Well, in no particular order, I voted for Paris, Berlin and Hong Kong.
Why Paris? Well it's one of those places that you see in the movies, or maybe learned of its attractions during French or history lessons back at school (many years ago!) but as yet I have not had the opportunity to go there! That's why I have already booked the JY September departure, and I'll be sure to rewatch "The Day of the Jackal", "The Bourne Identity", "The Night of the Generals" and "The Pink Panther" (2005), amongst others before I go!
Why Berlin? Well, having visited the city around fourteen years ago, I was fascinated with the fusion of the legacies of the Second World and Cold Wars. It was once not uncommon to hear people refer to Berlin as the biggest building site in Europe, the only setbacks on my previous trip being the Brandenburg Gate being covered in tarpaulins, and the closure of the Fernsehenturm (TV Tower). However, the locals seemed friendly (ranging from the cyclist who wished me "Guten Morgen" as my friend and I walked off the beaten track through the former East Berlin, to the night porter at the hotel who teased us by pretending to mix up the room keys (don't worry, this was not the hotel JY use!!!), so I knew that one day I would return. I therfore look forward to getting reacquainted with both the city and the Berliner Kindl this June on the JY departure. Must rewatch "Unknown" starring Liam Neeson before I go...
Why Hong Kong? It's probably the best way to experience a taste of the Orient, other than visiting the Chinatown districts in many British and North American cities. Exotic enough to be a break from the norm, yet familiar enough to feel comfortable, HK has it all, from the cosmopolitan brand names on the high streets of the Kowloon and the Central Distirct of Hong Kong Island (which make a splendid contrast to the local markets). It's not just a destination of concrete, steel and glass, as it also boasts many beautiful coastlines, country parks and urban gardens. A trip up the Peak Tramway (for the most photographed view in Hong Kong and the refreshing air conditioned shops within The Peak Galleria) and a tour of Victoria Harbour by night are definite musts. I spent three nights in HK as the optional extension to JY's Inspirational China Tour last Summer, which for me was the highlight of the tour. In HK, English is still an official language, and it was so pleasing to hear it spoken with a British accent rather than the American accents spoken by the local guides in mainland China. Road users drive on the left and even the Highway Code seems to be obeyed! My best memory of HK was coming face to face with the Tian Tan Buddha within the Po Lin Monastry on an optional day tour of Lantau Island. At 112 feet in height, he is Asia's largest seated outdoor Buddha statue, who only just turned 21 last year! This day trip had a promising start when I was fortunate to witness the local dragon boat festival at Tai O fishing village, and culminated with a trip on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which offers spectacular views as it descends past Chek Lap Kok Airport. In fact, the only thing I had issues with in HK, was the humidity - prospective visitors should come prepared with more changes of clothing that they would normally take on holiday!