| The United States probably don't need any introduction. Although Europeans tend to be critical about American issues, I think it's hard to deny that the US harbour some ofthe most diverse cities and national parks of the world. So for holidays, it's a wonderful place to visit. We visited California for holidays in 2004 to enjoy cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco and the National Parks in the Sierra Nevada. More recently, in April 2009, we visited the east coast for a conference for our work in Woods Hole (South of Boston). In addition, we combined the trip with visits to several labs on the east coast in an attempt to find a Post-Doc position once we've finished our PhD. |
© Bart Everts
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| As the second biggest country in the world Canada is a huge and sparsely populated place. We heard that the Western part with the Rockies and Pacific coast is particilarly beautiful. After of our visit to the US east coast in april 2009 we flew over the West coast, for some more interviews for a potential postdoc position as well as to visit some friends in Vancouver. |
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| For a 2-week holiday we visited Costa Rica in April 2011. It's probably one of the prima eco-tourism destinations of the world. If you're a nature lover, you will not be disappointed. It has the highest number of organism species per square km of any country of the world. On top of that, around 30% of its surface is protected nature reserves. Infrastructure of the country is good with most roads tarred and in good shape. Driving around in a rented car, as we did, is very easy and gives you the flexability to go whereever you like. Costa Ricans (ticos) are friendly and used to tourists, so mostly you'll be fine with English, though some Spanish definately helps. If nature is not your thing, Costa Rica has beautiful beaches and caters for adrenaline seekers as well, with rafting, ziplines and surfing. Perhaps the only downside is that because it is a relatively well developed and rich country, it is not as cheap as other cnetral american countries, with prices close to Asmerican. |