After comparing tons of sites to book accommodations in Thailand, in the north of the country and on the coast, I can tell you that I found the most options and the best prices on Agoda. Once I got there, nothing to report, everything went as planned, and the rooms matched the descriptions.

Of course there is a complete collection of manga to discover and read, though you do need to know how to read Japanese. But there are also plenty of comics from other countries, including France and Belgium. Impressive.

Palace built in the typical Japanese style, with rooflines shaped like fir trees (I do not know how else to put it) and a magnificent garden all around. The museum inside is quite informative about the history of the country.

This park has a reputation for having the scariest roller coasters in Europe. I haven't tried every theme park in Europe, but this seemed pretty standard to me. But hey, we still had an excellent day with friends

It is not a huge zoo, but unlike others in different cities, this one is easily accessible right in Central Park. It is hard to get more central than that ;) The aviary is well done, and the rest is visited pretty quickly.

Split is a very pleasant seaside resort on the Adriatic coast. There are some great little restaurants, a Diocletian's Palace that will immerse you in the past, and beautiful little coves with crystal clear water that feel less like tourist traps than the long beaches stretching for miles that you can find in some other places.

Contrary to what the name suggests, Diocletian's Palace is not just one building, but an area that brings together several palaces and other structures. Inherited from the Romans, these monuments are very well preserved, and some of the buildings are still inhabited.

There is quite a bit of elevation in this national park, and as soon as you get off the beaten path, the trails can be difficult. It gets very hot there in the summer. The hikes can turn out to be quite a workout if you want them to be. The reward: a beautiful forest inhabited by century-old trees, birds and animals of all kinds, and lakes with crystal-clear water, plus refreshing waterfalls.

If you want your vacation in Bali to help you learn a little more about Indonesian culture, I recommend spending a day or two in the Balinese capital. Markets where you will see local crafts (furniture, decor, textiles, pottery...), museums, nice restaurants, and simply locals living their lives without worrying too much about you.

The visit to the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel is very interesting. Unfortunately, waiting 2 hours to get in, in a single file line that goes all the way around St. Peter's Square, is just not possible. Things could be better organized.

I really like contemporary art because you are sometimes surprised by what you can see or discover. The MoMA, in NY, is the mecca of contemporary art. A pilgrimage to make at least once in your life then :-)