Top 5 Best Cities in the World – You Must Visit, Global : Today Indya

Top 5 Best Cities in the World – You Must Visit

Global

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What if you realise that the life you are living right now and the world around you is heaven? What if heaven is here on the Earth itself? Below we have listed the best cities in the world, which are surely going to give you a heavenly experience.

Top 5 Best Cities in the World

Paris, France

The capital city of France, Paris is also the most populous city in France. Contributing to 31% of France’s GDP Paris is the second most expensive city in the world. Eiffel Tower, the famous symbol of French pride is the biggest tourist attraction in Paris. Named after the Engineer Gustave Eiffel, it is a wrought iron lattice tower that reaches 300 m in height. There are many other famous monuments in Paris some of which include Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Sacre-Coeur and Pantheon. Also known as the city of love, millions of people visit Paris to spend some romantic time, it is believed that the city has ‘magic’ in the air. The most beautiful place to see is the River Seine, following the Seine through Paris is the best way to enjoy escapades on the river and view its bridges and many attractive islands.

London, England

London is the capital of England, standing on the River Thames in the south east of the island of Great Britain. It is often regarded as a World cultural Capital. London’s iconic national timepiece, Big Ben is a 16 storey Gothic clock tower. Other great attractions in the city are the London Eye and Tower of London. London eye is a huge wheel that gives passengers a bird eye view of the city’s great landmarks. Tower of London is a historical castle home to the crown jewels, it remains the best tourist attraction in London. Due to the marvellous architecture, many locations of the city has been used for Harry Potter. Many tours will take you to where the famous scenes of the movie were shot and its mesmerising locations. The Queen’s official London home, Buckingham Palace is also a famous landmark but is only open to the public two months each year. London is known for its Royalty that has maintained its culture and tradition throughout the past.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, it is one of the seven emirates that make up the country. It is the most expensive country in the middle east with expensive hotels, restaurants and malls. Dubai is known for its record breaking architecture and man made islands. The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa is undoubtedly the best attraction of the city. Standing at 828 m it dominates Dubai’s skylines, however the true majesty of the building is best appreciated from inside. The stunning views from the observational deck can be enjoyed alongside a meal. Next to the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Mall, which is the largest mall in the world. The Mall occupies an indoor theme park, indoor waterfall, an ice rink and the giant Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. There are over thousands of shops and restaurants in the mall. Palm Islands are three artificial islands that have beautiful attractions such as water parks, parachuting and aquariums. Dubai is also famous for its luxury hotel Burj Al Arab considered as the top 7 star hotel in the world.

New York, USA

The most populous city of the United States of America, New York is the cultural, financial and media capital of the world. New York is divided into five boroughs, the best known being Manhattan. Here you will find the city’s top attractions like the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square and many more. The famous Statue of Liberty stands on the Liberty Island in New York harbour, one can have a great view of the liberty island from the observational deck. Some of the attractions of Liberty island include The Battery park, National 11 September museum and Liberty State Park. The city offers beautiful sightseeing which can be experienced during the evening in Cruises around Manhattan. The famous Brooklyn bridge is the primary symbol of the city that provides a passage between Brooklyn and Manhattan. Other famous landmarks include Chrysler Building, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Rockefeller Center.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. It is famous for its vibrant street life and cultural landmarks. The Grand Palace is the most famous attraction in the city, built in 1782 this royal palace was once home to Kings. It now contains a museum and is open to the public for visiting. One of the famous Buddhist temples of the city is the Wat Arun, standing alongside the river with a tilted central spire. Other famous cultural landmarks include Golden Buddha, Thonburi, and Wat Saket. Bangkok has one of the largest markets in the world, Chatuchak Market with over 8000 stalls and more than 200,000 visitors a day. The street food is a must to have in Bangkok especially at Chinatown. There are Thai massage parlors located everywhere in the city and one should experience it at least once to feel rejuvenated. One can also enjoy Sea life in Bangkok, there are many Ocean Worlds and National Parks located in the city. Bangkok’s food and beautiful nightlife cannot be found anywhere else in the World.

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End of an era as Japan's Emperor Akihito declares historic abdication; son Naruhito takes over Chrysanthemum Throne

Global

Firstpost.

Tokyo: Emperor Akihito of Japan formally stepped down on Tuesday, the first abdication for 200 years in the world's oldest monarchy, as his son Naruhito prepared to take the Chrysanthemum Throne and usher in a new imperial era.

In the "Room of Pine" in Tokyo's Imperial Palace, the popular 85-year-old performed the abdication ritual in the presence of the imperial regalia – an ancient sword and sacred jewel that are considered to legitimise an emperor.

In his final speech, Akihito offered his "deepest heartfelt gratitude to the people of Japan" and said he would "pray for the peace and happiness of all the people in Japan and around the world."

Despite near-constant rain in Tokyo, several hundred wellwishers congregated outside the Palace during the historic ceremony attended by around 300 people, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and around a dozen members of the royal family.

"I feel overwhelmed emotionally," said a tearful Yayoi Iwasaki, a 50-year-old bank employee, standing outside the palace.

"In the past, enthronements followed the death of emperors and people weren't sure whether they should be happy and celebrating, but with this transition, I am sure that we can celebrate while welcoming the new era," she said.

Akihito will technically remain emperor until the stroke of midnight when Naruhito takes over and the new era of "Reiwa" – meaning "beautiful harmony" – begins, lasting for as long as he reigns.

Earlier on Tuesday, draped in ornate golden-brown robes and wearing a towering black hat, Akihito reported his abdication to his ancestors and Shinto gods at several sanctuaries in the palace.

On Wednesday, the 59-year-old Naruhito will inherit the imperial regalia in a 10-minute ceremony that is off-limits to female royals, even his wife Masako. He will shortly afterwards make his first address to the nation as its 126th emperor.

Crowds were expected to gather to count down to the new era outside the palace and at the scramble crossing in Tokyo's lively Shibuya district, although the drizzle threatened to dampen some of the enthusiasm.

Security has been beefed up with extra police patrols on the streets, sniffer dogs scouring the palace grounds and even divers inspecting the moat.

A more public enthronement ceremony will take place on 22 October, during which Naruhito will parade through the streets of the capital and be congratulated by other world leaders and royalty.

President Donald Trump sent congratulations, offering "heartfelt appreciation" to the outgoing imperial couple and stressing the "close relationship" between the US and Japan.

He will become the first foreign leader to meet the new emperor on a trip in May.

'New royal duties'

Born in 1933 as Japan was embarking on a militaristic sweep across Asia in the name of his father Hirohito, the 11-year-old Akihito listened in tears as his nation's defeat in World War II was announced in an unprecedented radio address.

He has broken new ground in the sensitive role, expressing regret over Japan's wartime actions and gradually modernising the royal family and bringing it closer to the people.

Akihito and his wife Michiko, whom he met at a tennis tournament in 1959, touched hearts in Japan and around the world when they knelt before survivors of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami and listened to stories of terrible suffering.

"It is true the emperor is seen to be like a god, but at the same time, you felt that you were close to him," Rikia Iwasaki, a 13-year-old schoolboy said outside the Imperial Palace.

The Oxford-educated Naruhito now faces the delicate balancing act of continuing his father's popular legacy while upholding the traditions of the Chrysanthemum Throne that stretch back centuries.

He has called for "new royal duties" to fit modern times and has criticised the sometimes stifling lifestyle imposed on royals, especially as his wife Masako has struggled to adapt to palace life.

'Ultra-aged'

The abdication has resulted in a 10-day holiday in Japan, although polls show many famously hard-working Japanese were opposed to such a long break.

They have nonetheless taken the opportunity to travel, with bullet trains and airports overflowing and Tokyo's usually packed commuter trains eerily empty at rush hour.

Entrepreneurs have sold everything from "Reiwa" bottles of sake to $10 cans of air from the "Heisei" era of Akihito's reign.

Japan has witnessed a tumultuous change from 1989 when it last ushered in a new era.

Then, Japan ruled the world economically in the middle of a technology-fuelled boom that caused soaring land prices and sparked wild cost comparisons: the Imperial Palace grounds were said to be worth more than all of Canada.

Now, Japan is battling sluggish growth and chronically low inflation with a population in decline that will soon become the world's first "ultra-aged" society, with 28 percent of people over 65.

Article Original Source : https://www.firstpost.com/world/end-of-an-era-as-japans-emperor-akihito-dec...