Five places to visit is a tricky one, because a lot of depends on what you enjoy seeing.
Off the top of my head, I'd say: Sydney: okay, so I live here, so it feels like cheating, but I feel that it's culturally close enough for most North Americans to feel at home and yet also be challenged. And yes, the UK is closer, but I feel like Australia is more relaxed.
Also, once you're down here in Sydney, you might as well go around the place because you've come this far, what's a little further? ;)
Hong Kong: melting pot, a taste of Asia. A bit of a challenge for those used to western countries but in spite of the crush and the language barrier also has a fairly familiar feel to it. Eat out lots, try things you wouldn't have otherwise tried, use the public transport system - yes, even the small buses! I mean, it'll be a challenge with the language, but it's really kind of fascinating, too!
Istanbul: This is the 'really foreign' place that I would recommend. It's both 'east meets west' but also entirely its own thing. There's the 'old town' which I suggest staying in so you can walk around the old town and up to the scenic spaces - it's a bit like an American road motel, I think - and you can travel over to the new town where there's shopping and fusion eating and stuff. Plus, the history! THE HISTORY!
Venice: it's mostly a tourist town, yes. But go and look at the smaller museums, take a historical tour, sit in the gardens in the summer, drink a proper espresso (black, no sugar) with a small post-lunch sweet. Does involve a lot of walking. Venice was once a crossroads of trade and wealth and it's history is amazing. I really want to go back someday with friends.
The Isle Of Skye: so, my parents dragged me along here ("dragged") in October 2022, and while it was cold and much quieter, it was also beautiful and rambling. There aren't really any cities on the Isle, just towns, and you want to keep an eye on your fuel gauge (and drive a 4WD - the stepdad got a low-slung Mercedes for about 60% of the price of a 4WD, but then we bust a couple of tires on a series of potholes and ended up having to be towed). IoS is at once a beautiful and forlorn space, and a little bit fey, if you know what I mean.
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Off the top of my head, I'd say:
Sydney: okay, so I live here, so it feels like cheating, but I feel that it's culturally close enough for most North Americans to feel at home and yet also be challenged. And yes, the UK is closer, but I feel like Australia is more relaxed.
Also, once you're down here in Sydney, you might as well go around the place because you've come this far, what's a little further? ;)
Hong Kong: melting pot, a taste of Asia. A bit of a challenge for those used to western countries but in spite of the crush and the language barrier also has a fairly familiar feel to it. Eat out lots, try things you wouldn't have otherwise tried, use the public transport system - yes, even the small buses! I mean, it'll be a challenge with the language, but it's really kind of fascinating, too!
Istanbul: This is the 'really foreign' place that I would recommend. It's both 'east meets west' but also entirely its own thing. There's the 'old town' which I suggest staying in so you can walk around the old town and up to the scenic spaces - it's a bit like an American road motel, I think - and you can travel over to the new town where there's shopping and fusion eating and stuff. Plus, the history! THE HISTORY!
Venice: it's mostly a tourist town, yes. But go and look at the smaller museums, take a historical tour, sit in the gardens in the summer, drink a proper espresso (black, no sugar) with a small post-lunch sweet. Does involve a lot of walking. Venice was once a crossroads of trade and wealth and it's history is amazing. I really want to go back someday with friends.
The Isle Of Skye: so, my parents dragged me along here ("dragged") in October 2022, and while it was cold and much quieter, it was also beautiful and rambling. There aren't really any cities on the Isle, just towns, and you want to keep an eye on your fuel gauge (and drive a 4WD - the stepdad got a low-slung Mercedes for about 60% of the price of a 4WD, but then we bust a couple of tires on a series of potholes and ended up having to be towed). IoS is at once a beautiful and forlorn space, and a little bit fey, if you know what I mean.