Šiauliai, often referred to as the "City of the Sun" due to its high number of sunny days, is a vibrant gem in northern Lithuania. The city's most iconic landmark is the Hill of Crosses, a profound site of pilgrimage adorned with thousands of crosses placed by visitors over the decades. This unique and moving monument, which has been recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance, symbolizes the resilience and spirit of the Lithuanian people.
Padua, a hidden gem in Northern Italy’s Veneto region, is a city where medieval splendor meets a vibrant modern atmosphere. Known for its ancient university, founded in 1222, Padua is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, having nurtured the minds of great scholars like Galileo Galilei.
Galveston, Texas, a charming island city along the Gulf Coast, is a delightful blend of history, culture, and seaside leisure. Known for its Victorian architecture and sun-soaked beaches, Galveston offers a rich array of experiences for visitors. The Historic Strand District, with its 19th-century buildings housing shops, galleries, and restaurants, takes visitors back in time to an era of bustling port trade and grand social affairs.
Iceland, a land of extraordinary contrasts and natural wonders, offers an experience unlike any other. Its dramatic landscapes are defined by active volcanoes, geysers, and sprawling glaciers, all set against a backdrop of ethereal Northern Lights. A must-see is the Golden Circle, a popular route encompassing the Thingvellir National Park, the geothermal area of Geysir, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall.
Sri Lanka is an island republic in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of India. Sri Lanka is separated from India by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. The capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayavardhanapura (Kotte); and Colombo is the largest city. Sri Lanka's coast is indented by lagoons and inlets.
Durban is a big subtropical city in the north-eastern province of KwaZulu/Natal. It has been a major port since the 1850s and is home to the largest concentration of Indian-descended people in the country - Mohandas Gandhi arrived here as an indentured labourer in 1893. Today the city is better known as a holiday-makers' fun parlour with a happening nightlife. The weather (and the water, thanks to the Agulhas current) stays warm year-round drawing the crowds to Durban's long string of surf beaches.
Apart from the sandy strip, 'Durbs' has a fair bit to offer. The impressive city hall houses an art gallery which has a good collection of contemporary South African works and a patchy natural science museum. Also in the city centre, the local history museum has interesting displays on colonial life and the African Art Centre features exciting work by rural artists. The Indian area, to the west of the city centre, has a bustle and vibrancy that's missing from most commercial districts in South Africa. The Victoria Street Market is the area's focus, but other must sees are the Juma Mosque, the largest in the southern hemisphere, and the Alayam Hindu Temple, South Africa's oldest and biggest.