A Vacation of Two Cities
Compiled by Ayodele Kadri
It is astounding what you can find when you scour the World Wide Web. In trying to do a travel guide for some of the world’s cities, all we wanted was to compare cities with their ‘twins’ in other region and guess what we uncovered?
There are 13 cities named Lagos, 58 named Las Vegas though we know only of the casino HQ in the US and 28 called Geneva, apart from the known Swiss city that’s the chocolate capital of the world! However from the long list, we narrowed down to three known cities and their unlikely twins, including Lagos, to show you a little bit of history and some possibilities for vacationing.
1: SYDNEY.
Besides Sydney in Australia, there are two cities called Sydney in the US and one each in Canada, Vanuatu and South Africa. We feature the Canadian one along with the original Sydney.
Sydney in Canada
It is situated in the Cape Breton Island in Novia Scotia in Canada. It is the largest urban centre on the Island and enjoys proximity to most of the tourist attractions there.
- What to do
The heart of Sydney is its waterfront. You can take long walks and watch ships in the harbor. First things first, take a picture with the Fidheal Mhor A’Ceilidh, the World’s biggest fiddle and then you can join a relaxed walking tour of historic Sydney, explore other historic sites and museums and the Highland Village where you will experience Novia Scotia’s Gaelic culture. Alternate between traditional pubs and dining restaurants and enjoy fresh seafood anytime.
Sydney, Australia.
It is the capital city of New South Wales and one of the largest cities in Australia. It is one of the world’s most livable cities and is also recognized as one of the most beautiful cities on earth
- What to do
One major place you should visit is the Sydney Harbor and the Circular Quay, one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world. Plan your trip to also coincide with the various festivals of the harbour. You should definitely go to the Sydney Opera House (back stage), one of the most distinctive architectural masterpieces of the 21st century. Visit the Sydney Harbour Bridge, walk the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal trail. Take ferry rides to Manly Island, explore the beaches and the parks and visit the Taronga Zoo.
2: GENEVA.
There are 28 cities in the world called Geneva. America alone has 23, 2 are in Jamaica, the other three are each in Switzerland, South Africa and Dominica respectively.
Geneva is often perceived as the capital of Switzerland, but it is not. Geneva is home to a lot of governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations and is linked to Europe’s capital cities by its international airport, motorways and railway network.
- What to do
The city boasts of nearly twenty museums and numerous five-star hotels. There is also Geneva’s Old Town. Other places to visit include: Geneva’s lake front and its water fountain – Jet d’Eau, the Flower Clock in the English Garden, Cathedrale de Saint Pierre, (St. Peter’s Cathedral), Reformation Wall, the Statue of Frankenstein, La Petite Sirene du lac leman – the statue of the little mermaid, the birthplace of the U.N – Palais de Nations and the broken Chair Sculpture. You should visit chocolate shops and watch making shops, join sight-seeing tours, flea markets and stop at Office du tourisme de Geneve. Plan your visit to coincide with the festivals, one of which is the L’Escalade – Geneva’s Chocolate Festival.
There are direct flights from The Muritala Mohammed Airport, Lagos to the Geneve Cointrin Airport in Switzerland.
Geneva, New York, United States America
Geneva is a small city of over 13,000 inhabitants; it is historic and vibrant with a booming wine-making industry. In 2015, it won the All America City Award. Downtown Geneva is rich in historic sites and is considered a commercial centre.
What to do
Wines! Wines! More Wines! Visit Geneva’s historic and natural sites – Seneca Lake, Geneva Historical Society, Belhurst Castle and Winery, the Lake Shore Park, the Flying Whale Studios, Geneva Downtown with the Business Improvement District, the Smith Opera house, the Rose Hill Mansion plus the vineyards and wineries that the blooming wine-making companies in Geneva have to offer. Take in Geneva’s scenery and do not miss out on the fun of the festivals and events.
Take a flight from the Muritala Mohammed Airport in Lagos to the Monroe County Airport, Rochester, New York.
3: LAGOS.
Lagos, Nigeria
The smallest state in Nigeria, Lagos, is home to this economic centre and populous city. A former capital of Nigeria and centre of Nollywood and the entertainment industry, the city bubbles with life at every point in time.
- What to do?
Lagos is home to beaches, museums, three-star hotels and exquisite restaurants. Visit the Nike Arts Gallery and the Lekki Conversation Centre. Get groovy at the Freedom Park, visit the Muson Centre and see the historic Lagos at Badagry.
Lagos, Portugal
It is actually pronounced as Lah–goosh. It is a small city in Algarve. It used to be known as Lacobriga and was a very important part of the age of discovery – the period of prosperous commercial activities between Portugal and Africa
- What to do
Like Lagos in Nigeria, it is blessed with beaches. It is a historic tourist town and offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages. It has several natural interest sites and has been recognized for its sustainable tourism. Add the lively nightlife to the restaurants and you truly have nothing to look forward to, but a pleasant experience.
