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A Quick Guide To Climbing Mount Kinabalu
The majestic and awe-inspiring Mount Kinabalu is one of the premier destinations for thousands of visitors to Sabah, Malaysian Borneo each year. Kinabalu National Park, a designated World Heritage Site, boasts an estimated 4,500 species of plants...
Crystal Cruises: An Air Of Elegance, Presence Of Beauty, Spirit Of Adventure, And A Feeling Of Tranquility!
On a Crystal cruise it is not difficult to find what you seek. In fact, your search for a place beyond ordinary is over. "Splendidly Uncommon"! Ablaze with intoxicating color and high style, Crystal Cruises' Harmony, Symphony and Serenity are ships...
Driving In Greece - What Is It Really Like?
Generally speaking, Greek drivers are not the best in Europe, but they are not the worst – those people know who they are! I have been in driving in Greece for a while now and have witnessed many examples of bad habits on the road, which have...
Enterprise Rental Cars Are Worth Looking At
Nearly everyone needs to rent a car at some point in his or her life. It could be while on vacation or when your current vehicle needs some work done or has been in an accident. Enterprise rental cars are a great option for someone who needs to rent...
Mombasa & the Kenyan Coast- Where the Sun is Ever Faithful
Kenya's 480 km coast is one of the principal attractions for visitors to the country. Every year, hundreds of thousands of sun lovers find their way here. Many are returning pilgrims who truly know that the sun here is ever faithful. Unlike other...
The Lowdown On China Travel
The fragrance of fish, lobsters…, the sturdy Great Wall, the broken hush of winds by the Martial Arts, the grand museums and unpretentious down to earth people…welcome you to the third largest country on the globe-China. China is universally known...
Today's Timeshares Provide Flexibility And Variety
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Travel Shanghai China
Travel Shanghai China, An amazing city. I live, work, play in Shanghai, China’s largest city, largest port; a city of 16 million people, (many millions more during holidays and festivals), a city wanting to be the biggest, best and most important...
Vacations - European Travel Planning
Europe has always been a popular travel destination. Whether
you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, there
are several important things to keep in mind before calling your
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Yosemite National Park
Introduction
Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited parks in the
U.S.A. It is here where Ansel Adams shot his most famous
photographs after he fell in love with the awe inspiring
landscape, the steep cliffs and the magnificent...
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Why I love Stockholm - A Top-10 of Reasons
Although I was always attracted to the mysterious North, it took a while before I first visited Sweden. Actually, it was my editor who asked me to go there. In 1990 I attended a conference near Stockholm, and fell in love with both the country and its capital.
Since then the city has become a dear friend of mine. Maybe even a relative, as every new visit feels like a sort of homecoming. Stockholm never lets me down.
Nevertheless, my love for the Swedish capital does raise an eyebrow when I mention it to others. Most people simply don't know anything about Stockholm, except that it's the capital of Sweden.
So let's clear things up. Here is a Top-10 of reasons why I love Stockholm - listed in no particular order.
- Stockholm is blue. If there is one thing that makes Stockholm stand out, then it is its relationship with water. The city was built on 14 islands, all connected with bridges for cars AND pedestrians, and you never have to walk far to get a stunning view over the water.
- Stockholm is like Swedish design: it's functional and almost defines the latest trends, yet it looks great and shows respect for history. The city is very easy to navigate, has everything a big city should offer - excellent shopping facilities, a vibrant nightlife, great business opportunities - but never loses its beauty.
- The city has an atmosphere that is so calm and relaxed compared to other capitals. I don't know why, really. Maybe it's the mentality of the people. Most Swedes are friendly, patient, quiet - and helpful. Maybe it's because there are so many open spaces, water and parks. Or because the houses are so colorful. Maybe it's all of this together.
- Stockholm has great tourist attractions, but never feels touristy. Even in the most popular part of town - the historical Old Town or Gamla Stan - there are enough quiet streets to make a relaxing stroll.
- Stockholm is green. About one third of Stockholm consists of parks. One third! It is the first city in the world to have a national park within the city borders. Yes, a nature reserve right in the heart of a capital with 1.5 million people. And all of these parks are accessible.
- With around 90
museums to choose from, visiting Stockholm is a cultural feast. And there's a museum for every one. The city has some of Europe's best art museums, but also the world's first open-air museum (Skansen), several museums that display all aspects of Nordic history, an old warship on display (Vasa Museum) and even special places for kids (Junibacken, toy museum). The state-run museums have free admission.
- Stockholm is safe. OK, crime rates have gone up in recent decades, like everywhere in the Western world. Still it's one of the world's safest capitals. There are no neighborhoods you should avoid and it's usually no problem to walk outside at nights.
- Art is an integrated part of Stockholm city life. On the pavement along Berzelli Park a worker pops out of the ground, lifting a manhole cover. From a distance you won't notice it, but it's a statue ('Humor' by KG Bejemark). There are sculptures and statues all over Stockholm, often at unexpected places. Many stations of the Stockholm underground (tunnelbana) are decorated with paintings, sculptures, mosaics, installations and engravings. And architecture is incredibly eclectic. Italian, German, Dutch, French style - it's all there, and often in one design.
- Which city has 24,000 islands and rocks in its backyard? Stockholm. A huge archipelago connects the city with the Baltic Sea and you can visit it by boat. Spend a day or so on one of these attractive islands - you won't regret it.
- Stockholm is so clean ... If you've been to Paris, London, Amsterdam and then visit Stockholm, you wonder: Where do these Swedes leave their garbage?
Every modern city has negative aspects. Too much traffic, pollution, drunks, criminals ... I don't believe a city built by humans will ever become perfect. But compared to other capitals, Stockholm comes very close.
The author Marc A. de Jong is a Dutch journalist currently living in Antwerp, Belgium. He is the owner and editor of http://www.stockholm-sweden-travel-guide.com - a unique online travel guide based on personal experience.
Copyright Marc de Jong - http://www.stockholm-sweden-travel-guide.com
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