Sapporo, (säp-pô´rô), capital of Hokkaido prefecture, SW Hokkaido, Japan. One of Japan's most rapidly growing urban centers, Sapporo is famous for its annual snow festival. It was the site of the 1972 winter Olympics.
A series of gates surrounds the two centers of ancient, medieval Fez (sometimes spelled Fes). The principal axes link the center to the gates and a street surrounds the heart of the old city. The Kairouan quarter, which is longer, is crossed by an artery. Narrow, tortuous pedestrian streets, covered passages, stairs and numerous dead-ends make up the dense layout with few urban squares.
Antananarivo, Madagascar’s vibrant capital, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and historical depth. Perched on a series of hills, the city’s layout is characterized by its steep streets and traditional architecture. The Royal Palace, or Rova of Antananarivo, is a central landmark, offering a glimpse into Madagascar's royal past. Although much of the palace was destroyed by fire in 1995, the site remains a significant cultural and historical monument.
A true gem on the Caribbean coast, the port city of Cartagena (Cartagena de Indias) welcomes visitors with its charming old town, colonial buildings, and exceptional beaches. A popular cruise ship stop, many seafarers find themselves honorary Cartagenans, as they stroll shady, cobblestone lanes and gaze upon impressive churches.
Sousse, a sun-soaked jewel along Tunisia's central coast, offers a blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and Mediterranean charm. Known as the "Pearl of the Sahel," this city has drawn travelers for centuries with its warm sands, azure waters, and rich heritage.
One of the Caribbean's most lively islands, Guadeloupe will charm you with its impressive dormant volcano, stunning tropical forests, and French ambience. Actually composed of two islands, Grand Terre and Basse Terre, Guadeloupe has the honor of hosting one of France's seven Parcs National. Don't miss a chance to try Guadeloupe's famous Creole cuisine.
Center of the Caribbean's Creole culture, boasting a spirited blend of French and African influences, this island archipelago remains largely provincial. It consists of two butterfly-shaped islands. The national emblem is the raccoon, which lives in the forests of Basse-Terre, and mongooses and agoutis are also common. About 334,000 people live on the twin islands, with offshore Marie-Galante the most populous of the surrounding islands with 13,000 people. The majority of the population is drawn from a combination of African, European and East Indian descent. Recently arrived French and those who can trace their ancestry to the early French settlers make up about a quarter of the population. Most visitors require a French entry visa.