places that I have visited. This actually could have been a much longer list, but decided to limit it to five for the time being. I am heading home in less than two weeks and have been reflecting on all the interesting places I have been able to see. With one more trip left before I go home (Thessaloníki, Greece) it hit me that I could impart some wisdom to those thinking of going out and about in a similar fashion. A majority of the cities are European, because I did not get to do much traveling in my brief time in Korea, but I digress. So, without further ado, Drew's top five cities IN THE WORLD (that I have been to).
5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
This city is a little off the beaten path (kudos to Ben and Amber for finding it, in a Rick Steves book), but totally worth the trip. After a LONG night of travel to get from Prague to Rothenburg we arrived to find a quaint little city that looks like it was preserved in a glass bottle. As we were told by our night tour guide, Rothenburg used to be one of the richest fortified cities in all of Europe during medieval times. The trade routes from north (Scandinavia) to south (Rome) and from east (Russia) to west (Paris) intersected just a few kilometers from the entrance to the city. It was a place where people could rest up before continuing on and see what people were bringing from the other direction. The city would fall on difficult times, however, and would be left mostly abandoned. The city remained basically unchanged for a couple centuries. It is now a place of great tourism, but has a wonderful rustic feel.
4. Rio San Juan, Dominican Republic
I was exposed to this little slice of heaven first during a YoungLife missions trip and enjoyed it so much took my family when they visited. Out away from most of the touristy stuff in the Dominican Republic (which is hard to find sometimes) on the north part of the island is this nice little city. Fresh water coves, that the locals will give boat tours of, and beautiful beaches it combines the highs and lows of the DR. While standing on the beach you can clearly see the mountains separating you from the tourists and you can sit for hours without being bothered. It's a little slice of heaven with warm water and friendly people.
3. Ragusa Ibla, Sicily
This city has an amazingly interesting history. Ragusa is divided in to two parts now, after an earthquake destroyed most of what is now Ibla in the 1920s. It remained empty until the 90s when some ingenious businessmen decided to transform it into a hangout for the local youth. Now the cobblestone streets are filled with college age kids going to pubs and consorting with one another surrounded by building that were erected before the Americas were discovered. The streets are only narrow enough for a single car to get through, clothes are hanging on lines between the buildings and the food is wonderful. If you have an idea of a small European city, you might be thinking of Ragusa Ibla.
2. Seoul, South Korea
The city is so large it has to make it's way on to the list, because there is just so much to see and do. Whether it's going to see Namdaemun (the Great Southern Gate) where you can pick up all the classic Korean wears, or Dongdaemun Market where you can go to see the finest of everything new. Yeoido for the largest church in the world, or if you're feeling homesick (and American) Itaewon where you're more likely to find English speakers than Korean. There is so much to see and do. I was able to celebrate St. Patty's day and Buddah's birthday, along with the beauty of seeing the cherry blossoms bloom. There is lots of fun to be had. While it may not have the old school flavor of the other places, it practically feels like you're living in the future with buildings that reach toward the sky, and technology that hasn't yet made its way stateside.
1. Cork, Ireland
No brainer for me. I was absolutely enchanted by my stay in Cork (so much so I considered it a possible retirement destination). It is difficult to pin exactly why I enjoyed it so much. There were lovely people, a beautiful flow to the city and a general feeling of being home. Quite a bit of the city is run by pedestrians having the right of way. While this makes driving difficult at times, walking is a breeze. Everywhere I went (with Laura, Luke, Siobhan and Elijah) it felt like going to a place I had already been. I also appreciated the location of the city in the country. We were able to take excursions to various places (Dingle and Dublin) and it didn't have to be more than a day trip.
Well, with one more stop before I go back to everything familiar I hope Thessaloníki can break the top five. I don't know if that's possible though.
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