New Zealand

After representing this country in BRAMUN last week, I got curious to know more about this city and found out it is surely a great vacation destination. One of the main reasons to visit is New Zealand's extraordinary landscape and natural beauty. It's varied landscapes include mountains, lakes, fjords, alpine glaciers, volcanos, geysers, valleys, and etc. The varied landscape offers the tourists several natural attractions such as bungee jumping, swimming through caves, skydiving, mountain biking, rafting, and others. Many of The Lord of the Ring's trilogy was filmed in the amazing landscapes of New Zealand, which introduced it's beauty to the whole world. The Marlborough region in New Zealand produces one of the world's finest wine, the Sauvignon Blancs. The productions of wine is constantly growing, which makes this city a great place for those who appreciates wine. Another great attraction New Zealand offers the tourists is called the Whale Watch, where the tourist is able to see whales and a variety of other marine mammals in the South Pacific Ocean encircling the islands. It certainly looks like it would be very fun to see these huge animals right in front of you, I would not know whether I had to be scared or excited. Food is also known to be amazing due to the city's fertile soil and fishing. The foods are healthy and there is a large variety for different people.

Before this research, I knew very little about this city but now it has become one of the places I want to visit one day.

Information from here

Photo from here

Stockholm

Stockholm attracts several tourists around the world because you can have the perfect view of Sweden. Everything about this city has the authentic Swedish feel, such as its old architecture, colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and etc. Stockholm has the ideal structure that many cities should have; there is no cramped and stressful feel that many big cities have because although there are many buildings, it is balanced with green spaces and less pollution. Because of this structure, there are many outdoor activities. You can either explore the city by bikes or on foot. There are bike paths everywhere, and bike rental programs are located practically everywhere for the tourists. Walking is just as fun because you can easily go to one place to another. My friend, Ida Palmgren, has already been there and said it is a very entertaining and beautiful city to visit with your whole family. By her words, it really sounds like a wonderful place and I surely want to visit one day.

Information from Ida Palmgren

Photo from here

Dubai

Dubai has developed into one of the most fascinating countries and is rapidly becoming a very notable holiday destination for many. Architecture is one of the most popular reasons to visit Dubai; all buildings are modern and gives a futuristic feeling. From the pictures I saw, it looks exactly like how I imagined the future to be, the constructions are extremely beautiful such as the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, Burj Al Arab Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the twin Emirate Towers, the Dubai Gulf & Yacht Club and etc. Each and every building is unique and breathtaking. Another reason to go to Dubai are the luxurious hotels and resorts offered. This city is known to have the best hotels and resorts, for example the Burj Al Arab Hotel that has 7 stars. People in Dubai are also known to be friendly, making your stay much more pleasant. Dubai is filled with entertainment as well. Firstly, there are beautiful and perfect white beaches where you can enjoy Dubai's warm weather and relax. There are also dune safaris you can visit, it is meters of piles sand and known to be a great site. And for those who loves adventure, the world's largest indoor ski slope is available. Shopping is another factor that attracts several vistors, stores can be easily found.

I really want to visit this city that everybody is talking about now. It sure does look like a great travel destination.

information from here

photo from here

Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte is Brazil's third largest city and also a wonderful city. I was introduced to this city by Raphaella Faria last year when we went there to attend her 15 year old party and we visited some places in our 10th grade WOC. Although we only stayed about 2 days the first time, we were able to see how Belo Horizonte is a beautiful, calm and fun city. Firstly, Belo Horizonte offers many places to go sightseeing. The most famous place is called The Pampulha Lagoon and the building around it, which we saw in the last day of our WOC trip. Right besides it, you can see the Mineirão, the soccer stadium, and the Mineirinho, the city's multi-sport arena. Another famous area is called the Américo Renê Giannetti Munipal Park, whch is the city's first public park. It is the perfect place for those who just wants to walk around with some company. People in Belo Horizonte are extremely fashionable and so, there are many places where you can go shopping. The mall my friends and I went to there looked very much alike the malls we see here in São Paulo. A factor I liked about this city is that it is very calm and at night you can see many of the stars that you can't see in São Paulo.

Belo Horizonte is a very beautiful city, and I certainly had lots of fun both in the party and sightseeing. I look forward to go back to this city one day.

Las Vegas

"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas". This is probably one of the most famous quotes known and for those who have watched the film 'The Hangover' knows that everything can happen in Las Vegas, from a broken tooth to a tiger in your bathroom. It is probably not the best place to go in our age, especially because we're not allowed in many places. But my friends and I've decided that as soon as we are 21, we are certainly visiting Las Vegas. For those who loves to gamble, Las Vegas is the perfect place. One thing that doesn't lack in this cities are casinos, which are open all night long for those who wants to have a good time and earn money if you are lucky! Nightlife in Las Vegas is also considered to be the best. It is the kind of place that can make you stay awake all night long. But after the busy night, it is always good to have a great place to relax. In Las Vegas, there are luxurious themed hotels such as the Excalibur, Sphinx of Giza and Luxor. Besides from all the partying, there is also activities to do as a family. You could go on a sightseeing tour of the Grand Canyon and see its immense size. Las Vegas also offers many shows and events for everyone. It has one of the best musical and theatrical shows in the world such as the Blue Man Group. It is also recommended to visit the Circus Circus, which is the world's largest circus and carnival. As you can see, Las Vegas offers activities for everybody so that all visitors may have the time of their lives. When I have the appropriate age, it is probably the 1 city I will visit together with my friends!

Photo from here

Vancouver

2010's Winter Olympics' host is known to be one of the top 10 cities to visit. One of the reasons why you should visit Vancouver is because of its natural beauty. Vancouver has a great urban environment but at the same beautiful nature. Stanley Park, Burnaby Mountain and Grouse Mountain are some of the many parks, mountains, beaches and great views in this city. Vancouver is the perfect city for those who are fans of outdoor sports. Skiing and snowboarding in Vancouver can't be beat, which is why it was chosen as 2010's Winter Olympics' home. You can also go mountain-biking, hiking, kayaking, and etc. I definitely want to go skiing or snowboarding in Vancouver one day! Robson Street is the place for those who love to shop because there is wide range of stores you can chose from. Another place is the Commercial Drive where you can find many boutiques and don't forget to visit the new department store called Holt Renfrew. Food in Vancouver is also known to be delicious because they are all locally grown and produced. Those you love to eat should definitely visit Granville Island and its Public Market.

Vancouver is a place that everybody would love, from those who wants to relax to those you loves exciting sports. It is a city known to be extremely beautiful and I hope I'll be able to visit this wonderful city one day.

Picture from here

Salvador

Salvador, Bahia was our WOC destination in 9th grade and it was the best WOC trip we had until now. Brazil's first capital is surely a beautiful place notable for its architecture, culture and beaches. Salvador has preserved most of the historic building and we were able to see that in the Pelourinho, which is the historical centre of Salvador. Each and every building was unique and we thought it was beautiful. Salvador's culture was greatly influenced by the africans, we can see it in Salvador's cuisine, music and religion. It's cuisine is simply delicious but heavy because it is spicy and based on seafood. All the ingredients and techniques are all typically African. Acarajé and moqueca are two of the most traditional dishes. Capoeira is a mix of dance and martial arts used only for defense in a combat. Music accompanies this fight with instruments such as the berimbau, which makes it very entertaining to watch. It was dance/martial art practiced by the slaves. The religion dominating is called the Candomblé, where there is a god for each element such as the sun, wind, earth, water, etc. We visited many churches in Salvador and they were very beautiful. Apart from the historical part, we also visited some beaches where we were able to relax and enjoy the sun.

I surely had a lot of sun in Salvador, especially because I went with my friends. We visit many places from museums to beaches. Don't forget to buy the famous colorful wish bracelets when visiting Salvador.