Somewhere Street

Facing the Mediterranean Sea, Menton, a city in France celebrated for its delicious lemons, is famous for its mild subtropical climate. It became a popular destination for Europe's ruling elite and nobles due to the warm winters. By the 18th century Menton was Europe's top producer of lemons with millions being exported internationally. In 1928 an event featuring flowers and citrus was established. Now known as the Lemon Festival, this festival attracts over 200,000 people from all over the world.

Located on the Mediterranean Sea, the beauty of Barcelona, Spain, attracts tourists from all over the world. Its rich history and unique architecture make it a popular destination for visitors who clamor to see the works of the celebrated Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi. Highly acclaimed is the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, a quintessential work of Gaudi's and a World Heritage Site. Other works by Gaudi include Casa Mila and Casa Vicens, also a World Heritage Site, and a lamppost at Plaza Real.

Padua, one of northern Italy's oldest towns, was founded during the Roman time. Its picturesque medieval buildings and cobblestone streets have been carefully preserved. Founded in 1222, the University of Padua's commitment to intellectual freedom, encouraged many well-known historical figures to come to Padua. Graduates include Copernicus, who formulated the heliocentric theory. Dante, author of The Divine Comedy, was a professor here. And of course, so was the great astronomer Galileo Galilei. Both the university and the city are infused with the spirit of tolerance that is maintained in the name of freedom.

Calabria is a region in southern Italy located at the "toe of the boot of Italy." Its largest city, Reggio Calabria one of the "jewels of southern Italy" has flourished since ancient times. Facing the sea and serving as a natural harbor, Reggio was a vital hub on the commercial route linking the eastern and western Mediterranean regions. Open to the public, the ruins beneath the city provide a fascinating glimpse into the city's long and storied past with a road that can be traced back to the Roman era.

Today Salerno, Italy is a popular tourist destination drawing visitors intrigued by its picturesque Amalfi Coast location. During the Middle Ages it was home to Europe's oldest medical school attracting nobility from all over Europe who came to receive treatment. The school produced a groundbreaking book called "The Salernitan Rule of Health," a didactic poem in hexameter verse that promoted healthy lifestyle and dietary habits. Even today, some of the advice written in the book remains relevant.

Florence, a city in Italy, is celebrated for its medieval history. Renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance, from the 14th to 16th centuries, Florence was a cultural and artistic capital. We visit the Florence Cathedral, and then on to Il Porcellino (the lucky boar). After that see the merry-go-round built in the early 1900s and then cross the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge and then on to the Basilica of Santa Croce where several famous people, including Michelangelo and Galileo are buried.

Built on three hills and surrounded by a wall, Siena, in central Italy, boasts a historic charm with homes over 700 years old still inhabited. Twice a year in the Piazza del Campo, the Palio di Siena a highly anticipated horse race occurs. Its rich history spans eight centuries and the origins can be traced back to the spirited competition among the contrade (city wards) that were established as defense battalions to safeguard the city. These wards have evolved into a closely knit community.

The second largest city in Portugal is Porto. The territory of Portugal expanded from its northern region where Porto is located and gradually reached its current size. Porto's Historic Center, a World Heritage Site, and the Gaia District are separated by the Douro River. Architecturally rich with a centuries-old history, Porto is also an artistic city. Due to Portugal's neutral stance during World War II, it never suffered any air raid attacks, and its buildings were not destroyed.

Guimaraes is located an hour and twenty minutes by train from Porto. Its Historic Center, a narrow area of about 850 meters from North to South, contains many buildings that were constructed during Medieval Times right after Portugal became a nation. And so, in 2001 Guimaraes was designated a World Heritage Site by the UN. Born in Guimaraes, the first king of Portugal was Afonso I. Highly revered by the citizens of the city, Afonso's image is used as the logo for the local soccer team.

Mayfair, a luxurious district in London, preserves the quintessence of British high tradition. Regarded as the city's most prestigious and desirous locale, it is held in high esteem by the upper class and royalty. Predominantly rural until the early 1700s, the area was famous for hosting the May Fair, which is currently known as Shepherd Market. It is now renowned for high-end tailoring, esteemed Gentleman's Clubs, and stores specializing in products associated with the British Royal Family.

Soho, once a hub for immigrants, is long known as one of the most bohemian areas of London. It is considered the place for enjoying the arts, revelry and late-night entertainment. Soho not only embraces individuals from different ethnicities but also those with diverse backgrounds. Berwick Street boasts multinational stands, and a beloved local pub resonates with the eclectic mix of its inhabitants, symbolizing the enduring acceptance of diverse backgrounds in this dynamic community.