Seattle

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. As a customer asks to purchase a fresh fish of a certain size, one man selects a fish from the barrel of ice, throws it to the weigher who is positioned in front of him, who in turn calls out the weight and throws it expertly to the wrapper who packages it and hands it to the customer. It is not unusual to see huge tubs of Alaskan salmon, king crab legs, and Dungeness crab awaiting this process in the market. The old fishing village of Ballard sits on the locks. 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.

Bahía de Caráquez

Cape Town

With the skyline dominated by the majestic bulk of Table Mountain, and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the feel of this city, is of a people looking to the future.

Toronto

Toronto is a city rich in history; yet, it is also a city that never grows old.  Canada’s most cosmopolitan city is the cultural heart of south central Ontario and of English-speaking Canada.     One of the greatest benefits of living in or visiting Toronto is its location.  From the United States, it is just a 90-minute drive along the Queen Elizabeth Way. Weather-wise, the location is ideal.  Toronto is situated on beautiful Lake Ontario.  A walk along the waterfront leads to beaches, marinas, boating facilities, parkland, bike trails, and tennis courts. The lake’s influence keeps the winters in Toronto from being severe.      The heart of the city is adorned with millions of plants and trees.  It is also filled with galleries, museums, restaurants, music halls, theaters and sports facilities.  Toronto is the economic capital of Canada, with all major banks and most corporations headquartered there as well as a Stock Exchange.   The city has been called the Hollywood of the North because of the number of movies and television shows that are filmed within it.  The retail sector is enormous, with major shopping centers, both in malls and in every neighborhood.     Recreation is never hard to find in Toronto.  There are miles of paths for hiking and bicycle riding, easy access to golf, tennis and swimming in summer and to skiing and ice skating in winter. There are over 2,000 public parks and gardens as well as secluded woodland nature reserves to explore.

Singapore

Though physically small, Singapore is an economic giant. It has been Southeast Asia’s most modern city for over a century. The city blends Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and English cultures and religions. Its unique ethnic tapestry affords visitors a wide array of sightseeing and culinary opportunities from which to choose. A full calendar of traditional festivals and holidays celebrated throughout the year adds to its cultural appeal. In addition, Singapore offers luxury hotels, delectable cuisine and great shopping! The island nation of the Republic of Singapore lies one degree north of the Equator in Southern Asia. The country includes the island of Singapore and 58 or so smaller islands. Because of its efficient and determined government, Singapore has become a flourishing country that excels in trade and tourism and is a model to developing nations. The capital city, also called Singapore, covers about a third of the area of the main island. Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore’s tropical climate welcomes both leisure and business travelers year round. The island republic’s excellent infrastructure enables visitors to enjoy its many sites and attractions in a safe, clean and green environment. Award winning Changi Airport provides airlinks to major cities around the world. The train and subway systems are clean, fast and efficient. In addition, its state-of-the-art cruise terminal has established Singapore as one of the premier cruising centers of South East Asia and an exciting port of call on any Asian cruise itinerary.

Malmö