Waiching's Movie Thoughts & More

Cities I Have Visited Ranked By Me #travel

2025-12-21T14:46:00.019+00:00

The motto, 'the world is your oyster,' cannot be more applicable than it is: it is so incredibly vast with millions of cultures and anyone who has never stepped foot outside of their own country for reasons that have nothing to do with wealth and money, I feel like is missing out on experiences that could leave an impression or lasting impression on them. Be it positive or negative.

I caught the travel bug after visiting Madrid and Porto in 2019; from then onwards, my enthusiasm and interest in travelling and exploring other cities spiked and have since not died down.

I have found the time to travel during my time off from work, when I can and having saved up for that particular holiday, to get out of the 9-to-5, everyday grind of going to work to pay the bills and to experience life in a different country or city. Work is not the only priority: it is also my loved ones and travel. I work to live and to travel, not live to work and travel. Hustle culture is so not the way to live. Sometimes you encounter people or places that end up shaping who you are today, or that change you completely or partially, while you enjoy yourself.

I am looking forward to visiting and experiencing the different places and cities on my list.

Urgh... so many decisions to make, but always something to look forward to as my travels continue.

Time will tell where and when my next vacation or holiday will be. Life is short, and if the past five years or so have taught us anything, it is to never take anything for granted and that when opportunities arise or come about, and you want to do something (like travelling), to just seize them when and as you can.

One hasn't truly lived until one steps outside of one's city or country and wanders further out a bit.

But without further ado, here are the places I have visited over the past 15 years, ranked from my absolute personal favourite to least favourite and whose positions are interchangeable, varying from experience. This list will be updated with each city on my travels.

*To note: my views are subjective and are my very own, so please take them with a grain of salt, and all the city photos were taken by me and are owned by me*

By Waiching

1. Hong Kong SAR, China - No other place in Asia offers the best of both East and West like Hong Kong, a former British colony. Here, modern and traditional cultures blend seamlessly. Because of my familial ties to Hong Kong, I regard it as my second home. Every visit lets me reconnect with my cultural roots. Whether it’s food, shopping, or culture, Hong Kong excels in most areas. While frequently perceived as costly by travellers, it is feasible to visit on a budget. All you have to do is plan an itinerary, know where to go, do your homework, and stick to it. Hong Kong (pronounced as Heung gong, and it's the literal meaning for fragrant harbour) is one of the few Asian cities where you can get by speaking English. English is the second or third unofficial language, used alongside Cantonese and Mandarin. Cantonese is the main Chinese dialect spoken in Hong Kong. You have a wealth of food options here, including Cantonese and international cuisine, and very few places elsewhere offer as much variety, such as dim sum, BBQ meats, cafés, and restaurants. This is China after all, and the subsequent birthplace of Chinese food and Cantonese food. Dim sum, noodles, rice, and pineapple buns and Chinese food in Hong Kong are arguably much more affordable in many eateries, restaurants and cafés than those in Chinatowns in New York, Toronto, Sydney, and London. Hong Kong is streamlined, efficient, and you can find anything you want and expect here. Its pulsating energy might not be for everyone. However, it is a no-nonsense, no-frills approach and often fast-paced, and erratic chaos, with occasionally run-down facilities, whilst still maintaining its Cantonese heritage that characterises Hong Kongers and HK. Hong Kong lives up to its tag as Asia’s world city and the East’s equivalent to London and New York; it is so unlike the rest of China, where each region has its own distinct characteristics and merits. And yet in Hong Kong, you feel you have stepped into China and New York all at the same time with its cosmopolitanism. Putting politics aside, and despite its high cost of living and the unbearable humidity most of the year, it is a terrific place to be for me. Had my Cantonese been more proficient and fluent, I would have found a job there and left London and relocated to Hong Kong.

2. Tokyo, Japan - Tokyo is a concoction of different worlds: classic to modern, to futuristic. The combination of Hong Kong’s contemporary flair and unique food scene with Japan’s cutting-edge tech and cool factor results in something truly special.

It can be an overwhelming place for some people, and yet it is one of those major must-visit global cities on your travels. Public transport is sufficient, and Shinjuku and Shibuya have a bustling nightlife scene. Alongside Osaka, this was the first time I ventured outside of China, as before this, my sister and I had never travelled elsewhere in Asia. It was on my bucket list of destinations I dreamt of visiting, but I was worried that my lack of Japanese might affect my overall enjoyment of Tokyo. Thankfully, it did not.

Tokyo covers almost all the bases: whether you're into fashion, food, tech, Anime, art, or shopping, then I think you're bound to find something that interests or excites you.

I had expectations of Tokyo, and I’d say it does live up to the hype. When people are asked which Asian city they would love to travel to or have loved, nine times out of ten, they would mention Tokyo. Why? It's clean and safe, affordable & in terms of convenience, it is made available to you with ease. With its high-energy metropolitan vibe, I got sensory overload from the electronic neon signs. I felt like I was on a different planet, or worlds away from any other city, and it was so surreal but incredible.

3. Osaka, Japan - Charming, very traditional, and has a more casual and grounded feel in contrast to the lively energy of Tokyo, with its temples and gardens. However, there is also a quirkiness that is striking as soon as you take notice of the giant crab scaling the wall or the river boats in Dotonbori. It has extensive proximity to many places in the area and is walkable, so you can get by without taking public transport. You can choose from many inexpensive dining options at its restaurants, street food markets, and vendors. Like Tokyo, Osaka needs to be seen to be believed. Yes, Dotonbori is a tourist trap, yes, it is an Instagram and TikTok highlight of Japan, and it works because it exists to represent the fun, vibrant, and zany aspect of Japanese culture, and visually, it is eye-catching. In the country’s second-largest city, there is so much to discover. It is definitely a place I’d revisit in the future.

4. Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia - 'The city of Eternal Spring', Medellin is Colombia's second-largest city, behind the country's capital, Bogota. I can thankfully say that I truly loved my time there, even though it lasted just three days, and I did this through a solo tour with a guide. Whilst this trip would have been impossible for me to endure alone, I could have easily spent five days. Vibrant, colourful, at times energetic with thumping reggaeton music blasting through the speakers and the amazing, beautiful nature, it is a captivating city.

Once lauded as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, and whilst there may be the odd issue flaring up, Medellin's transformation over the last two decades has been nothing short of a miracle, to the extent that it became and is one of the most sought-after cities in South and Latin America for travel. El Poblado, in central Medellin, is the area I stayed in that I'd recommend, as it is deemed the safest, whilst a day trip to a little town, Guatape, cannot go amiss and is a certified highlight.

There is a lot to see and do when researching the activities and attractions in and around Medellin and Antioquia, and it was incredible to soak in all that atmosphere and be able to travel to parts of the city without trepidation, fear, nor overwhelmed, yet still remain vigilant. And the people are warm and friendly. Colombia and Medellin are on a whole other level to Spain and say, Madrid. Spain is lovely and elegant, but Medellin and Colombia? Although people also speak Spanish, it is a complete contrast as a destination to the latter.

As a non-European alternative to Spain, I couldn't have asked for more.

Medellin earned a place on National Geographic's best of the world 2026 list, and speaking from experience, rightly so. I ignored the naysayers who told me that I would be making a mistake going to Medellin that I would get robbed, drugged, harassed; it clearly shows that for some people, it's easier to judge and make assumptions instead of using common sense, actually going in with an open frame of mind and take a chance yourself, and that it pays off in the end.

In Medellin's case, it became one of my favourite places I have ever been to.

5. Valencia, Valencian Community, Spain - Spain’s third-largest city behind Madrid and Barcelona, I ended up loving Valencia more than I thought I would, and more so than those big two cities. It is also a city that a lot of people don't give enough due; it's very modern, practical, compact, feels more authentic and is a gem. Since Valencia is the original birthplace of the dish, I was glad to have tried the native paella there, because it doesn’t taste the same when eaten outside of Valencia. The City of Arts and Sciences is one of the most unique-looking attractions that, when one looks at it, one believes that it doesn't come from Spain.

6. New York City, New York, United States - New York City is an essential destination, known for its iconic landmarks and rich cultural diversity. A metropolitan area in New York State, it is home to over 8 million people, and unlike laid-back Los Angeles, NY is vibrant and bustling, particularly around Times Square, which serves as a major tourist hub, despite being labelled a tourist trap. The city is known for its lively nightlife and efficient public transit system, affirming its status as a top-tier travel destination. New York is a leading travel destination with a significant influence on various aspects of American culture. However, the fast-paced environment can lead to New Yorkers appearing impatient. A recent family visit whilst on holiday underscored the city's appeal, highlighting its endless attractions and the distinct character of each borough, making it a beloved destination for many: food, shopping, Broadway, culture. There is so much to see, experience and visit.

4 years since my first visit, New York still remains a favourite, and understandably so.

7. Toronto, Ontario, Canada - There are many comparisons made between Toronto and Chicago, particularly as both are large multicultural cities. Additionally, Toronto shares similarities with New York City, as both serve as major urban hubs and are located near the border between the U.S. and Canada via the City of Niagara Falls in Ontario and Niagara Falls in New York. Toronto is the fourth-largest city in North America, like Mexico City, New York, and Los Angeles, and people commonly recognise it as Canada’s economic and cosmopolitan capital. The cultural richness of neighbourhoods like Kensington and Chinatown highlights the diversity across Toronto’s areas. This diversity, along with the city’s safety, was a major attraction for me. As a foodie, the vibrant food scene impressed me, with many small and local businesses present, rather than the dominance of well-known overseas corporations common in cities like London and New York.

Toronto offers numerous green spaces, making it noticeably less of a concrete jungle than Hong Kong, and it is also quite walkable. During my recent holiday in Toronto with my brother, I saw firsthand why the city resonated with him. Similar to how New York elicits strong opinions from Americans, Toronto evokes a wide range of feelings amongst Canadians.

It has now become one of my favourite cities I have visited. As far as world cities go, Toronto is vastly overlooked, and I feel it is one of those places in the West that deserves a lot more exposure from a travel perspective. Even at a cost, because it is a very expensive city, but by being mindful and budgeting wisely, it is possible to keep costs down or to a minimum.

It is arguably the only major city in Canada that feels like a big city on a larger scale, compared to London, New York, and Sydney, and yet (surprisingly) it still flies under the radar, although given the tariffs imposed by the current U.S. administration of late, cities such as Toronto have been given a lease of life, and seen record tourist numbers in 2025, and deservingly so.

2025 was the year when Toronto really came to prominence.

8. Madrid, Spain - nice looking architecture, oozes cosmopolitan and Mediterranean charm all-round with a friendly environment. Spain's perennial capital city, Madrid, is a good introduction to the country for first-timers or newcomers to Spain. The home of Patatas Bravas, a tapas dish consisting of fried potatoes with garlic aioli and spicy tomato sauce, is worth recommending. Madrid is a pleasant, all-around city that is easily walkable and comfortable, which easily steals much of Spain's spotlight.

9. Boston, Massachusetts, United States - feels like a major city but is a small, often quaint and solid to the brim and less hectic than New York, hailing from New England. I was really impressed by its authenticity and uniqueness, and it reminded me of parts of London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. Seafood lovers will be in heaven as the food is great, such as their classic clam chowder. I enjoyed its cuisine. If you are a history buff, Boston has got you covered with its traditional and cultural feel and is also the home of MIT and Harvard University. It is easily walkable, and there are so many interesting sights to take in. It is a city that doesn’t feel one bit overwhelming, nor underwhelming.

10. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain - There were a lot of locals protesting during the summer of 2025 over the overabundance of tourists coming into the city. Still, it did not do much for me when I went there in 2021. Barcelona was brimming with architecture, but it can also be too much for some people who expect more nature, fewer buildings. I was glad that I did go, even during the midst of a pandemic where people's mental health went through the roof with lockdowns, restrictions and almost every country was closed off to the public.

11. Porto, Portugal - Never been to Lisbon, Portugal's capital, but I did set foot in Porto, the country's second largest city, again years ago, and it was pleasant enough. Nothing blew me away, but it was all right. Nice weather and walkable in some areas as well.

12. Los Angeles, California, United States -Initially, I thought it was just okay. The Hollywood sign is so far out in view, and it is a city that is supposed to leave a noticeable impression on many of us, given its links to Hollywood, the movie and TV industries and celebrity culture.

Fast forward to 2025, and while my feelings haven’t changed much, I felt underwhelmed. Vendors crowd the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and sellers offer programs and tickets for attractions and concerts; also, homelessness is noticeable there, and Skid Row should be avoided, if you can that is. Many of the stars are, or were, dirty and damaged, and not well-maintained. The potent smell of marijuana was also hard to ignore. The main Chinatown is almost non-existent and doesn’t compare to those on Toronto’s Spadina Avenue, Manhattan, or Flushing in Queens, New York. For comparison, I’ve had worse experiences in São Paulo, while Washington, D.C., didn’t leave any impression on me. Among tourist-trap cities, L.A. stands near the top tier.

It's interesting for a first-timer and anyone who hasn't been before to see what it is like and to form their opinions on it.

For me, L.A. is a huge downgrade: it (re)presents a sudden case of expectation versus reality, where people expect a lot from a city renowned worldwide for its fame, but it fails to live up to those expectations and falls short of its reputation.

13. Amsterdam, Netherlands - It was okay, I was only there for a few days a couple of years ago, but I don't remember too much about it.

14. Washington, D.C, United States - reason why I didn’t truly feel for Washington, DC was that it was less of a touristy-travel-based city, and there wasn’t much to see and do, lacking the energy and atmosphere of New York. Compared to Los Angeles, perhaps this city does not focus on tourism, but I am uncertain.

If New York is America’s cultural capital, then that makes DC America’s national capital. That is not a negative thing; it exists to say ‘hey, we exist on the world map’.

15. São Paulo, Brazil - Now, speaking from a personal perspective, I did not enjoy my time in São Paulo during the 5 months in 2010; my experiences were largely negative. The country’s biggest city and the largest in South America, I know this is just my opinion, but my experiences and views were, and are, less favourable. It’s grungy-looking, suffers from extreme wealth inequality and at every favela/slum I stayed in, there was always some dodgy person lurking around the corner taking advantage of me, given I could not speak a word of Portuguese. If you do not speak a lick of Portuguese, people can and will take advantage of you. Plus, as with every region of Latin America, there were areas where I did not feel safe alone late at night. Henceforth, it felt intimidating. To note, my sister was living in the city during this time, and I'd reconnected with her after a few years. The lack of affordable housing was a downer. As much as I tried to assimilate myself into the culture, it never worked out at all.

I have no hesitation in not going back.

To visit: Mexico City (Mexico), Sydney and Melbourne (Australia), Vancouver and Calgary (Canada), Seoul (South Korea), Lima (Peru), Montevideo (Uruguay), Naples and Venice (Italy), Kingstown (St Vincent), Houston and Chicago (U.S.), Bogota and Cartagena (Colombia), Stockholm (Sweden), Dublin (Republic of Ireland)

Retro Review: The Steve Harvey Show (1996) #Throwback

2025-03-17T00:56:00.009+00:00

Duration: 1996 - 2002 (WB)
No of seasons: 6
Release date: (U.S) 25 August 1996
DVD release by Visual Entertainment
Produced by Winifred Hervey Productions
Cast: Steve Harvey, Cedric The Entertainer, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Merlin Santana, William Lee Scott, Terri J. Vaughn, Lori Beth Denberg

By Waiching

It's surreal to think that the current host of Family Feud had his own makeshift, self-titled sitcom in the late 1990s on the U.S. WB network, spanning six seasons and 122 episodes aired.

A down-on-his-luck funk musician & frontman of a fictitious soul group named The Hi-Tops, who opened for Gladys Knight and the Pips, Steve 'Big Daddy' Hightower (Steve Harvey) enlists as a music teacher/vice principal at Chicago's inner-city high school named Booker T Washington and no sooner gets reacquainted with a former classmate Regina 'Piggy' Greer (Wendy Raquel Robinson) who is now a principal: and is coincidentally the girl he used to make fun of due to her weight. Cedric the Entertainer played Cedric Jackie Robinson, Steve's long-time friend and gym coach, whilst Terri J Vaughn is the outspoken, goofy assistant, Lovita Alizay-Jenkins. Aside from the office and romantic shenanigans, Steve lends a helping hand to students Romeo the smooth-talking ladies' man (played by the late Merlin Santana), the street-savvy but not so smart Stanley 'Bullethead' Kuznocki and geeky Lydia Liza Gutman.

The partnership duo of Bullethead and Romeo worked well, but the addition of Lydia in Season 3 made it even better IMO. Some people didn't take to the two female characters in Latina Sophia and Black girl Sara; I could give and take those two, even though they didn't add much.

The series was created by Winfred Hervey, who wrote and produced for the likes of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Laverne and Shirley, Mork and Mindy, several episodes of The Golden Girls, The Cosby Show, In The House starring L.L Cool J and Half and Half; she is no stranger to the sitcom world. It was executively produced by Bernie Brillstein and Brad Grey, the former credited with Just Shoot Me!, Newsradio, as well as films such as Ghostbusters 1 and 2, Happy Gilmore and 1996's The Cable Guy starring Jim Carrey.

In total, The Steve Harvey Show amassed 13 NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Steve Harvey and Supporting Actor and Actress nods for Cedric The Entertainer and Terri J. Vaughn.

Combining elements of a teen sitcom, i.e Saved By The Bell with a lead title character and workplace setting, The Steve Harvey Show bears an uncanny resemblance to ABC's Hangin' With Mr Cooper in that respect: Mark and Steve were both teachers, Lovita and Regina were to Vanessa and Robyn, Both Hangin' and The Steve Harvey Show were set in inner-city high schools; however, The Steve Harvey Show wasn't geared towards teenagers, and personally, it was miles apart compared to Hangin' and it had so much going for it. As the series progressed, it was better, thanks to the additions of Terri J. Vaughn and Lori Beth, who added an extra hilarity factor. Unlike many other sitcoms, it all seemed to gel together and develop well in terms of characterisations and storylines from season 3 onwards.

Each character had a different personality, and the episodes were well put together. They stress the importance and value of education while dealing with issues related to race and relationships of all types, and depicting and reinforcing positive images of urban youth and African-Americans.

The on/off tension and chemistry between Steve Hightower and Regina Grier is evident as former high schoolmates; traits-wise, they are very much alike, and they are smooth-talking and flirtatious, although Regina has an acid-tongue, feistiness going for her. You could tell by watching Wendy's character that she wasn't a woman to be messed with. Steve courts Regina, but Regina does not fall for it at the beginning. Eventually, she does, and Steve gets his girl.

But I do see why Steve and Regina were destined to be together & settle for each other as this was a relationship that had so many layers to it: from former childhood friends to work colleagues to friends, and later on as a couple. This isn't just them taking six seasons to finally get together... they had a history, and they have known each other from high school beforehand so it's not as if they were strangers who first met at work. Plus they were so alike and were the perfect match: Steve was an alpha male, Regina was the alpha female, they were strong-minded individuals who knew one another so well that it was as if they could read each other's minds. They were also very competitive. They had so much in common. But it worked because the onscreen chemistry, which hit home for me & the playful banter between Steve Harvey and Wendy Raquel felt believable and real. As sitcom couple pairings go, I could vouch for them.

Their casting was ideal, and they were fantastic in their roles; everyone was great, but Steve and Wendy were top-tier. They complemented one another, and I just loved the series finale.

There wasn't a season that I thought was bad or I disliked or it hasn't dated. Originally, I never got into The Steve Harvey Show when I was a teenager (I was into Hangin' With Mr Cooper which aired a lot on Channel 4).... but now, it seems to me that it (The Steve Harvey Show) is a show that with several watches is easy to get into, the characters are likeable, the writing as witty as it is, as well as Steve and Regina's quips and their back-and-forth interactions still holds up four decades later.

Season ratings:

Season 1: 8
Season 2: 8
Season 3: 8.5
Season 4: 8.5
Season 5: 8.5

Season 6: 8.5

Final score (out of 10): 8.5

30 Favourite Songs Featuring Jeanette Olsson On Backing Vocals

2025-02-06T19:39:00.003+00:00

Jeanette Olsson, who describes herself as a 'session singer, 'is a singer-songwriter from Stockholm, Sweden. She has provided accompanying and backing vocals on various chart-topping songs for artists such as Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, and Ariana Grande throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.

(Source: Wikipedia)

1. (You Drive Me) Crazy - Britney Spears, 1999

2. One Last Time - Ariana Grande, 2014

3. What U See Is What U Get - Britney Spears, 2000- Features Jeanette, Max Martin, Nana Hedin & The Fan Choir 2

4. I'm Not a Girl (Not Yet a Woman) - Britney Spears, 2001

5. I'll Never Stop Loving You - Britney Spears, 1999

6. Gotta Tell You - Samantha Mumba, 2000; debut singer from an Irish pop star, it was written by Bag & Arnthor

7. Baby Come on Over - Samantha Mumba, 2000

8. All Nite (Don't Stop) - Janet Jackson, 2004

9. Deep in My Heart - Britney Spears, 1999

10. I Didn't Want You Anyway - Hear'Say, 2001

11. Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande, 2014

12. Walk on By - Britney Spears, 2000

13. Beautiful Morning - Ace of Base, 2002

14. It's The Way You Make Me Feel - Steps, 2000

15. To Live and To Die For - Play, 2002

16. Emotional - Agnes, 2005

17. I'll Remember - Kurt (Glee cast version), 2012 - a cover of the song by Madonna featured on Glee's Graduation Album

18. Papi - Jennifer Lopez, 2011

19. First Time - Jennifer Lopez, 2011

20. Life - E-Type, 2001

21. Closer to Perfection - A*Teens, 2002

22. That's The Way My Heart Goes - Marie Serneholt, 2006

23. It's The Hard Knock Life - Play, 2004; everyone is pretty familiar with Jay-Z's version, but who knew Play had their own version of the song? Not me until now

24. Can't Stop My Love - Amanda, 2001

25. AM to PM - Christina Millian, 2001

26. Far Up in the Air - E-Type, 2004

27. Ordinary Day - Ace of Base, 2002

28. Bad Girls - Westlife, 2001

29. Upside Down - A*Teens, 2000

30. EverGirl - Play, 2004