Friday, 24 August 2018

GUIDE TO: FRANKFURT, GERMANY

Berlin? Munich? Hamburg? Cologne? What's the first city you think of when you think of Germany? Stuttgart? Dusseldorf? Now how about the fifth largest city in the seventh biggest European country? Frankfurt just may one of the most underrated cities in the world. Take a look.

Globetrotting to the Far East? Or to Australia or New Zealand and beyond? Then you just may find yourself taking a connection to one of the leading destinations in the European Union, from Paris to Amsterdam and countries on this continent as one more. And if you find yourself with around 6 to 8 hours or more waiting time, then don't pick up the latest James Patterson or John Grisham airport novel (although there are shelves of beautiful bookstores in these warm and friendly airport terminals to keep you going), browse duty free for stuff you probably wouldn't even buy for cheaper back home, or use your carry-on or your travel companions lap for a pillow to get some shut eye that will probably lead you to missing your red eye. Be bold and adventurous and leave the slick BMW and smart Einstein filled airport and take a tour, or better yet a train yourself to explore the city. And this from a guy who romaticizes airports. Don't worry, shoes off they would never let you pass through security if you didn't have the time. You basically have a whole day. Especially when it comes to Frankfurt.

Around a quarter of an hour away from the airport by rail (give or take the minutes of pondering whether you have enough time, or the right train. You know us Brits. The train could say "Frankfurt, Downtown...exactly where you need to be, Mr. or Mrs. (insert name here) and we'd still scan whatever wifi we could possibly find to search for, "do you speak English?" in German, before asking them if this is the right train, speaking the Queens. But, alas we digress. Even if this isn't your said awkward scenario you should take a direct flight to Frankfurt the next time you get a run of two days off or more this Summer. Because this fantastic city is something else. And worth it's own individual visit in itself.

Shining brightly in the Summer sun and home to some of the most beautiful people and warm friendliness. Not to mention shops, shops and shops. Museums, history and corner after corner of culture. The moment you step out of Frankfurt station and into it's compelling metropolis you feel like you've known it for years, even if you're in a place you previously thought little about for mere hours. And it's a town that will stay for you for a life of memories. You feel like you could see it all in a day. But also like you could set up shop and live here tomorrow. How many other cities do that for you on arrival? London? Paris? New York? Tokyo? It's up to you. But to be frank I guarantee you'll have no doubt about Frankfurt.

There's just a feeling about this place. The state Hesse's largest city. The five century former city state and Free City of Frankfurt was integral to the Holy Roman Empire. And even though it lost it's sovereignty in 1866, to this day it's lost none of its grace and beauty. From the Parisian blocks and sidewalk cafes to the botanical gardens of green trees that adorn these balconies (this city even literally has a forest). From the timeless medeival Romer building and the Romerberg streets that step back in the same time like the chimes of Frankfurt Cathedral. To the Alte Oper first opera house with a fountain in the front that still sings like its statuesque structure, or that lady. But from that central point of Hauptwache and all the testimonial traditions you can see towered by the Saalhof scraping skyline and it's 21st century Europaturm, night and day view make sure you take it all in. But don't worry. Whether you're here for a week, a day, or just an hour one things for sure. You'll be back. And as you tourist trap chow down on a frankfurter with your spare change and see the cities big, solidarity Euro sign structure, you too will think..."how could we ever leave"?! Get there while you still can. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

GUIDE TO: YOKAHAMA, JAPAN

Tired of the big city? Then why not drive to the town famous for tyres like Good Year, Yokahama? It'd make for a good day. Although it, not Kyoto, nor Osaka is actually the second biggest city in Japan. After you know where. And its just a good hour on the train away from Tokyo. So what are you waiting at the station for? Time to punch that ticket.

Literally in name meaning "horizontal beach", Yokohama in the Kanto region of the Honshu island lies on the edge of Tokyo Bay. The capital city of the Kanagawa Prefecture is second to it's Tokyo neighbour in size, but the most populous municipality in all of Japan. And you can see why all the people are drawn to this city of the future right now.

As soon as you open your eyes to the magnificent Minato Mirai 21 business district you'll see what we mean. Even its name sounds like a place from the future. As the palm tree cicadas buzz above you in this Summer city like neon electricity you'll feel the same hum in this hub. A raised monument to white marble and green like the U.S.A.'s capital, Washington D.C., there's no place like the city a Netflix episode away from Tokyo by train. Lined with tall trees and what seems like a million malls, walk through what looks like a new town built on and old city and you'll be surrounded with as much as the eyes can see aswell as the yen can spend.

There's even iron sculptures that run through this district and look like rollercoasters. But the real rides lies a few feet away at the bay. Where an illuminating wonder wheel called the Cosmic Clock is something to behold aswell as check the time (especially next to a structure that makes it look like Yoko's version of Tower Bridge and the London eye next to the museum ship of the glorious Nippon Maru. A vessel that would even make Jack Sparrow swallow in 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' envy), particularly at a neon dusk. And a flamingo pink tracked rollercoaster literally loop and rolls under a fountain which Bellagio sprays as you descend into it. The Cosmo World amusement park used to hold the worlds largest ferris wheel, but today it's still home to a whole lot of fun for the family...or ahem, someone approaching their mid-thirties, travelling alone.

Channel Otis Redding and walk down to the dock of the bay and you'll be greeted with one of the best views to take in as you sit. There's a reason you're calm will be surrounded by locals painting in watercolours and those using the riverside as their morning jogging route. Even their perfect playlist can't beat this for motivation, like those relaxed opposite canvassing its inspiration. There's even some peaceful parks nearby to get away from it all. But if you want a view to beat all others in this tomorrow looking but traditionally feeling city than it's time to go north. And up as north as you can possibly go. The latticed Yokohoma Marine Tower laces one of the best views, dusk 'till dawn. Yet it's the Yokohoma Landmark Tower featuring a five star hotel and all the places to eat and shop you could drop for that is the real landmark. On a clear day you can bucket list add seeing Mount Fuji from here, the second tallest building in Japan. Making this the peak of your trip.

Just walking around this city in aimless wanderlust is the best way to explore all this place has to offer. Wait on a sunny day and this city has shades of the port of Miami. Or anywhere else with that particular harbourfront. Pick a place. But still, all in all it distinctly feels as Japanese as it is. Making it one of the definitive cities under the rising sun and definitly a place on the map for your dart if you're considering travelling across the Far East, let alone Japan. This was the main port of call for Japan in Jules Verne's 'Around The World In Eighty Days'. Legendary Japanese author Yukio Mishima set his iconic novel, 'The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea' here. And 'From Up On Poppy Hill's' anime art, one of Studio Ghibli's timeless greatest took place in the Yamate region. You can see the inspiration. Now you need to be a part of it. It's time to roll through Yokohama. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Monday, 19 February 2018

GUIDE TO: OSAKA, JAPAN

Electric dreams stream through this Japanese city awoke in cyberpunk, like the neon noir of Tokyo dialled all the way up to 100. And if that capital city is the New York of Japan, then Osaka is the Los Angeles.

Tokyo has Mickey Mouse's Disneyland. But Osaka has the movieworld of Universal Studios too. The red and white Tokyo Tower is certainly iconic, even in the shadow of the Skytree, but Osaka has it's own one too in the heart of it's creatively clutered Tsūtenkaku territory. The Hitachi tower telling us to, "inspire the next" as it lights up at night in a neon purple reign that Prince would be proud of. Well here we go...

Once you drop your bags and lay your hat at one of the many affordable and appealing hotels (may we recommend the welcoming, all over the city and country APA Hotel? That's not only cost effective, but distinctly Japan, international and homely, all at the same time. No matter the size. There's just something about this chain that links all these trips together), right in the plugged in heart of this city it's time to get to stepping.

Walk around this culturally crowded city, between maddening market streets that will have you shopping and dropping and countless menus worth of places to eat, you may bump into more people than you care to meet. But once you find your feet there are hidden gems in this city that will be diamonds for your memories. Parts of this place will remind you of Tokyo, or the neighbouring Kyoto, only a one hour Bullet shot away by train. Take a turn though to the financial or fashion districts and this town won't just remind you of the United States Of America's New York, but Los Angeles' Rodeo Drive too.

The Abeno Harukas building planted in the middle of all of this perhaps offers the best panoramic view (see above) of this vivid concrete jungle, day or night for your pictures and pockets this side of Tsūtenkaku. As this 360 look of all Osaka has to offer in this multi purpose building, hotel and shopping centre is free to see as you escalator your way up all the floors to see something that is worth every step if you had to take the stairs like Cary Grant. Of all the points of interest and tourist traps in town this actually may well be the sight to see. And it won't require any yen to get this high and close to something so zen.

But from there you can see that there really is so much more to this capital city of the Osaka Prefecture and the second largest metropolitan area in Japan after you know who. This designated city of the Kansai region calls home to 19 million inhabitants...and you and yours too. So as you get yourself out there, hand in hand for a romantic walk down the Osaka Bay at the mouth of the Yodo River yours will be left open. As like that stream you will snake through this city and all the culture and collective memories it can offer you. From the grand Osaka Castle by day, to all the tastes and treats of the dubbed "nations kitchen" by its neon night.

But between all the stirring shrines and drawn lines through your itinerary, as you run through the classic canal district of Dōtonbori like the iconic Glico man athlete everyone raises their arms up for a photo with, you'll see something bold and beautiful by nightfall once the foot traffic disperses. As the trademark Japanese neon from all those Times Square at New Year shutting down, illuminated billboards bring a beauty in reflection on the river that runs through it below. And like Glico as you give the outstanding Osaka a hand, it makes for the perfect finishing line for your trip. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Saturday, 23 December 2017

GUIDE TO: KYOTO, JAPAN

Take a train from Tokyo to its anagram town Kyoto and a Bullet will shoot you city to city across the amazing country of Japan in a long and straight land where the trains only go two ways, back and forth.

Make sure you don't miss Mount Fuji either in a blink or go to the bathroom and you'll miss it moment as the infamous Bullet Train takes you past all the iconic Japanese landmarks on your way to another one. As Kyoto is more than just a jumbled version of the capital city of Tokyo, it's also another perfect mix of so old and so new. So Kyoto shows you the traditional and the future of a country steeped in legend but still stepping towards its legacy.

So whether you're going it 'Alone In Kyoto' like the beautiful French dance duo Air's instrumental track which will make for the perfect, atmospheric soundtrack for this trip, or if you are partnering with the one you love for a journey that will be as beloved as the one you have already taken, Kyoto has it all pillar to post.

The beautiful city is painted in poetry and immersed in your every inspiration. Once you step off the train and into this new world you will be surrounded by some classic culture and possibly the kindest strangers you'll never meet. The bullet's chamber of a train station almost acts like a moat seperating two parts of Kyoto, old and new. And with no place like this home in the world, let alone Japan you're about to witness one of a kind places all throughout this town. It's much more than just your lovable, local Family Mart's and Lawson's on each corner you take your JR pass.

This city has shops and boutiques for days upon miles of blocks and side streets. It may not be Harajuku but the market here is so long and be warned densely crowded that you'll end up walking (if you can call the slow saunter that) like something that resembles a penguin after fish. The only walk you'll take longer than that countless corridor is up more stairs than Penrose outside the downtown hub.

Because even though the white and red Tokyo rivalling, Kyoto Tower gives you a grand view of all this city beholds, if you want a real lay of this land then it's time to climb a mountain. And for all the stunning shrines that surround every part of Japan none is quite like the pillar pilgramage you will take to the one stand out Shinto shrine. The fantastic Fushimi Inari-taisha is tradition personifed. A real wonder of the world and your eyes which take your breath away, if you're walked to the point of exhaustion lungs haven't done so already. The head shrine of the God Inari sits at the base of the mountain of the same name. But as beautiful as that shrine truly is your trail is far from over. As those iconic orange torji take you to many smaller shrines all over the mountain that all told take up to two hours to walk, but will end up being something out of one day that your memories will remember for the rest of your life.

Tradition takes every corner here like your camera. From shrines like the Kiyomizu-dera and the Kinkaku-ji to the influential Imperial Palace to the bamboo and monkey world of the amazing Arashiyama whose bamboo grove walk is only rivalled by the torji trails of the Inari. But in all this beauty the Nijo Castle is something else entirely as you take off your shoes and walk the gravel silent grounds of something so moving the words you should keep to yourself just don't do this historic monument of ancient Kyoto justice. But your silence in the stirring presence of a service will be the respect this dark wooden place of times gone golden deserves.

But whether you're in the mood for a Philosphers Walk perfect from the hallowed cherry blossom of Japan, to the Autumn season. Or if you just came to this anime world for the magic of the Manga Museum from 'Akira' to 'Your Name', you need to save room and time in one of this country's big-three cities top two points of interest. The testament to this town in itself, the To-ji Buddist temple is boundless beauty like the cobbled canvassed roads, streets and walkways that lead you there in vintage shop (and we aren't talking about old tees, dungarees and throwback jerseys) unison and buildings of that same vein, screen door tradition.

By now you'll have probably found a decent place for dinner as this cities exploration eats at the soles of your sneakers. And every street has something amazing to eat. So much so that the food coma you'll go through after will demand the same bed rest that the days itinerary will have done to the rest of your body from your knees down. So the night calls for ample time to let yourself relax and rest and recuperate in one of the many individual, hallmark hotels this town has to offer for you to lay your hat. And to that end could we make a personal recommendation however of the SHE Kyoto hotel? In a country whose Murakami 'Norwegian Wood' love for The Beatles is to the letter, by the book this warm and welcoming place wherever your from tells you "SHE loves you". And when it comes to this perfect mix of traditional and modern aesthetic you'll love her too.

They even give you a smartphone loaded with travel info and walking maps to to see you for the rest of your trip where there's more to explore. So don't sleep in and make sure you're all charged up because between places to pin like the Shimogamo Shrine and the Koda-ji there's so much to see temple to shrine in a buddhist city that has to be seen to be believed. And we'll leave the rest of that up to you because like Kyoto itself and it's place in Japan, the beauty of this city and country isn't what you are advised to see, but what you actually discover yourself. And when it comes to this wonderful and soulful place you really may just find yourself right here. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Thursday, 20 April 2017

GUIDE TO: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

South Korea's soul lies right in the heart of its capital city. Seoul is right there with Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in leading Asian cities of the future that rival its western New York, London and Paris counterparts in modern day culture. Take one of your favourites out of the two countries of Japan and China and add some Seoul and there you have the holy trinity of this continents cities.

The moment you touchdown in the inspired Incheon Airport (boasting high-end boutiques and facilities. Ranging from a cinema to a mini-orchestra...and a shower), you really get a beat of this beautiful place. Even if you are on a long layover to another part of Asia or Australia you can catch a quick break here provided you're not red eyed. And all it will cost you is the time you want to pass too. Nothing is wasted here as the Free Korea Transit Tours offer you a different view and guide of the city for you frequent fliers depending on the time of day. And the coach will get you back in time for your connection...don't even worry. But from temple to skyscrapers take it from us, you're going to want to visit this place properly.

Because there's so much in Seoul. From the steps of a place steeped in history to the illuminating future as bright as the neon that shines like the windows of every office block as sky scraping day turns to night. And then that's where you can get your fill of all the food that this classic city has to offer in every corner you turn. And so what if your eyes are bigger than your belly...lets eat. And make sure you look out for some Korean BBQ, because nothing is hotter than that.

Unless your after the latest fashion. Because Seouls trading shopping district is a grand design. So if you're part of the clothes horse race then you can keep running through the sales until the day pales. As 24 hour opening times mean you can shop until the clock drops. And you can find it all here in this extended mall of a town. Fendi, coach...boyfriends with no free hands.

But if you're part of the, 'why buy what you can online crowd' than Seoul's sites are where it's at. And no landmark takes you higher than the N Seoul Tower planted like a skytree in the heart of Seoul's downtown district, offering you an outstanding view of the whole city it captures from it's tallest point and peak.

And there's a lot to take in that shines from sunrise to sunset like the beer tower like gold of the 63 Building. Many travellers spend their whole lives seeking out the wonders of this world for their Instagram memories and scrapbooks, but Seoul provides a formidable, famous five world heritage sites. Including the Changdeok Palace, the Hwaseong Fortress, the Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong and the Royal Tomb of the Joseon Dynasty. That's a lot to cross off your list by the bucketload.

An arsonist may have burned down the iconic, traditional Namdaemun gate in the middle of this cities roads, but the people of this town that restores you built it back up, brick by brick. Even in the shadow of terrorism or the tyranny of the north, South Korea's Seoul still finds the light like seeing the iconic Mt Bukhan in the beautiful background of anywhere you stand.

There's so much history here no matter who or what tries to take that away and fron the ashes of fire Seoul rises again and again like phoenix. Now a pillar in this modern world and the cultures it connects like the bountiful Banpo Bridge and the majestic Moonlight Rainbow Fountain thay comes alive in the nightime. This city keeps growing street to skyscraper, sidewalk to stadium. Like the Dongdaemun Design Plaza that's modern art architecture and the Asian giant eatery Lotte World sponsered area where you can do more than just grab a bite.

But our place to pick and make a pilgramage to our the sensational Sevit Floating Islands which was the stream that lead to the changing tide of the Korean Wave culture reaching the wide world. This another highlight in a history making place that's about to hold and host the 2018 Pyeong Chang Winter Olympic Games, two years before Japan neighbour Tokyo hosts the biggest five ring flame event for the first time since 1964. But why wait? Right now it's time to make memories in a city that won't just have a place in your heart, but a home in your soul. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Wednesday, 22 March 2017

Time To Climb The Tokyo Skytree

Planted at the best vantage point in central Tokyo. The Tokyo Skytree offers the most vivid view of this magnificent metropolis.

Like a pin point dropped on a real world version of Google Maps, the white and grey structure that comes alive in the night time in a hue of blue (or the traditional Japanese color aijiro), shows that this capital of Japan is sprawling and seemingly never-ending.

Standing at some 2,080 feet, 32 floors above the ground, this broadcast and observation tower also offers you a place to eat, or at least stop for coffee. Eating at the 345 meters high 634 Musashi restaurant offers Japanese cuisine with a French twist. Boasting masterchef Naoya Makimura's Paris/Tokyo culinary skills and techniques, giving this romantic restaurant a Michellin Star. What better way to see this sensational city change from night to day, eating it all up? Because you just have to stay here for a little while. Maybe start your ascension at around 3 to 4pm and stay until nightfall. Sure this wonder of Japan is worth two trips. And the city also does have the Paris Eiffel like, red and white Tokyo Tower. But dusk 'till dawn nothing is like this. And there isn't anything that comes close to actually watching the city turn from glorious day to neon night, moment to moment and all the natural and sky-scraping light in between. As you will dream in neon from the chic Iki sky blue, to the refined elegance of the Miyabi purple, depending on the mood of the night.

The Tokyo Skytree has only been standing since 2012 but it looks made to last forever. Around 1.6 million people came out for it's Skywalk ribbon cutting opening week in May 2012 and the numbers of visitors have hit stratasphoric heights since. This neofuturistic, timeless piece of architecture still honors the traditions of the city and countries cultural past and was heralded as something that revitalized the city of Tokyo for the future, all for the better. Being a beacon and revolution of both safety and security. At any time at capacity, around 2000 people can walk the panoramic floors of this spiral Skywalk, some made of glass. Offering a street view like no other that's not for the feint of heart, but those with the strength of nerve. Don't crack under the pressure though...because the floors at your feet won't.

But never fear for the Skytree isn't looking to get chopped down anytime to soon no matter how sharp mother natures wielding axe is. Thanks to some seismic proofing this tower is structurally sound when it comes to earthquake resistance. The central shaft is reinforced with concrete as this tree takes great root and the internal pillar is connected to the Skytrees outer structure for the first 125 meters above ground level. And oil dampers inside the tower provide assistance in absorbing up to 50% of an earthquakes impact and the ensuing damage it causes. These cushions and a tuned mass damper helps keep this towers center of gravity central to the towers base should the worst happen. So feel free to walk without worry and climb with confidence. That all sounds like this iconic landmark of the modern generaion is worth every last penny of the 65 million yen it cost to erect.

This tripod that provides the majority of the television and radio broadcast to the Kanto region of the city, replacing the Tokyo Tower in this digital age, is more than just a landmark of Japan or even Asia. Second only in size to the Burj Khalifa structure in the ever developing in domination of the skies, Dubai, the Skytree located in the Sumida ward is a sight to behold. And is still the worlds tallest tower proceeding the Canton Tower of China which shadowed Canada's CN Tower of Toronto. Just like this city itself from this spot, standing neighbour to the in comparison pint-sized Asahi Breweries 'Beer Tower' and the countdown Olympic flame to the 2020 games set to be held in this town in four years time, this sought after location and just how vast it appears is incredible. From temple to todays newest structure reaching for the same stars its tallest tower touches. Every expectation is exceeded.

Witness all the wards. From Taito to Chiyoda. Or the famous square of Shibuya (that Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson danced around and made even more famous to the West in Sofia Coppola's classic movie 'Lost In Translation'. Like the car chase/crash scene in 'The Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift') to the electric corridors of Shinjuku at midnight, both giving off a core like glow that literally highlights them as places of interest in live, living color like the Rainbow Bridge. But between all the souvenirs you will take and selfies you will make, nothing compares to what you will capture with your own two eyes.

Like the Skytree's lattice work design itself. Epic and endless grey and blue...and green. In this concrete city that is still steeped in as much nature as it is innovation and let's not forget history. But as far as you can see after all the beautiful buildings and straight streets you just may see on a clear day a true wonder of the world. On the horizon that hill like image beyond the clouds is no illusion. It's the iconic Mount Fuji. Your next stop in making your Japanese dream come true.

When it's so clear you can almost see the heavens from here...or what looks like them. So be sure to pack your binoculars or change for the telescope. There's so much more to see in this city of temples and neon. But you should start with this compelling capital cities exclamation point. Inviting and inspiring. Innovative and influential. There's not much in the world that climbs higher. No matter how far you look. Time to see the roots of the future of Tokyo. So old. So new.

Wednesday, 7 December 2016

GUIDE TO: PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

Divine. That's the city of Providence in a word. Defined. Figuratively and literally. Forget the cliche. Biblically speaking 'Providence' is scripted as the spirit and power and protective nature of God. But if you make it to the state of Rhode Island you may just find Providence yourself...the real place. And you can't get much closer to heaven than this.

Just north of New York and before Boston if you ride a Greyhound from the worlds most famous city to the state of Massachusetts' New England you will see the real beauty of this country on the highways of the United States. And you won't even need to take a left turn to America's Cadillac iconic road of Route 66 to get there. But as you venture to Beantown from the Knicks one and after you pass all the Costco's and roadside Starbucks' you'll drive through a classic city of churches, traditional buildings and stilted skylines that almost looks and feels like your in Boston already. Besides it's only an hour away and this town is a part of greater New England too, but it's in a whole other state all together.

This is Providence and the next time you take that four hour, 14 dollar journey from Port Authority to Back Bay you'll make a brief stop for a day in a place you could easily spend the rest of your life from the moment you get there. Providence is a calm, collected city that's beyond the big lights and shines much brighter from the towns theatre to the street art murals that almost illuminate on their own at night. Whereas most leaps and bounds cities of the future look to sell out for profit, Providence keeps it pure as it is traditonal. We told you it was divine. It's full of heart and soulful too. Hell, Providence is poetry...if only we could write it better.

Just walk around and see it for yourself. Where should you go? Where your two soles take you! Where should you stay? Wherever you lay your hat to call home! What should you eat? Anything you can get your hands on and teeth into from the weekend food festival markets to the brilliant bars and resturants that line every street corner that is worth your camera and eyes experience. Sure this is a travel guide, but this is just talk and Providence is not that cheap a city. Besides just like coffee and donut shops, Providence has the most restaurants per capita than any city in America (no wonder the college basketball Friars play in a place called the Dunkin Donuts Center...Homer Simpson's dream). When we urge you to just go we mean exactly that. Living it is being it and the only way to see Providence is to find it for yourself.

Because there really is a buzz about this beehive of industry. This creative capital. From the Federal Hall across the Point Street Bridge all the way to Roger Williams Park. All as beautiful as they are traditional just like the grand Rhode Island State House and the holy First Baptist Church of America. This city really is a renaissance beyond the nickname in a time of men about town trying to reach for the stars by scraping the sky faster than the uninterested scroll through their phones. There's a good ole days, old school feel to this place that beyond the Autumn falls in line with a classic John Hughes or Tom Cruise coming of age 80's movie. It really is just that transcendent and any other synoymn of this places name painted perfectly precise on its iconic magnificent mural. And as for the cities official motto; "What cheer"? Well...right here people! No question. We'd say just you wait, but don't. Go!