Barcelona - We visited Spain 2 years ago - spent a week between Madrid and Barcelona. Barcelona was definitely my favorite. This city has the Spanish 'flavor' that I was looking for. From Las Ramblas - the main pedestrian walkway through the heart of the gothic quarter, to La Sagrada Familia - the yet-to-be-finished church designed by Antoni Gaudi, this is a beautiful city. We visited several of Gaudi's architectural masterpieces - La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and the strangely fascinating Casa Batllo with its dragon skin exterior. And the food, and the sangria!
Beaufort, South Carolina – Twice I've lived in this area - bootcamp on Parris Island (an experience that changed me forever), and again for my specialized Avionics traning. This is a beautiful community, celebrating its 300th birthday next year. Beaufort is in the heart of low-country, and the varied cuisine is outstanding! The historic antebellum architecture has brought many film companies to town – great films like Forrest Gump, The Great Santini, The Big Chill, GI Jane, and Platoon. Beaufort also has a strong military culture and is home to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, and a US Naval hospital. Their pride in country and military is very evident.
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles – this is part of the ‘ABC’ islands in the southern Caribbean - Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao. I haven’t been yet, but it is known for incredible diving. In fact, that is the major tourist draw, and the communities have embraced that and really cater to the dive community.
Bratislava, Slovakia – this is now the capital of Slovakia, although when I visited, it was still a small city in what was Czechoslovakia. Bratislava sits just over the border from Vienna Austria. When I lived in Vienna, we took a day trip for lunch and shopping. At that time (1990), Bratislava was just beginning its recovery after the fall of Communism. What I remember most was that the city was very gray – the buildings, the streets, the people. They were struggling to survive, and welcomed the Viennese and American tourists and our money. Since then, the city has flourished. In 1993 it become the Capital of the Slovak Republic.
Boston – we all know about the baked beans, baseball, historic tea party, Harvard, etc. What I really want to do, someday, is visit on the 4th of July. For years I have watched the Boston Pops and their 4th of July concert on PBS. The moment that I would love to experience in person is the performance of the 1812 Overture, with the canons, bells, and fireworks.
Burbank, California – again, for my Disney friends, this is probably quite obvious. Burbank is home to the Disney Studios. Twice I’ve visited the Studios, and hope to again someday. In addition to the Disney Studios, you’ve got all the other major studios located here. Burbank is also home to the oldest remaining Bob's Big Boy in America, opened in 1949. I had dinner here in July, and it was like stepping back in time. And the food was great!
Belize – this small country sits on the eastern coast of the Central American coastline facing the Caribbean Sea. Not only does it have spectacular beaches and barrier reef, you can also visit a lush tropical rainforest and ruins of the Ancient Maya.
Bolivia – not sure I want to visit this country, but I have to mention it because it was a hideaway for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (one of my favorite movies)
Belgium – ok, this is all about the chocolate! They are known for many other things – beer, waffles, and french fries (that’s right – fries didn’t come from the French). But the chocolate that this country produces is among the finest in the world. From Guylian to Leonidas - Belgian chocolate is considered to be the gourmet standard by which all other chocolate confections are measured.
I'm so stealing this idea for my blog. Thanks for the great idea!
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