http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/The-GlobeTrekker/ Travel adventures in journals and photos from The GlobeTrekker en-us Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:10:58 +0000 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:10:58 +0000 Situated along the eastern edge of the Indochinese peninsula Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. This Sshaped 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 itrsquos a destination attracting millions of visitors each year. Moreover http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/blog-401494.html 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 Australi http://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/New-Zealand/blog-380636.html 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 countryrsquos chief industry OIL. Kuwait takes its name from http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Kuwait/blog-305249.html Chile is a country occupying a long narrow strip of land in South America. Itrsquos squeezed between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The coastline extends for over 2700 miles and the country is never more than 110 miles in width. Located directly along the Pacific ldquoRing of Firerdquo Chile has around 2085 volcanoes 55 of which are active. Its unusual shape and vast leng http://www.travelblog.org/South-America/Chile/blog-273972.html 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 cityrsquos 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. http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/United-States/California/San-Francisco/blog-251438.html Montevideo is the largest city in Uruguay and also the nationrsquos capital. More than twice as large as any other city in the country it encompasses nearly 50 percent of Uruguayrsquos entire population. The city lies on the East bank of the Rio de la Plata and Buenos Aires Argentina is almost directly opposite on the West bank. In the mid18th century the Spanish Empire developed Monte http://www.travelblog.org/South-America/Uruguay/blog-220415.html 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 is http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/France/blog-216818.html Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the centre of government for the European Union. It's the countryrsquos largest city and brings in around six million visitors a year although 70 percent of these come for business. The city is divided into the two main areas of Lower Town and Upper Town.The Lower Town is centered around the Grand Place and is considered the heart of the city. It http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Belgium/blog-216826.html 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 vil http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Netherlands/blog-212937.html Just as France has Paris and America has New York City England is known for the city of London. Identifiable throughout the world as one of the most fashionable places to shop it's also home to some of the best theatrical plays. London has much to offer the tourist seeking excitement. No matter what your interests they can be found here. Running roughly west to east the Thames River divide http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/United-Kingdom/England/blog-197817.html 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 http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Hong-Kong/blog-162106.html When looking at an overall map of Europe you'd probably skip right over the tiny landlocked country of Liechtenstein. Bordered by Switzerland to the West and Austria to the East it's one of the smallest independent sovereign states in Europe. The country is only about 16 miles long and 4 miles wide. From Zurich Switzerland I chose to take a day trip to the capital city of Vaduz. It's really http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Liechtenstein/blog-150971.html Sydney is Australia's oldest and largest city. Although not the capital it is home to more than four million people. Located on the eastern coastline of Australia Sydney spans a distance of 1430 square miles. Sydney has one of the world's most cosmopolitan societies as the population consists of immigrants from many nations. A popular city with much to see Sydney's loca http://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/blog-116162.html The country of Japan is an archipelago that lies just east of mainland Asia. It's a nation made up of four main islands and several thousand smaller isles. The geographical location is just along the Pacific Ring of Fire which is an area prone to frequent earthquakes. There are approximately 60 active volcanos including Mt. Fuji which is the country's highest peak. Most of Japan is mo http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Japan/blog-115999.html 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 subalpine 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 i http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Switzerland/blog-112247.html A country located in the heart of Southeast Asia Thailand has a complex physical geography. Most of the country's population lives in the central plains and the capital Bangkok. The Northwest and the border with Burma is mountainous while the Northeast is flat and arid. Thailand's Southern Peninsula consists of mulitiple islands and some of the world's most beautiful beaches. http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Thailand/blog-103959.html Well known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world it definitely lives up to it's reputation. With it's deep history and amazing architecture few cities come close to this centrally located capital of the Czech Republic. The Vltava River runs through the center of Prague and is crossed by many bridges. The most famous being Karluv Most or Charles Bridge which is the city's most po http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Czech-Republic/blog-96962.html For centuries Buenos Aires has been the gateway to Argentina. As the countryrsquos capital and largest city it lies on the southern shore of the Rio de la Plata. Knick named the Paris of South America its rich European flavor is evident in the culture as well as the architecture. The locals are frequently regarded as some of the most beautiful people in the world. The Portenos Bueno http://www.travelblog.org/South-America/Argentina/blog-162109.html