Sapporo, (säp-pô´rô), capital of Hokkaido prefecture, SW Hokkaido, Japan. One of Japan's most rapidly growing urban centers, Sapporo is famous for its annual snow festival. It was the site of the 1972 winter Olympics.
La Jolla, California, is a coastal gem nestled within San Diego, renowned for its breathtaking cliffs, pristine beaches, and charming village atmosphere. One of the main draws is the La Jolla Cove, a picturesque spot that offers crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and spotting marine life, including the iconic California sea lions that sunbathe on the rocks.
Pilsen, located in the western part of the Czech Republic, is renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The city is best known as the birthplace of Pilsner beer, a name synonymous with the iconic pale lager that has become a global standard.
Quintana Roo, nestled on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is a paradise that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern luxury. The state is perhaps best known for its glittering beaches and turquoise waters, epitomized by destinations like Cancún and Playa del Carmen.
Astoria, Oregon is the state's oldest city. Located on the Columbia River near the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is rich in history, including fishing, canning and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
A visit to the Cook Islands is not complete without seeing the beautiful island of Aitutaki, 220 km north of Rarotonga and less than an hours flight away. Aitutaki is the second most visited of the magical Cook Islands and is recommended as a "must see" extension of any Rarotonga holiday. Day trips are also popular.
Partly volcanic and (in parts) of atoll origin, its highest hill, Maungapu (124 meters) is said to be the top of Rarotonga's Raemaru Peak brought back by victorious Aitutaki warriors. Its large and spectacular lagoon (45 kms round) teems with colored fish of many varieties and many small and charming uninhabited islands (motus), are sprinkled along the fringes of the outer lagoon. This is a place of great natural beauty and tranquility, where crystal clear waters and
swaying palms provide a simple tonic to sooth away the pressures of the outside world.
With the arrival of Reverend John Williams, Aitutaki became the first island to receive Christianity back in 1821. The first Polynesian explorer was Ru from Raiatea in the Society Islands, while Captain William Bligh of "Bounty" fame is credited with being the first European to sight the island in 1789. Aitutaki was also a favorite stop for whalers in the 1950's and in 1888 the British flag was raised and Aitutaki and Rarotonga were included in the boundaries of New Zealand.