Singapore

Singapore is the first country I visited after I stepped out of India. Though I spent just 8hours in singapore I was very fascinated by how a small country can be one of the developed countries of the world. Let me describe about Singapore in detail, since that's what my blog is about.

Even though singapore is small, but it is an economic giant. The city has a mixed population from Malay, Indian, Chinese, Arab and English cultures. A full calendar of traditional festivals and holidays are celebrated throughout the years. The country includes the island of Singapore and 63 islands. The capital city is also called as Singapore, covers about a third of the area of the main island.

Geography:
Located at the tip of Malay peninsula, Singapore's tropical climate welcomes many tourists. The island enables visitors to enjoy its many sites and attractions in a safe, clean and green environment. Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinct seasons, high humidity and abundant rainfall.

Independence:
Singapore was separated from Malaysia on 9th August 1965 and became a democratic and independent nation. Independent Singapore was admitted to the United Nations on 21st Sept 1965 and became member of common wealth nations. Thereafter Singapore has always struggled to survive and prosper on its own.

Economy of Singapore:
Singapore has a highly developed market-based economy. Singapore has third higest per capita income in the world. The Singaporean economy is known as one of the innovative, most competitive and most business friendly. The port of Singapore is one of the world's five busiest port. The currency of Singapore is Singapore dollar. The world bank has named Singapore as the easiest place in the world to do business. It is also world's fourth largest foreign-exchange trading center after London, NY and Tokyo. Singapore has world's highest percentage of millionaires, one of every six households having at least one million US dollars in disposable wealth.

Religion:
Buddhism is most widely practiced religion in singapore. Other religions followed by the people are christianity, islam, hinduism and Taoism. The variety in the religion is a direct reflection of the diversity of the races living there.

Languages:
Singapore has four official languages: English, chinese, malay and tamil. Business is conducted in English, and official documents are written in non english languages. However, Malay is the national language of Singapore.

Culture:
Singapore culture is a cosmopolitan society where people interact among different races. Behind the facade of modern city, these ethnic races are still visible. The old streets of Chinatown can still be seen, muslims in Arab streets, and little India along serangoon road has distinct ambience. Each racial group has its own distinctive religion and there are colorful festivals of special significance all year round.
In Singapore there are lot of cuisines to offer. Indian food are relatively spicier, chinese food is mostly sea food. Malay cooking uses coconut milk as their main ingredient.

Flag:
The colors of Singapore flag represent red for brotherhood and equality, white for purity and virtue, crescent moon represents young nation on rise, five stars stand for democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a most visited island in Greece. The beauty and charm of this place has attracted me to include this in my blog. My friend's recent visit to Santorini and the breath taking pictures that she has taken to capture its beauty is mind blowing.

It is an island in the southern Aegean sea, about 200km southeast of mainland Greece. It is a circular archipalego which is a remnant of volcanic caldera. Santorini is the remains of the enormous volcanic explosion that destroyed the settlement of early island inhibitants. The principal port is called Athinias. It is most active volcano center in the south Aegean volcanic arc. The region was active volcanic center some 4 million years ago.

Name of the island:

Santorini was named by the latin empire in the thirteenth century and is in reference to Saint Irene. Before than it was known as Kallístē, Strongýlē which are greek names.

Tourism:

It is the most visited island in Europe and it is very unique. It is regarded as one of the dazzlingly beautiful islands of the world. From the lofty heights of Fira gaze down on the miniature looking cruise ships, the deep azure of the Aegean over the caldera and see the most breath takin sunsets and moonrise on this side of the equator. Santorini is one of the most romantic islands, makes an ideal island for honeymoon or wedding.

Cresent shaped Santorini is famous for its whitewashed towns sitting delicately on cliffs offering panoramic views of the submerged volcano, the black sand beaches, and deeply scarred hills all of which perfectly come together to create a spectacular landscape. With almost 330 days of sunshine each year and unforgettable sunsets.

Hope to visit this place sometime in my life!

Birth place of California - San Diego

San Diego, also known as America's finest city.

With the titles of USA's 8th largest city and America's finest city, San Diego shines with the blue waters of its amazing beaches. In 1850, San Diego became a part of United States following the Mexican-American war. San Diego is well known for its idyllic climate and 70 miles of pristine beaches. Temperature in san diego is moderate throughout the years, except for couple of weeks in summer where temperature is more than 100 F and in winters where it goes below 10 F. This is a perfect place for learning waters sports throughout the year. There are about eight beaches in San Diego. Needless, to say that they are extremely beautiful and water is moderate to cool. This is the place where you can see people doing surfing in the middle of winter season!

San diego is situated on the coast of the pacific ocean in southern california and the place is very near to Tijuana, mexico. The U.S. - Mexico border can be easily seen from South San Diego. San Diego has a population of around 1.3million residents and more than 3 million residents countrywide. San Diego is not only known for its natural deep-water harbor but also for its long association with U.S. Navy.

When anyone first arrives in San diego, the person is very likely to get impressed by the airport location. The airport is located just besides the harbor. The landing of the aircraft is very scenic as observed by the passengers on the plane. The harbor has thousands of ships and yatches parked near the port.

San Diego harbor

City topography:

San diego has one of the best climates in the United states. It is mainly due to the Bay, numerous hills, mountains and canyons that constitute the city. The city receives low annual rainfall but in the winters there is always foggy environment seen due to the cool ocean waves. Snow in the city is very very rare occurrence.

San Diego's broad city limits encompasses a large number of natural preserves like Torrey pines state reserve, Los Penasquitos canyon preserve etc. Due to the steep topography, there are a large number of canyons within the city limits that serve as natural preserves.

In San diego's east county, the terrain varies from gentle foothills to valleys and mountains like Julian, Anza Borrego dessert offering natural hikes, wildlife and much more. In the San Diego's north county there are many wineries that produces highest quality wines. Along the west, the pacific coastline supports year round outdoor recreational activities like boating, sailing and also scientific research at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. To the south, there is Mexico, featuring its own cultural offerings.

Economy

The largest sectors of San Diego's economy are defense/millitary, tourism, international trade and research/manufacturing. The city is a home to the majority of the U.S. pacific Fleet's surface combatants and variety of Coast Guard and Millitary command vessels.

Tourism is a major industry owing to the city's climate, beaches and popular attractions. San diego offers an expansive variety of things to do and see that appeals to guests of all ages. There are world famous attractions like Sea World, San diego Zoo and safari park, Legoland California. Moreover it is just about 80miles away from Los Angeles. Most importantly city's arts and cultural headquarters - Balboa park which is a home to 15 museums, numerous art galleries and beautiful gardens. Lastly, San Diego's historical downtown gas lamp quarters, convention center and Little italy are also must visit places in the city. Not to forget the famous Coronado bridge and Point loma where we can see the statue of Juan Cabrillo, the sailor who claimed the entire area for Spain. San Diego also hosts the famous restaurant week twice a year to define the art of dining in the city. The city has numerous authentic mexican restaurants which are worth trying.

People

People of San Diego are more adventurous and love water sports. From kids to adults, everybody can be seen near a beach on a sunny day in San Diego. People do all sorts of outdoor activities like hiking on the trails, biking on the trails and on the shores. There is lot of energy seen in the residents of San Diego. There is a mixed population of people from all countries and races in the city. Crime rate is extremely minimal in the city and is one of the ten safest cities in the United states.

After staying in this place for around five years I have also developed my liking for water sports like Jet skiing, motor boating and surfing etc. The cheerful nightlife in the city, water front, busy oceans and parks near the bay; all these things remind me of the sunny San Diego. It truly promises a remarkable vacation experience for anyone and nonetheless living here is a bliss !