A visit to Seattle creates a mosaic of colorful impressions that shimmer in the imagination long after the visit ends.  Seattle is the Emerald City. Its greenness stems from its abundant rainfall, which encourages the growth of lush vegetation, and also from its reflection in the clear blue/green waters of the Puget Sound. Mt. Ranier looks down on Seattle from its majestic heights.  Driving through Seattle on a clear day has been compared to floating on a cloud in an emerald sky.

From the dining room atop the Space Needle, a meal can be enjoyed along with a panoramic view of the whole city. Pike Street Market is a medley of fresh fish, fruit, vegetable and flower shops right on the water.  Sitting at a sidewalk café, one can watch the men who work in the fish markets throwing the fish from back to front.  It is not unusual to see huge tubs of Alaskan salmon, king crab legs, and Dungeness crab awaiting this process in the market. Relax for a while and watch the ships go from Lake Union to the Puget Sound.  A short drive north of Ballard leads to the Woodland Park zoo. It is a distinct pleasure to stroll through the acres of well-kept grounds and to watch the animals enjoying their spacious natural habitats.

With the skyline dominated by the majestic bulk of Table Mountain, and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, South Africa truly is a great place to visit with endless sights and activities to explore. Almost anything is possible in Cape Town; from guided tours, to fine dining, and clubbing to exploring the natural beauty surrounding the city. If your time is limited, taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain is a must. For beaches and swimming, head to False Bay for the warmest waters and whitest sands. For a Cape-Town cultural experience, check out Bo-Kaap, a colourful neighbourhood located in the south-west end of the city on a hill. Here you will find vibrant buildings, charming streets, mosques, and scenic views over the city. Lovers of wine, tour the Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.

Canada’s most cosmopolitan city is situated on beautiful Lake Ontario, and is the cultural heart of south central Ontario and of English-speaking Canada.  A walk along the waterfront leads to beaches, marinas, boating facilities, parkland, bike trails, and tennis courts. The heart of the city is adorned with millions of plants and trees. The city has been called the Hollywood of the North because of the number of movies and television shows that are filmed within the city. The retail sector is enormous, with many major shopping centers in and around the city. For the finest retail and boutique shopping head to Bloor Street and Yorkville to be among the rich and trendy. To be a total tourist, take a trip up the CN Tower and stand on the glass floor. To see the historic side of the city, check out the St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery District, just east of the financial district. Here you will find art galleries, pubs, fine dining, bars, and unique interior décor shops. There are also miles of paths for running and biking, easy access to golf, tennis and swimming in summer and to skiing and ice skating in winter. 

One of Asia’s busiest cities, Singapore has blossomed from a tiny outpost in the British Empire to a thriving cosmopolitan center.  Many visit it for the shopping alone – it feels like the malls go on for miles – though the Bugis district is a more interesting shop both for what’s on offer as well as the historic setting.  Other popular activities include a visit to Chinatown to sample food and soak up the atmosphere.  If Chinatown doesn’t do it for you, there’s also Little India, with markets and more tasty food.  Evenings are perfect for admiring the views on the Singapore River – despite the glittering modern architecture you’ll still find a sign on the Cavenagh Bridge advising that cattle are not allowed to cross. If you can spare the time, take a bus/ferry to some of the nearby islands or smaller colonial towns to get a feel of what life was like here before capitalism took hold.