Top Ten Events To Attend In 2010
OK, I’m sure you won’t be able to visit all of the mentioned, but if you are planing a trip, maybe you’ll find something interesting here.
1. Istanbul, Turkey, European Cultural Capital
Istanbul is European Cultural Capital for 2010. It has 13 million inhabitants. The whole country, including the capital, has developed in „Euro-style“ but has kept its tradition as well. It is very popular for short vacations for many Europeans because of cheep flight fares. That allows them to enjoy Istanbul’s rich cultural and night life. The city itself is a beautiful, civilized and very clean. By the end of the year, Istanbul will be hosting more cultural events than you can imagine.
2. Vancouver, Canada, Winter Olympics
Vancouver is placed on the Canadian Pacific coast. This nice and very organized city will make you feel like home. During the Olympics (February 12 – February 28) you can enjoy watching 86 different sports – something for everyone! Useful tip: more then half Vancouver’s citizens don’t speak English – some French could be useful here instead.
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, The Carnival
The world’s greatest spectacle is going on here every year (February 13 – February 16 this year). Corrupted, poor Brazil has now became one of the world’s economic leaders – GDP and employment grew even during economic crises in the rest of the world. The Carnival is something everyone’s heard of – you can’t see that many colors and that many people doing samba (or dancing any other dance as the matter of fact) anywhere in the world. Rio will also be hosting World Soccer Championship in 2014 and summer Olympics in 2016.
4. Shanghai, China, World Expo 2010
Tradition is very important in China and the tradition says that Shanghai is one of the most vivid, decadent and corrupted places in the world. It especially was like this in the 20’s and 30’s last century when it was the most important trade center between China and the western countries, and it kept the image all throughout the years. Still, it is now a financial capital of China; actually, some kind of modern capitalistic decadent corrupted city. The old part of the city is being renewed due to Expo (May 1 – October 31). It will be interesting I’m sure.
5. Madrid, Spain, UEFA Finals
Even if you are not a soccer fan, I recommend visiting this romantic city. If you do visit Madrid somewhere around May 22, I strongly recommend that you get the tickets on time – Santiago Bernabeu, one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world, will be the IT place to be. Feel the enthusiasm and cheering of more than 80,000 people.
6. Oslo, Norway, Eurovision 2010
Many Europeans find it stupid and nonsense, but still, many of them will be starring in their TV sets between May 25 and May 29 to see which country has got the best song of the year. Years ago, Eurosong was prestigious contest but now it’s really tacky and cheesy. That’s exactly why you should go and have a laugh! While there, enjoy the charms and explore wonderful Oslo of course.
7. South Africa, Worlds Soccer Championship
Another one for soccer fans. The peak of soccer events, „the most important secondary thing in the world“ as many call that sport. I’m sure all you fans will enjoy but be aware, South Africa has the highest HIV positive’s rate and very high criminal rate. Keep you eyes wide open while there (June 11 – July 11).
8. London, England, Notting Hill Festival
This one is the biggest and the greatest street festivals in the world, organized (August 29 – August 30) by the Carribean London community. More then million visitors come enjoy it every year, why shouldn’t you be among them? In case you somehow didn’t know, Notting Hill is the not only a block in London, but also a name of a movie where Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant felt in love.
9. Munich, Germany, Octoberfest
Beer lovers, book a flight! Octoberfest (September 18 – October 3) is a great beer-celebrating festival. It was growing bigger and bigger every year and you can only imagine how they plan to celebrate it’s 200 birthday.
10. Nha Trang, Vietnam, Miss World Election
Vietnam is a tourist country. Everyone who’s visited it, can’t forget it’s beauty and hospitality. As it is a really exotic country, I’m sure the memories you take home will stay in your head forever. And while there, why not attend the Miss World Election (November 11) and see 120 most beautiful women from all over the world.
