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Date: 10th February 2009
Prague
I had a tough time with this list because I tried to be unbiased and choose the cities that I thought were the most recognized around the world (aka the most famous) as opposed to my actual favorite cities. While many of them might overlap, some certainly would not. Prague is right near the top of my favorite cities but I didn't necessarily feel it's quite as famous as some others, at least not yet. On one hand, I kind of hope it keeps most of its integrity and stays that way, on the other hand, I'd like it to be more recognized!
From Blog: Most Famous Cities
Prague
I had a tough time with this list because I tried to be unbiased and choose the cities that I thought were the most recognized around the world (aka the most famous) as opposed to my actual favorite cities. While many of them might overlap, some certainly would not. Prague is right near the top of my favorite cities but I didn't necessarily feel it's quite as famous as some others, at least not yet. On one hand, I kind of hope it keeps most of its integrity and stays that way, on the other hand, I'd like it to be more recognized!
From Blog: Most Famous Cities
Date: 3rd February 2009
Prague
Perhaps it is because it was the first non-English speaking city I visited outside of the United States, but I think Prague should be added to the list. I understand that it has gotten "modern" now, including prices, but the feel really takes you back to a different time and place that just is not accessible in the United States. (Buenos Aires, for example, you could easily mistake for a U.S. city.) You always here people say that pictures just don't do a city justice, but in the case of Prague that was really true. It was great to be able to see Don Giovanni performed in the opoera house in which it originally opened. The 25 cent hot dogs and $1 pilsners were pretty nice too.
From Blog: Most Famous Cities
Prague
Perhaps it is because it was the first non-English speaking city I visited outside of the United States, but I think Prague should be added to the list. I understand that it has gotten "modern" now, including prices, but the feel really takes you back to a different time and place that just is not accessible in the United States. (Buenos Aires, for example, you could easily mistake for a U.S. city.) You always here people say that pictures just don't do a city justice, but in the case of Prague that was really true. It was great to be able to see Don Giovanni performed in the opoera house in which it originally opened. The 25 cent hot dogs and $1 pilsners were pretty nice too.
From Blog: Most Famous Cities
Date: 10th September 2008
Belgium
Yes, Belgium completely is in overlooked gem. It is so easy to get to from Paris or even London that there really is no reason for people not to go, especially if they are already over there. I felt the same way that you did - I could spend so much time just wandering the old town in Brussels, enjoying the local shops and pubs. It was just a wonderfully relaxing place to be. I would go back in a heart beat!
From Blog: Loving Belgium!
Belgium
Yes, Belgium completely is in overlooked gem. It is so easy to get to from Paris or even London that there really is no reason for people not to go, especially if they are already over there. I felt the same way that you did - I could spend so much time just wandering the old town in Brussels, enjoying the local shops and pubs. It was just a wonderfully relaxing place to be. I would go back in a heart beat!
From Blog: Loving Belgium!
Date: 6th September 2008
OMG! Belgium!
Maya I am so glad to see another person fall in love with Belgium. I went there in 2000 for an F1 GP in Spa Francorchamps (in the Ardennes), and ended up in Bruges for about two fabulous weeks I still dream about. I rave about this place to people, but very few have ever been there. I tell them Belgium is an overlooked gem, and much better than its more famous neighbors. I had a nothing-but-positive trip to Belgium, and cannot wait to return someday and explore more of it. If there is one country I could live in continental Europe, its Belgium. You should go back to Bruges and stay as long as you can, and just *wander*. The old town is tiny and safe, and I found tons of little gems while there: the farmers market, my own personal truffle shop, the most atmospheric near-secret Irish Pub, an adorable hamburger/ice cream place called "Pickles", that old pub that's in all the guidebooks, marching bands, wandering into something on a foggy night with wall sconce torches and a little nun trying to get me to stay, night clubs, eating lunch atop a 200 year old windmill, being deafened by the Belfry carillon, and last but not least, waking up to nothing but the sound of horse drawn carriages on cobblestones. Go back!!!
From Blog: Loving Belgium!
OMG! Belgium!
Maya I am so glad to see another person fall in love with Belgium. I went there in 2000 for an F1 GP in Spa Francorchamps (in the Ardennes), and ended up in Bruges for about two fabulous weeks I still dream about. I rave about this place to people, but very few have ever been there. I tell them Belgium is an overlooked gem, and much better than its more famous neighbors. I had a nothing-but-positive trip to Belgium, and cannot wait to return someday and explore more of it. If there is one country I could live in continental Europe, its Belgium. You should go back to Bruges and stay as long as you can, and just *wander*. The old town is tiny and safe, and I found tons of little gems while there: the farmers market, my own personal truffle shop, the most atmospheric near-secret Irish Pub, an adorable hamburger/ice cream place called "Pickles", that old pub that's in all the guidebooks, marching bands, wandering into something on a foggy night with wall sconce torches and a little nun trying to get me to stay, night clubs, eating lunch atop a 200 year old windmill, being deafened by the Belfry carillon, and last but not least, waking up to nothing but the sound of horse drawn carriages on cobblestones. Go back!!!
From Blog: Loving Belgium!
Date: 28th May 2008
J Walk & Slut
Having been raised on the west coast I fully support the J walking law, but I'd love to see them try enforce it in Philly...I wouldn't mind one of those shirts, though.
From Blog: Seattle Revisited
J Walk & Slut
Having been raised on the west coast I fully support the J walking law, but I'd love to see them try enforce it in Philly...I wouldn't mind one of those shirts, though.
From Blog: Seattle Revisited
Date: 25th May 2008
Sounds LIke Fun
It sounds as though you are having a great time (crossaint-encrusted mushrooms, notwithstanding). I really enjoyed your description of everyone enjoying the fountains. It may me feel as if I were right there watching.
From Blog: Chicago and the Burbs
Sounds LIke Fun
It sounds as though you are having a great time (crossaint-encrusted mushrooms, notwithstanding). I really enjoyed your description of everyone enjoying the fountains. It may me feel as if I were right there watching.
From Blog: Chicago and the Burbs
Date: 25th May 2008
wonderful enrty
i really enjoyed reading your bog entry. felt like i was there! thank you so much for both the information and the fun read of your blog. Please keep up the writing, i really look forward to reading each entry.
From Blog: Chicago and the Burbs
wonderful enrty
i really enjoyed reading your bog entry. felt like i was there! thank you so much for both the information and the fun read of your blog. Please keep up the writing, i really look forward to reading each entry.
From Blog: Chicago and the Burbs
Date: 9th May 2008
Most Famous Cities
After seeing some other posts, I would replace Barcelona with Madrid. I was thinking Barcelona because of the previous Olympics (I think the same reason I chose Beijing over Shanghai) but I believe Madrid is probably more famous. As a caveat to this, I decided to separate my favorite cities (that I've visited, so this is a changing list) from the most famous. Here are my top 10 favorites, not in an order other than the first two, which are tied for the top spot: 1. Paris 2. Vienna (tied with Paris for #1) 3. Seoul 4. Montreal 5. Prague 6. Venice 7. Melbourne (I like Sydney as well and would have to revisit both as a non-student-backpacker) 8. London 9. Amsterdam 10. Edinburgh/Brussels OK so that is the top 10.5 because I couldn't decide on the last one. I might add that this is not for living purposes, it's for visiting. Of the ones I could live in, Paris, London, Montreal and possibly Vienna and Amsterdam. Seoul would be up there too, if it was not in South Korea. I love the country, but since there is only one dish I can eat and I don't know if I'd ever learn the language, it would be tough. Would love to hear your thoughts (from more than just my mom, although I always love her input!).
From Blog: Most Famous Cities
Most Famous Cities
After seeing some other posts, I would replace Barcelona with Madrid. I was thinking Barcelona because of the previous Olympics (I think the same reason I chose Beijing over Shanghai) but I believe Madrid is probably more famous. As a caveat to this, I decided to separate my favorite cities (that I've visited, so this is a changing list) from the most famous. Here are my top 10 favorites, not in an order other than the first two, which are tied for the top spot: 1. Paris 2. Vienna (tied with Paris for #1) 3. Seoul 4. Montreal 5. Prague 6. Venice 7. Melbourne (I like Sydney as well and would have to revisit both as a non-student-backpacker) 8. London 9. Amsterdam 10. Edinburgh/Brussels OK so that is the top 10.5 because I couldn't decide on the last one. I might add that this is not for living purposes, it's for visiting. Of the ones I could live in, Paris, London, Montreal and possibly Vienna and Amsterdam. Seoul would be up there too, if it was not in South Korea. I love the country, but since there is only one dish I can eat and I don't know if I'd ever learn the language, it would be tough. Would love to hear your thoughts (from more than just my mom, although I always love her input!).
From Blog: Most Famous Cities
Date: 8th May 2008
Most Famous Cities
I was a little unsure of Barcelona as well I thought of Moscow and Vegas, but I wasn't sure how famous Vegas truly was with the rest of the world. As for Buenos Aires, I was back and forth between that and Rio and I think I just like BA better! I think I have a bit of a skewed perception as well, because with being in travel, there are a lot of cities that are really promoted that might not be the most famous cities. I also toyed with LA (mainly because of hollywood area) being in there as well but wanted to make sure I had worldly view point. I thought of Mumbai/Bombay as well but again, wasn't sure how famous it was worldwise.
From Blog: Most Famous Cities
Most Famous Cities
I was a little unsure of Barcelona as well I thought of Moscow and Vegas, but I wasn't sure how famous Vegas truly was with the rest of the world. As for Buenos Aires, I was back and forth between that and Rio and I think I just like BA better! I think I have a bit of a skewed perception as well, because with being in travel, there are a lot of cities that are really promoted that might not be the most famous cities. I also toyed with LA (mainly because of hollywood area) being in there as well but wanted to make sure I had worldly view point. I thought of Mumbai/Bombay as well but again, wasn't sure how famous it was worldwise.
From Blog: Most Famous Cities
Date: 8th May 2008
most famous cities
I might replace Barcelona with Moscow. I might put it in instead of BA as well since i probably would not have thought of BA before going there. The other city I might put in is Las Vegas. That is very popular around the world. seems to be the city that many from other countries want to see when they come to the US. I will definitly pass the Blog along to others.
From Blog: Most Famous Cities
most famous cities
I might replace Barcelona with Moscow. I might put it in instead of BA as well since i probably would not have thought of BA before going there. The other city I might put in is Las Vegas. That is very popular around the world. seems to be the city that many from other countries want to see when they come to the US. I will definitly pass the Blog along to others.
From Blog: Most Famous Cities
Date: 22nd April 2008
Wow! That's what i call a blog, very detailed. In fact i think i just re-lived my previous trip to Paris from 1999. I'm so happy your having fun and can't wait to hear more about your trip in person when you return.
From Blog: Back in the USA
Wow! That's what i call a blog, very detailed. In fact i think i just re-lived my previous trip to Paris from 1999. I'm so happy your having fun and can't wait to hear more about your trip in person when you return.
From Blog: Back in the USA
Date: 15th April 2008
Tibetan Protests
Yes! I got some pictures and one is on my blog here I think and the others are on my flickr account: www.flickr.com/mayamcgee/photos It was a wonderful thing to get to watch (not wonderful that it has to happen, but a great experience to see people, esp those in a neutral country, speaking out about it.)
From Blog: Tulips, Wacky Weather and the Alps...
Tibetan Protests
Yes! I got some pictures and one is on my blog here I think and the others are on my flickr account: www.flickr.com/mayamcgee/photos It was a wonderful thing to get to watch (not wonderful that it has to happen, but a great experience to see people, esp those in a neutral country, speaking out about it.)
From Blog: Tulips, Wacky Weather and the Alps...
Date: 15th April 2008
Tibetan Protests
How interesting that you got a chance to watch the Tibetan protests. That really is a chance to view a slice of history. Did you get any pictures?
From Blog: Tulips, Wacky Weather and the Alps...
Tibetan Protests
How interesting that you got a chance to watch the Tibetan protests. That really is a chance to view a slice of history. Did you get any pictures?
From Blog: Tulips, Wacky Weather and the Alps...
Date: 14th April 2008
Switzerland
I do love it!!! The pictures are actually a very realistic portrayal of what it actually looked like!
From Blog: Tulips, Wacky Weather and the Alps...
Switzerland
I do love it!!! The pictures are actually a very realistic portrayal of what it actually looked like!
From Blog: Tulips, Wacky Weather and the Alps...
Date: 14th April 2008
Don't you love it.
What a beautiful photo!!! I just love that scenery.
From Blog: Tulips, Wacky Weather and the Alps...
Don't you love it.
What a beautiful photo!!! I just love that scenery.
From Blog: Tulips, Wacky Weather and the Alps...
Date: 13th April 2008
Switzerland!
Switzerland is by far my favorite country and even though it's expensive the chocolate and ice cream are definitely worth it!!! Can't wait to see your photos from here. No doubt they will be magical. Love the photo of you and the hand :-)
From Blog: Off to Switzerland...
Switzerland!
Switzerland is by far my favorite country and even though it's expensive the chocolate and ice cream are definitely worth it!!! Can't wait to see your photos from here. No doubt they will be magical. Love the photo of you and the hand :-)
From Blog: Off to Switzerland...
Date: 13th April 2008
clean bathrooms
Your trip sounds wonderful and i'm so excited to read each and every blog esp about Brussels because i know knothing of the country. Your comment about the cleanest public restrooms was definitely a high point since in i have not encountered that in my travels. The food also sounds wonderful.
From Blog: Loving Belgium!
clean bathrooms
Your trip sounds wonderful and i'm so excited to read each and every blog esp about Brussels because i know knothing of the country. Your comment about the cleanest public restrooms was definitely a high point since in i have not encountered that in my travels. The food also sounds wonderful.
From Blog: Loving Belgium!
Date: 11th April 2008
Don't mean to alarm you.
Hey, don't freak out, but there is this crazy rock hand dude that grabbed your butt!!! O.o :P
From Blog: Off to Switzerland...
Don't mean to alarm you.
Hey, don't freak out, but there is this crazy rock hand dude that grabbed your butt!!! O.o :P
From Blog: Off to Switzerland...
Date: 10th April 2008
Big A§§ Hand...
That sculpture of the hand with you sitting in it is pretty huge :-p It sounds like you are having a blast over there. I was glad to be able to catch up with you a bit on chat earlier... I missed you girl ;-p I hope that you have a great time in Geneva and that the weather clears up for you soon. Take care and have fun...
From Blog: Off to Switzerland...
Big A§§ Hand...
That sculpture of the hand with you sitting in it is pretty huge :-p It sounds like you are having a blast over there. I was glad to be able to catch up with you a bit on chat earlier... I missed you girl ;-p I hope that you have a great time in Geneva and that the weather clears up for you soon. Take care and have fun...
From Blog: Off to Switzerland...
Date: 10th April 2008
Bruges
Your description of Bruges makes it sound like the kind of place I'd like to get lost in. I like the idea of aimlessly wandering, wondering what is around the next corner, stopping for coffee or cake....
From Blog: Loving Belgium!
Bruges
Your description of Bruges makes it sound like the kind of place I'd like to get lost in. I like the idea of aimlessly wandering, wondering what is around the next corner, stopping for coffee or cake....
From Blog: Loving Belgium!
Date: 8th April 2008
Makin' Me Ever So Green W/ Envy
Hi Maya, hope you are well..... Hey look at you - the world traveler, makin me so very green with envy baby - travel safe and keep bloggin away! All my best! Patrick
From Blog: Planes, Trains and Automobiles...
Makin' Me Ever So Green W/ Envy
Hi Maya, hope you are well..... Hey look at you - the world traveler, makin me so very green with envy baby - travel safe and keep bloggin away! All my best! Patrick
From Blog: Planes, Trains and Automobiles...
Date: 5th April 2008
Beer
Hey My, Have some frittes and lambicks for me!!!!!
From Blog: Planes, Trains and Automobiles...
Beer
Hey My, Have some frittes and lambicks for me!!!!!
From Blog: Planes, Trains and Automobiles...
Date: 1st April 2008
Lucky...
You are lucky... I wish I was going with you. The places you are going will be really cool and I'm willing to bet that you will see many interesting things. You will definitely have to drink a beer or two for me...
From Blog: Getting ready for Europe
Lucky...
You are lucky... I wish I was going with you. The places you are going will be really cool and I'm willing to bet that you will see many interesting things. You will definitely have to drink a beer or two for me...
From Blog: Getting ready for Europe
Date: 1st April 2008
Wow
Well, Ms. McGee. It looks like you really know your stuff! I'm sure I will book with you next time I travel. :)
From Blog: Getting ready for Europe
Wow
Well, Ms. McGee. It looks like you really know your stuff! I'm sure I will book with you next time I travel. :)
From Blog: Getting ready for Europe
EMMLP
non-member comment
Upbeat
It sounds as though this is the ultimate in relaxation. I enjoyed the picture you posted, especially the school children. I did hear that some of the rooms there had a little "key" issue though.
From Blog: "Retreating" in Punta Cana