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“No temple made with human hands can compare with Yosemite,” wrote John Muir. His crusading led to the creation of this National Park in 1890. Like Muir, the millions of people who flock to this granite wonderland every year gaze with starry eyes at both the force of nature and the undisputed beauty it produces. Located in the northern section of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite is one of the most beautiful National Parks in the United States. Its U-shaped valley was carved by the Merced River and further widened by glacial action. This erosion can easily be seen with the [View Full Entry]

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Situated along the eastern edge of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. This S-shaped land offers a wealth of cultural delights as well as a wide range of stunning scenery. From the mountains in the North to the narrow waterways of the Mekong Delta in the South, it’s a destination attracting millions of visitors each year. Moreover, the 2,040 miles of coastline make it easy to find a lovely beach for relaxation. Ho Chi Minh City HCMC is the largest city in Vietnam and also its most populated. Originally called Saigon, it wasn’t [View Full Entry]

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New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Nowhere else will you find so many geological features within such a small area of land. From picturesque mountains to sandy beaches, lush rainforests to deep fiords, there are numerous rewarding vistas to be gazed upon while visiting this enchanted land. Lying in the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is 990 miles east of Australia and 6,210 miles west of San Francisco. The country consists mainly of two large islands (the North and South) as well as a number of smaller ones. Most of New Zealand’s population resides on [View Full Entry]

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Kuwait is an Independent Arab Emirate situated at the head of the Persian Gulf, sandwiched between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Most of the country is a dry, barren desert, with the exception of a few basins that occasionally catch rainwater. Commercial fishing on the Gulf is important to the economy, but not nearly as important as the country’s chief industry: OIL. Kuwait takes its name from the Arabic word kut, meaning “fort” and is also the name of the capital. After gaining independence in 1961, Kuwait was immediately claimed by Iraq. This claim was soon dropped but revived in 1990, when [View Full Entry]

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Chile is a country occupying a long narrow strip of land in South America. It’s squeezed between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The coastline extends for over 2,700 miles and the country is never more than 110 miles in width. Located directly along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” Chile has around 2,085 volcanoes, 55 of which are active. Its unusual shape and vast length make for a widely varied climate. In the north is the world’s driest desert - the Atacama, while the south is made up of glaciers, fjords, and lakes. The central part of the country is [View Full Entry]

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San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. It sits at the tip of a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the West and the San Francisco Bay to the East. Much of the central area can be explored on foot, but the city’s 43 hills can make for a strenuous walk. To save both time and energy, take advantage of the cable cars when the streets are too steep. Just as the song says, “you’re sure to meet some gentle people there.” You are also bound to run into many other interesting people. Once [View Full Entry]

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Some know it as the City of Love, others call it the City of Lights. No matter how you refer to Paris, you have to call it beautiful. As its nation's capital, Paris sits on the Seine River in the heart of France. Covering an area of area of 460 square miles, it is not only a popular tourist destination, but also a very important European business and cultural center. Paris began on the little island of Ile de la Cite. Boat-like in shape, the island floats in the River Seine and was once just a primitive village. The name Paris [View Full Entry]

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As one of Asia's most popular cities, Hong Kong will widen your eyes with its vibrant energy and demonstration of wealth as seen in the architecture. After many years under British control, it is now a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. Hong Kongs is covered by China in foreign affairs and defense, but is not affected by China's socialist system and policies. Touring the city, you can still see signs of British influence. From the double decker buses to the "mind the gap" heard on the subways, the UK has definitely added to the complexity of this region. Hong [View Full Entry]

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Hookers, Weed, and Beer, Oh My! Considered by many to be one of the most free cities in the world, Amsterdam certainly lives up to its party reputation. Drawing in loads of tourists on a daily basis, it's a popular destination for those looking to get away from the strict laws of their own society as well as a first hand look at Dutch history and culture. Founded in 1200 as a small fishing village, Amsterdam lies at the mouth of the Amstel River. The tiny town quickly grew to become a major trading city of Northern Europe. Looking down at [View Full Entry]

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When you imagine the Alps, the first place that probably comes to mind is Switzerland. That's not surprising considering that about two thirds of the country consists of alpine and sub-alpine areas. Its snow capped peaks, deep valleys, and high green meadows make it one of the world's most beautiful countries. I've gotten around quite a bit in Switzerland, mostly by rail - which is the best method of travel. The trains are modern, clean, and very punctual. They also allow you to take in the majestic scenery without having to worry about keeping your eyes on the road as [View Full Entry]

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