Ranking cities based on beauty can be challenging. Travellers may prefer exploring ancient wonders and museums or being captivated by modern skylines and architecture. Still, there are many beautiful cities in the world.
While personal preferences vary, some cities stand out for their exceptional beauty due to historical charm or natural surroundings. These cities should be on everyone’s bucket list. If you enjoy urban pleasures, here are my top 10 favourite cities in the world (though this list is not exhaustive).
1. Cape Town (South Africa)
Cape Town, South Africa, is a stunning city with some of the world’s most amazing beaches, beautiful mountains, and picturesque vineyard-covered hills.
It offers spectacular drives and a lot of trendy bars and fine-dining restaurants. The city is renowned for its exceptional accommodations and world-class service, making it a top-notch destination.
Visitors often find Cape Town to be a picture-perfect city and a place they want to return to. The best time to visit is during the hot, dry summer months from late October to March or April, with peak temperatures in December to February, ideal for a beach holiday.
2. Vancouver (Canada)
Vancouver, situated between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is a unique combination of languages, customs, beliefs, art forms, music, dance, storytelling, traditional practices, and knowledge systems that have been passed down through generations.
It boasts natural beauty, with spectacular mountains, wildlife-filled waters, and lush rainforests. The city itself is adorned with ultramodern glass skyscrapers reflecting the stunning surroundings. Vancouver’s friendly residents contribute to a relaxed atmosphere, making it an incredible destination, provided it’s not raining.
For the best weather, plan your visit between June and September, as Vancouver tends to experience significant rainfall in autumn, winter, and spring.
3. New York (USA)
New York City, known as “The Big Apple,” is the ultimate cosmopolitan destination, symbolising the epitome of urban living. It offers unparalleled experiences, from exploring world-class museums and indulging in extensive shopping to attending top-notch performances and facing tough choices in the diverse dining scene. While New York can be expensive for visitors, there are also numerous free activities to enjoy.
The best time to visit is flexible, as each season in the city provides compelling reasons to explore. Early fall brings crisp breezes and comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal time to visit.
Winter offers better hotel rates, despite the cold. Spring is delightful, with New Yorkers celebrating the thaw by engaging in outdoor activities. Summer, however, can be intensely hot; for that, you could avoid July and August.
4. Rome (Italy)
Rome, situated on seven hills with a view of the Tiber River, is a city rich in ancient monuments, showcasing grand classical architecture amidst some of the world’s most beautiful squares and avenues. While famous landmarks like Vatican City, the Colosseum, and Piazza Navona attract visitors, exploring the lesser-known Trastevere district is a must. Trastevere is filled with faded palaces, charming streets, and homes adorned with flower boxes.
The best times to visit Rome are spring (April to June) and autumn (late September to October), offering mild temperatures, sunny days, and fewer crowds. Summer sees an influx of visitors and uncomfortably hot weather, while winters can be surprisingly cold, wet, and grey.
5. San Francisco (USA)
San Francisco, often called the Bay City, is cherished by its residents for its breathtaking setting, boasting one of the world’s most stunning bays. With its artsy, bohemian vibe, the city features 43 hills ranging from 200 to 938 feet, providing spectacular views.
Key attractions include iconic cable cars, magnificent bridges, the notorious Alcatraz, the foodie haven Ferry Building, and the lively sea lions at Pier 39. Exploring this magnificent city is best done on a bike.
The optimal time to visit San Francisco is in the autumn (September to November), which offers warm temperatures and sunny days. Spring is also favourable, although breezes may have a bit more chill.
Summer experiences a surge in tourism but is not ideal due to frequent fog, making days chilly and views obscured. Winter brings rain and cold temperatures, despite being in California.
6. Rio De Janeiro (Brazil)
According to a Brazilian saying, “God made the world in six days; the seventh he devoted to Rio.” Rio de Janeiro, home of Samba and the Caipirinha cocktail, is endowed with one of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful settings.
Visitors standing by the Corcovado statue or atop Sugarloaf Mountain are treated to an exciting panorama where the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean meets the bright white sandy beaches and lush green tropical vegetation. Locals fondly refer to it as “the marvellous city.”
The optimal time to visit Rio de Janeiro is during the spring months of September and October, which offer dry, sunny, and warm weather. Summers are hot with frequent rainfall, making it suitable for attending the New Year’s Eve celebrations on Copacabana Beach or the legendary carnival celebrations in February. Winters are colder but mostly dry and sunny, though the beach may be off-limits on some days.
7. Paris (France)
Paris, with its monumental squares, ancient churches, renowned boulevards, the romantic Seine, and charming Montmartre streets, stands out as the most glamorous and elegant city.
The City of Light has been an inspiration for painters, sculptors, writers, poets, and composers, influencing major world capitals, each claiming its own version of the Champs-Elysées. Cruising the Seine or enjoying a café terrace view reveals why Paris captivates so many with its beauty.
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The best times to visit Paris are in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). Recent years have witnessed extreme temperatures in both summer and winter, possibly due to global warming. High temperatures, coupled with air pollution, make summer visits to Paris uncomfortable.
8. Hong Kong (China)
Undoubtedly, Hong Kong, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Orient,” is one of the world’s most photographed and stunning city skylines. The combination of towering skyscrapers and futuristic buildings against a lush mountain backdrop creates an unparalleled urban scenery.
Beyond its skyline, Hong Kong is well known for its vibrant lifestyle, friendly locals, splendid harbour, extensive shopping options, and a wide range of restaurants and cuisines.
The best time to visit is from the middle of September to the end of February, just to enjoy a mild climate with warm and sunny days. From May to mid-September, the weather can be hot, wet, and humid, with August being the wettest month and the peak of the typhoon season.
9. Prague (Czech Republic)
Prague, often called “the city of the thousand spires,” is known for its well-preserved historical monuments spanning various periods. The city’s most famous attractions include the elegant Charles Bridge, picturesque Old Town Square, and the impressive Prague Castle, all connected by cobblestone streets and atmospheric alleyways that enhance the overall charm.
A good time to visit Prague is during the spring and fall, when the skies are clear, temperatures are mild, and there are fewer tourists. Summer months can be hot but manageable; however, it’s the high season, leading to skyrocketing hotel rates. For a unique experience of a snow-covered Prague without crowds, consider a romantic winter trip.
10. Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
Amsterdam, with its main canals adorned by thousands of buildings, treats each structure as a monument meticulously repurposed as apartments, offices, cafés, restaurants, or even brothels. This collective architectural diversity contributes to the city’s aesthetic uniformity, making Amsterdam one of the most beautiful cities globally.
It features a charming interplay of bridges and canals, picturesque cobbled streets, elegant architecture, and a multitude of bicycles. Standout attractions include the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the iconic Anne Frank House.
For the best experience, plan your visit to Amsterdam between April and May (spring) or September through November (autumn), just before or after the peak summer tourist season. This allows you to avoid crowds, enjoy milder temperatures (given the city’s unpredictable weather), and immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s laid-back ambience, as the locals do.
Now that we have explored these beautiful cities, take your time to plan out which to visit first and when to visit. If you experience travel anxiety, you will find this article helpful.
Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, a 90-year-old musician, is currently trending on social media. This is because a comedian named Brain Jotter used Ejeagha’s 1983 song ‘Ka Eşi Le Onye Isi Oche‘ in a video that went viral.
Many young people on social media might only know Ejeagha from the “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” part of this song. However, there’s much more to know about this legendary Highlife musician who was very famous in South Eastern Nigeria.
He comes from Imezi Owa, which is in the Eziagu Local Government area of Enugu State. In an interview from 2009, Ejeagha explained that people started calling him “Gentleman” because of how nicely he behaved and treated others.
Ejeagha’s love for music started when he was very young. He was part of an Ogene group (a traditional musical group) when he was in elementary school. He became interested in playing the guitar after watching two musicians named Moses Aduba (also known as Moscow) and Cyprian Uzochiawa play at the Coal Camp in Enugu. Ejeagha learned how to play guitar from these two musicians.
After Ejeagha became good at playing the guitar, he formed his own band in 1950. He called it “Mike Ejeagha and Merry-makers.” Ejeagha’s fame started to grow when Atu Ona, who was in charge of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS), invited him for an audition. After the audition, Ona gave Ejeagha a radio program called Guitar Playtime. This allowed Ejeagha to play music on the radio and produce musical programs. Later, Ejeagha formed a bigger group called the “Premier Dance Band.“
Ejeagha became even more famous after the Nigerian Civil War. He recorded an album called ‘Omekagu’ with Polygram Records (which was later called Phillips Records). Ejeagha was then invited by the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), which is now called Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS), to do a weekly program. In this program, called ‘Akuko n’egwu’ (which means “storytelling in music”), Ejeagha would share a new folktale every week.
Ejeagha is famous for his Igbo folk music.
In his songs, he tells stories that have social, cultural, historical, and moral messages. His music is full of idioms, proverbs, and folktales. This style made him one of the most popular Igbo folk and Highlife artists in Nigerian history.
Ejeagha is said to have recorded 33 albums during his career. One of his classic songs is ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’, which recently became popular again. This song is a folklore story about how clever the Tortoise is and how strong the Elephant is.
Many people have praised Ejeagha for his impact on Igbo folklore music. His legacy continues to be important today. In March 2023, a writer named Chimezie Chika called Gentleman Mike Ejeagha the “grandfather of modern Igbo folk music.”
In 2022, there were plans to make a documentary film about Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s life. Michael Chineme Ike was supposed to direct it, and Micstreams Productions was going to produce it. After Ejeagha’s song became popular again recently, fans became interested in this documentary. However, the director, Michael Chineme Ike, said that they couldn’t make the documentary because they didn’t have enough money.
The recent popularity of Ejeagha’s song ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’ gives people a chance to celebrate Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s legacy. It also shows how his music has affected Igbo folk music across different generations. This renewed interest in his work highlights the enduring power of traditional music and storytelling in Nigerian culture.
Fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus, can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination. While surgery can be an effective way to remove fibroids and alleviate these symptoms, there’s a chance they might return in some women. This can be frustrating and raise concerns about future treatment options.
Let’s delve into the reasons why fibroids might regrow after surgery and what you can do about it.
Understanding Fibroid Formation
Before we explore regrowth, it’s important to understand how fibroids develop in the first place. The exact cause remains unknown, but certain factors are believed to play a role:
Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that stimulate the growth of the uterine lining during a menstrual cycle. Fibroids are more likely to develop during childbearing years when these hormones are at their peak.
Genetics: If a close relative (mother, sister) has had fibroids, you have a higher risk of developing them as well.
Other factors: Obesity, Vitamin D deficiency, and early menstruation might also be contributing factors.
Why Do Fibroids Regrow After Surgery?
There isn’t a single answer to this question. Here are some reasons why fibroids might reappear after surgery:
Microscopic remnants: During surgery, the goal is to remove all fibroid tissue. However, microscopic fibroid cells might remain undetected and can potentially grow into new fibroids over time. The likelihood of this happening increases with the number of fibroids present initially and the complexity of the surgery.
Hormonal influence: Even after fibroid removal, the underlying hormonal environment that promotes fibroid growth might still be present. Estrogen dominance or fluctuations in hormone levels can trigger the growth of new fibroids.
Unknown underlying cause: In some cases, the exact reason why fibroids develop is unknown. Without addressing the root cause, new fibroids might form despite surgery.
Fibroids Surgery and Regrowth Risk
The type of surgery performed for fibroid removal can influence the risk of regrowth:
Myomectomy: This surgery removes the fibroids while preserving the uterus. It’s a good option for women who want to get pregnant in the future. However, there’s a higher chance of fibroids returning compared to a hysterectomy, as some microscopic fibroid cells might remain.
Hysterectomy: This surgery removes the entire uterus, eliminating the source of fibroid growth altogether. The risk of regrowth is very low with a hysterectomy, but it’s not an option for women who desire future pregnancies.
Reducing the Risk of Regrowth
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent fibroid regrowth after surgery, some strategies might help minimize the risk:
Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of fibroids. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) can help regulate hormones and potentially reduce the risk of new fibroid development.
Hormonal management: If hormonal factors contribute to your fibroids, your doctor might recommend medications like GnRH agonists or birth control pills to regulate hormone levels and potentially reduce the risk of regrowth.
Minimally invasive surgery: When possible, opting for minimally invasive surgical techniques like laparoscopic myomectomy might decrease the risk of microscopic leftover cells compared to traditional open surgeries.
What to Do if You Experience Regrowth:
If you experience symptoms that suggest fibroid regrowth after surgery, talk to your doctor. They can perform a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or MRI scan to confirm the presence of new fibroids.
Based on the size, location, and severity of your symptoms, your doctor will discuss treatment options which might include:
Monitoring: If the fibroids are small and not causing significant symptoms, your doctor might recommend monitoring them through regular checkups to see if they grow.
Medication: Hormone therapy or medications that shrink fibroids might be options depending on your individual situation.
Repeat Surgery: In some cases, another surgery might be necessary to remove the new fibroids. The type of surgery will depend on various factors like your medical history and the location of the new fibroids.
Other Procedures: Procedures like uterine artery embolization (UAE) that block blood flow to fibroids, or ablation techniques that destroy fibroid tissue with heat or radiofrequency energy, might be considered depending on the specific situation.
Living with Fibroids Before and After Surgery
Fibroids are a common condition, and you’re not alone. Remember, even if fibroids return after surgery, there are treatment options available. Open communication with your doctor is key to managing fibroids and living a healthy life.
Twerking. The word itself might conjure up images of energetic dance moves or music videos. But did you know that twerking offers a surprising range of benefits beyond just being a fun way to move your body?
This dynamic dance style, which often entails hip shakes, squats, and isolations, can actually be a powerful tool for improving your physical and mental well-being.
Here are 5 surprising benefits of twerking that might make you reconsider this popular dance move:
1. Build Strength and Tone Muscles
Twerking isn’t just about shaking – it’s a workout in disguise! Here’s how it breaks down:
Core engagement: Many twerking moves require you to tighten your abdominal muscles to maintain control and stability. This constant core engagement strengthens your core muscles, leading to better posture and improved balance. Think of it as a dynamic plank that works your abs from multiple angles.
Lower body last: Squats, lunges, and hip thrusts are all common twerking elements. These moves are like a targeted workout for your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves, sculpting and toning your lower body. The fast, repetitive nature of twerking intensifies the effect, giving you a sculpted, toned backside.
Upper body activation: While the focus is on your core and lower body, twerking also involves arm movements for balance and expression. These movements can help strengthen your arms and shoulders, especially when incorporating arm pops, chest pops, and isolations into your routine.
2. Boost Cardiovascular Health
You think twerking isn’t intense enough to get your heart rate up? Think again! The fast-paced movements and constant body movement can give your cardiovascular system a workout similar to low-impact cardio exercises like brisk walking or jogging. Here’s how it benefits your heart:
Increased heart rate: Twerking elevates your heart rate, which is essential for cardiovascular health. This helps improve blood circulation, oxygen delivery to your muscles, and overall fitness. As you get better at twerking and can sustain the moves for longer durations, the intensity increases, further boosting your cardiovascular health.
Improved endurance: As you get used to twerking, your stamina will increase. This allows you to dance for longer periods and potentially translates to better endurance in other activities, whether it’s climbing stairs, running errands, or participating in other sports.
Calorie burning: Twerking is a dynamic exercise that burns calories. The exact number depends on factors like intensity, duration, and body weight, but it can be a great way to add some calorie-burning fun to your routine. Depending on the intensity of your twerking session, it can burn anywhere from 400 to 600 calories per hour.
3. Enhance Flexibility and Coordination
Twerking requires a good range of motion in your hips, knees, and ankles. It improves flexibility and coordination through:
Increased range of motion: The various movements involved in twerking help stretch and lengthen your muscles, increasing your overall flexibility. This improved flexibility can benefit your posture, reduce your risk of injuries, and even improve your performance in other physical activities.
Improved coordination: Twerking requires you to coordinate different parts of your body – your core, legs, and arms – all while moving to the rhythm. This improves your overall coordination and body awareness. As you master different twerking moves, the complexity increases, further refining your ability to coordinate your movements.
4. Build Confidence and Self-Esteem
Twerking isn’t just about physical benefits; it can also have a significant impact on your mental well-being. It can boost your confidence and self-esteem with:
Body positivity: Learning to twerk and move your body with confidence can be a powerful way to embrace your body and appreciate its unique abilities. Twerking can be a form of self-acceptance, regardless of your body shape or size. As you master the moves and feel comfortable expressing yourself through dance, you develop a newfound appreciation for your body’s capabilities.
Stress relief: Getting lost in the rhythm of the music and the joy of movement can be a great way to de-stress and clear your mind. The repetitive nature of twerking can be almost meditative, allowing you to focus on the present moment and let go of daily worries.
Empowerment: Twerking can be a form of self-expression and a celebration of your femininity or masculinity. It allows you to own your body and express yourself confidently. Whether you’re dancing alone in your room or letting loose with friends, twerking can be a powerful way to tap into your inner strength and feel empowered.
5. Connect with Others and Have Fun
Twerking isn’t just a solo activity; it can be a fun way to connect with others and enjoy yourselves together. A few ways it can boost your social life are through:
Group classes: Join a twerking class. These classes offer a fun and social environment where you can learn new moves, share laughs, and bond with others who share your passion for dance. It’s a great way to meet new people and expand your social circle, all while learning a new skill.
Confidence booster: Mastering new twerking skills can be a confidence booster. As you get better at the moves and feel comfortable expressing yourself through dance, you’ll likely feel more comfortable expressing yourself in social situations in general. This newfound confidence can translate to other areas of your life, making you feel more outgoing and willing to put yourself out there.
Pure fun: Above all else, twerking is simply fun! It’s a way to let loose, move your body to the rhythm of the music, and forget about your worries for a while. Whether you’re dancing with friends at a party or letting loose in your living room, twerking can be a great way to de-stress, have a good laugh, and simply enjoy yourself.
So next time you hear a song with a great beat, don’t be afraid to shake it out! Twerking can be a surprisingly beneficial addition to your fitness routine, improve your mental well-being, and even become a fun social activity.
Important Note:
Always listen to your body and consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions. It’s important to exercise safely and ensure twerking is a healthy addition to your routine.
