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Sarah Clise has written 224 reviews in 37 countries.
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Christmas Markets in Vienna, Austria
Mulled wine and hot chestnuts seem to be the trademark of Christmas Markets worldwide, and Vienna’s are no exception. What began in the 13th century as a simple marketplace for Viennese vendors has grown and developed into a much-anticipated and magical tradition. There are four main Christmas market locales – Rasthauplatz, Schönbrunn (24 Nov – 26 Dec), Spittelberg (16 Nov – 23 Dec), Baroque Belevedere Palace (23 Nov – 24 Dec), and Maria Theresien Place (21 Nov – 24 Dec). Each exudes history and holiday spirit, with the beautiful architecture of Vienna serving as a backdrop for the festivities in the streets below. With the entire city adorning itself in Christmas decorations, it’s impossible to feel less than merry. |
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Squares, Streets & Urban Spaces in Beijing, China
Hutong Lanes are very narrow alleys originally built in the Zhou Dynasty to define both geographic and class boundaries within the city. Circular in pattern, the central hutong would surround the highest class homes and courtyards, eventually leading to lower class housing and industrial areas in the outer layers of the circle. As time passed, the order and well kept appearances the hutong gave way to more sloppy construction and lack of purpose or design. As a result, a variety of hutong in various stages of disrepair can be visited throughout Beijing |
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Medieval Towns in Bergen, Norway
The city of Bergen has existed for nearly a thousand years, since 1070. Its famous wharf, Bryggen, is a World Heritage site because of its well-preserved wooden buildings which have survived terrible fires throughout the centuries. The medieval structures were used to store goods in medieval times and were vital to the thriving trade industry. The nearby Hanseatic Museum illuminates Bergen’s vibrant history of a commerce-filled and sea-fairing medieval life. |
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Islands in India
Untouched by modern man until the late 1700s, the A & N Islands were home to prehistoric tribes, the descendents of whom still inhabit the islands to this day and remain largely cut off from the outside world. A diverse range of flora and fauna thrive in rainforests that cover the islands as well as in the coral reefs off the islands’ sandy shores, including the Coelacanth, long believed to be extinct. |
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Castles & Palaces in Eastern Finland, Finland
Olavinlinna, translated as St. Olaf’s Castle, was built as a Swedish defensive structure in 1475. Named after the patron saint of knights, it was taken over by Russia in 1743 but has belonged to Finland since the country gained autonomy and eventually independence from Russia. After such a tumultuous history, the medieval castle is now the venue of the highly anticipated Savonlinna Opera Festival every July. |
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