this intriguing land and has a number of attractions which tantalize visitors before they travel to the rest of the continent. Here are my choices for the best of Sydney, to be followed soon by a photo album.

 

       1. Visit the Sydney Opera House - Whether it be for a tour of the facility or to attend an event, this is Sydney's must-see attraction, an iconic building which is recognized all over the world.

 

       2. Take a Harbor Cruise - There is no better way to appreciate this picturesque city than a cruise of the harbor. It also provides the best view of the Opera House (see above).

 

       3. Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge - Another iconic structure in the city, the harbor bridge gives visitors a bird's eye view of the entire city, particularly the Opera House (see above). The climb is extremely safe, with participants tethered at all times.

 

       4. Spend a Day at Bondi Beach - Certainly one of the most famous beaches in the world, this strip of sand south of the city is a beehive of activity, especially during Australia's summer. Beach volleyball and surfing are just two of the many types of beach and water activities which visitors can engage in.

 

       5. Go on an Excursion to the Blue Mountains - Just fifty or so miles from the city is a spectacular wilderness area waiting to be explored. This most popular day trip from Sydney is well-developed as a tourist attraction with many different types of transport into the area -- there are sky rides, trains, walking trails, etc.

 

       6. Get Tranquil at the Royal Botanic Gardens - Escape from the hustle and bustle with a visit to this place of refuge filled with flowers and birds. While here, wander around Farm Cove to Mrs Macquaries Chair for great views of the harbor and the Opera House.

 

       7. Stroll the Manly Scenic Walkway - From the harbor, take this coastal walkway north to the town of Manly, a distance of approximately seven miles.

 

       8. Ascend the Sydney Tower - This is the tallest building in the city and provides an observation deck at a height of 820 feet with spectacular views of the city below.

 

       9. Jenolan Caves - This World Heritage Site can be found west of Sydney, beyond Blue Mountain National Park (see above). They are the best known caves in Australia. The complex consists of eight (8) caves.

 

       10. Wander along Circular Quay - This harbor promenade gives visitors the opportunity to see a major harbor in action. It also provides wonderful views, especially of the Opera House (see above). It's also a great place to take a harbor cruise (see above).

 

        Other sights considered: 

    The continent of Africa is huge and boasts some of the most hostile and interesting environments on the planet. It seems almost ludicrous to create a list of only seven natural wonders in a land which certainly has many arresting places, but, because I am less familiar with Africa than with other places on the globe, I have tried to narrow things down to the top seven. Here is my list, which will be followed soon by a photo album.

 

     1. Sahara Desert - The largest desert in the world occupies much of the northern part of the continent, making life difficult for those who attempt to settle here. Water is obviously the key element in a desert landscape, so towns and cities can only surbvive with a permanent source of the precious commodity.

 

     2. Victoria Falls - These largest waterfalls on earth are located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, where the Zambezi River plunges 300 feet into the Batoka Gorge. Because the gorge is narrow and the mist from the crashing water makes visibility difficult, one of the most popular views of the falls is from the air.

 

     3. Ngorongoro Conservation Area - This volcanic crater in Tanzania provides one of the best places in the world to view wild game. The savannas which occupy the crater floor are populated with all the members of Africa's "Big Nine" - Cheetah, Elephant, Water Buffalo, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Lion, Rhinoceros, and Zebra.

 

     4. Mount Kilimanjaro - This iconic mountain, rising dramatically from the savannas of Tanzania and Kenya, illustrates an interesting principle of ecology. Environments on a tall mountain change from bottom to top in a way that is very similar to the change in biome as one travels north from the equator toward the poles. Unfortunately, the mountains glacier are receding due to global warming.

 

      5. Madagascar's Rain Forests - This large island off the eastern coast of the continent is home to a dizzying array of creatures which are found nowhere else in the world. The classic group of animals associated with the island are the lemurs, unusual, nocturnal monkeys with huge eyes.

 

      6. Nile River - The longest river in the world (a fact disputed these days by the Amazon) winds northward from its sources in Rwanda and Ethiopia to its delta in northern Egypt. The most famous part of the river is its long section in Egypt because it bisects the territories of the Egyptian Civilization which flourished for almost 3,000 years.

 

      7. Table Mountain - The landscape around the city of Capetown, South Africa is both dramatic and accessible. As a result, many travelers describe Capetown as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. If the related area, known as Table Rock National Park, is included, many interesting animals and plants can be seen.

 

         Other sights considered:

            Kalahari Desert

            Congo River Rain Forests 

      Seattle is the largest city in the American northwest and an important economic and commercial center. Its skyline is recognizable around the world and its presence under the watchful eye of Mount Rainier, one of America's most prominent mountains, is notable and picturesque. Below are my picks for the best of Seattle, to be followed by a photo album.

 

      1. Space Needle - Built for the 1962 World's Fair, this iconic symbol of Seattle is 605 feet high and provides wonderful views of the city skyline, Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay and Puget Sound. It is located within Seattle Center, in the northern part of the city. 

 

     3. Pioneer Square - This is the oldest section of the city, and although it was completely destroyed by a devastating fire in 1889, was rebuilt and still maintains the flavor of the original neighborhood. The public park that marks the square contains a Tlingit totem pole, an obvious landmark for visitors.

 

      4. Olympic National Park - This extensive national park contains three distinctive environmental areas which create an region of tremendous biological and ecological diversity. The Olympic Mountains dominate the upper reaches of the park Inland from the beach is temperate rain forest, a unique forest environment which is characterized by large quantities of precipitation and mosses draping the trees.

 

      5. Mount Rainier National Park - This 14,000 foot mountain has more glaciers than any other peak in the contiguous United States. It was America's fifth national park, dedicated in 1899. Within the park are numerous walking and hiking trails. Some areas have particularly evocative names, such as, paradise and sunrise.

 

      6. Experience Music Project (at Seattle Center) - This music museum is located near the Space Needle within Seattle Center and is one of two stops for Seattle's Monorail that connects Seattle Center with the downtown. The building was designed by Frank Gehry, who contributed to Milennium Park in Chicago and designed the Guggenheim Museum in Blibao, Spain. Some exhibits highlight artists from the region.

 

      7. Seattle Art Museum - SAM as it is known is the major art museum of the city. It recently expanded and moved its collection. It also included the Olympic Sculpture Park on the waterfront.

 

      8. Museum of Flight - This is the largest private air and space museum in the world and benefits tremendously from the proximity to Boeing, one of the world's major aircraft manufacturer. It is located in the city of Everett, near Seattle. 

 

      9. San Juan Islands - These islands, along with the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, form a large archipelago northwest of Seattle. Some of the islands can be reached by ferry, both private and public. The main tourist activities are kayaking and observing Orca whales (Killer Whales).

 

      10. Chittenden Locks - These locks are located on Seattle's Salmon Bay which is connected to Washington Lake. They provide commercial and recreational access to the freshwater of the lake and the salt water of Puget Sound. More important for tourists is the fish ladder which was built into the lock system. Visitors can watch migrating anadromous fish (born in freshwater, adult life in salt water), such as the Coho, Sockeye, Steelhead, and Chinook Salmon work their way upstream to their spawning grounds.

 

       Other sights considered:

          Seattle Aquarium

     China is a huge nation with much ecological and geological diversity. As a result, there are numerous natural wonders to be explored within its borders. These are my top favorites. They will be followed by a photo album shortly.

 

       1. Li River Landscape - The karst (glacial) geology which lines the banks of the Li River in southwestern China is considered by many to be some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The slow-moving Li River allows visitors to languidly view the unusual shapes of the hills and valleys.

 

       2. Stone Forest - Another tribute to the dynamic forces of erosion, these vertical stones create a surreal landscape which visitors can explore via narrow, winding trails. This landscape can be found near the town of Kunming in southwestern China.

 

       3. Mount Everest - The tallest mountain on the planet is on the border separating Tibet, now part of China, and Nepal. Access is easier from Kathmandu in Nepal although there are places in Tibet from which the mountain is visible.

 

       4. Yangtze River Valley - One of the great rivers of the world, the Yangtze has carved a deep valley in the surrounding countryside which visitors can explore via the numerous cruise ships which ply the river. The steep hills on either side are dramatic testimony to the unrelenting action of erosion. Part of the river will be forever changed by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam.

 

       5. Bamboo Forests around Chengdu - Now home to the Panda Research Station, Chengdu lies in the center of Panda territory, a unique environment and only home to the popular creatures which have become endeared by people throughout the earth. Visitors can view the Panda's in captivity at the center, the largest concentration of the endangered animals in the world.  

 

       6. Yellow Mountain or Huangshan Mountain - The granite peak forest environment, in which the Yellow Mountain is only one of many, is a favorite landscape for painters and poets, who have made the world aware of its beauty. This is the classic landscape of traditional Chinese paintings, both in black-and-white and in color.

 

       7. Wulingyuan Scenic Area - This area includes Zhangjiajie National Park, China's first national park, an incredibly beautiful landscape of sandstone rock formations, such as, arches and bridges.

 

      Other sights considered:

         Detian Waterfall

    The Benelux countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg, have a rich tradition of occupation and human habitation. They are integral to the history of Western Europe. Obviously then, there are many structures worthy of inclusion in a man-made wonders list. Below are my top seven, to be followed soon by a photo album.

 

    1. Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium. This square, without doubt one of the most elegant in all of Europe, is characterized by elaborate, gilded, guild houses. These guild houses were the headquarters of the various tradesmen in Europe at the time, and were obviously attempts to outdo the other guilds. The glorous "hotel de ville" (town hall) is also exquisite. Every other year, there is a huge display of begonias on the square which draws exceptionally large crowds.

 

    2. Windmills, at Kinderdijk, Netherlands. This small town is famous in the Netherlands for its complex of nineteen windmills, used to drain the area. The windmills were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1997. They are popular because these Dutch icons are fast disappearing from the modern landscape.

 

    3. Church of Our Lady, Bruges, Belgium. This landmark of Bruges, the perfectly preserved medieval town in Belgium, is the tallest structure in the city and the second tallest brickwork tower in the world. Inside the church is Michelangelo's Madonna and Child statue, one of only a few pieces from the artist outside of Italy. The church dates to the 13th century.

 

    4. Westerkerk, Amsterdam, Netherlands. This Protestant church has the tallest steeple in Amsterdam and is the final resting place for the famous Dutch artist, Rembrandt van Rihn. The church sits very close to the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam's most popular tourist attraction.

 

    5. Cathedral of Our Lady, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. This large church is a good example of late Gothic architecture and was built in the early 17th century.

 

    6. Gravensteen, Ghent, Belgium. This castle was built in 1180 AD. Over its existence, it has also been a courthouse and a prison.

 

    7. Royal Palace, Brussels, Belgium. This neo-Classic building is not the Royal residence, however is used for special state functions, such as hosting foreign dignitaries, etc. The present structure dates to the late 18th century but has been significantly modified and elaborated upon since then.

 

     Other sites considered:

        Atomium, Brussels. Belgium

        St Bavo's Church, Haarlem, Netherlands

        Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp, Belgium

        Cathedral of Our Lady, Tournai, Belgium

        Royal Palace, Amsterdam

        Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

        Peace Palace. The Hague, Netherlands

        Oude Kerk, Delft, Netherlands

        Het Steen, Antwerp

      These two countries, part of Great Britain, fiercely protect their individuality and their culture. Human habitation has been evident for thousands of years, so there are a wealth of site which fit this category. Here is my list of the seven man-made wonders of this region. A photo album will follow.

 

      1. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland. St Margaret's Chapel, on the castle grounds, dates to the 12th century and is the oldest surviving structure in Edinburgh. The city's famous Military Tattoo takes place on the esplanade in front of the castle. The castle is an impressive fortification, high on a hill at one end of the Royal Mile. It still contains the Scottish Crown Jewels.

 

      2. Caenarfon Castle, Caenarfon, Wales. This huge castle complex was constructed in 1283 by Edward I of England and was one of a series of fortifications which formed his "iron ring."  The crenulated masterpiece is strategically located on the banks of the Seiont River where it flows into the Menai Strait

 

      3. Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, Scotland. This elegant residence has been the home of Scottish monarchs since the 15th century. The northwest tower contains a suite of rooms occupied by Mary, Queen of Scots. The palace was originally built as a monastery in 1128. There are still ruins of the Abbey adjacent to the palace.  

 

      4. Cardiff Castle, Wales. This castle in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, had its origins in 1091 AD. Later it was expanded to become a fortified royal palace. Its towers and its sumptuous apartments are visually stunning.

 

      5. Glamis Castle, Scotland. This castle is the stuff of legends -- it is featured in Shakespeare's Macbeth and is considered to be haunted. Its plasterwork ceilings are noted for their detail.

 

      6. Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews, Scotland. This masterpiece, the second oldest golf club in the world, dating to 1754, is frequently the site of the British Open Golf Championship and attracts the best professional golfers from around the world.

 

      7. St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, Scotland. The High Kirk of Edinburgh is the mother church of Presbyterianism. Its distinctive hollow crown tower dominates the center of the Royal Mile. Parts of the structure date to 1120 AD.

 

       Other sights considered:

          Beaumaris Castle, Wales

          St David's Cathedral, Wales

          Wallace Monument, Scotland

          Conwy Castle, Wales

          Culzean Castle, near Glasgow, Scotland