APHUG Final Exam Project by Nelson QuinonezGomez

Day 2 & 3: Cape Town, South Africa

nelqui — 2024-12-18 18:27:27 UTC

After a day of travelling by plane, I landed in Cape Town, South Africa. I chose Cape Town for its history and natural landscapes surrounding the town. The city is marked by the legacy of the apartheid (Unit 3) which is showcased in the District Six Museum which explains how the forced removals during the apartheid impacted urban development. I also explored the Cape Flats to get a glimpse of the spatial segregation and contrast between the wealth and poverty in Cape Town.

Day 1: Travelling by plane

nelqui — 2024-12-18 18:29:21 UTC

Travelling by plane to Cape Town, South Africa.

Day 4: Travelling by boat

nelqui — 2024-12-18 18:31:19 UTC

Travelling by boat to Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Day 5 & 6: Antananarivo, Madagascar

nelqui — 2024-12-18 18:32:45 UTC

After a day of traveling by boat, I landed in Antananarivo, Madagascar. I chose Madagascar for its geography and cultural isolation (Unit 3) . Due to its isolation from mainland Africa, Madagascar developed its own species and cultural traits that set it apart from the rest of the world. I visited the Rova of Antananarivo to learn more about the country’s history and cultural evolution over centuries due to its geographic isolation.

Day 7: Travelling by plane

nelqui — 2024-12-18 18:33:29 UTC

Travelling by plane to Barcelona, Spain.

Day 8 & 9: Barcelona, Spain

nelqui — 2024-12-18 18:34:35 UTC

After a day of traveling by plane, I arrived in Barcelona, Spain. I chose Barcelona because of its rich cultural heritage and role as a global city. The city is known for its centripetal forces (Unit 4) such as the shared Catalan language and pride in Catalan culture which unite the population despite tensions with the main Spanish government. I visited Park Guell to see Barcelona’s architecture which reflects Catalonia’s unique identity.

Day 10 & 11: Monte Carlo, Monaco

nelqui — 2024-12-18 18:35:42 UTC

Next, I took a short train ride through France and arrived in Monte Carlo, Monaco. I chose Monte Carlo for its luxury, urban development, and role as a microstate. Monaco is an example of urban hierarchy (Unit 6) as a primate city through its dominance of the country with its economic and social influence despite its small size. A few places I visited the Monte Carlo Casino which is an economic attraction that brings in wealth and tourism throughout the world.

Day 12: Travelling by train

nelqui — 2024-12-18 18:36:43 UTC

Travelling by train to Warsaw, Poland.

Day 13 & 14: Warsaw, Poland

nelqui — 2024-12-19 16:49:18 UTC

After a day of traveling by train I arrived in Warsaw, Poland. I chose Warsaw for its history and significance during World War II, including how it rebuilt itself. I visited Warsaw’s Old Town which is an example of reconstruction (Unit 7) as much of the city was rebuilt post war. The buildings showcased how the city preserved its cultural identity even after the ruins of WWII.

Day 15: Travelling by plane

nelqui — 2024-12-19 16:50:04 UTC

Travelling by plane to Athens, Greece.

Day 16 & 17: Athens, Greece

nelqui — 2024-12-19 16:50:45 UTC

After travelling for a day by plane I arrived in Athens, Greece. I chose Athens because of its history with democracy and ancient history. While in Athens I visited the Acropolis and the Parthenon which are both examples of sequent occupance (Unit 1). Both locations show how different groups over time have left their mark on the city such as the ancient Greeks all the way to the modern city.

Day 18: Travelling by plane

nelqui — 2024-12-19 16:51:19 UTC

Travelling by plane to Dubai, UAE.

Day 19 & 20: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

nelqui — 2024-12-19 16:52:52 UTC

After a long flight from Europe I landed in Dubai, UAE. Dubai is a city that represents globalization (Unit 5) through its rapid development showcased in its skyscrapers and high text infrastructure. I visited the Burj Khalifa which is the world’s tallest building and symbolizes Dubai’s international influence and role as a global financial hub.

Day 21: Travelling by plane

nelqui — 2024-12-19 16:53:39 UTC

Travelling by plane to Kathmandu, Nepal.

Day 22 & 23: Kathmandu, Nepal

nelqui — 2024-12-19 16:55:11 UTC

Next, I flew to Kathmandu, Nepal. Kathmandu is a city within the Himalayas and I chose it because of its sustainability (Unit 6). The city balances urbanization with the preservation of its cultural heritage and has seen growth over the years, but efforts are being made to make sure that development does not harm the environment. I visited the Swayambhunath Stupa where I saw the local community actively involved in conserving the heritage of Nepal’s unique landscapes.

Day 24: Travelling by plane

nelqui — 2024-12-19 16:55:49 UTC

Travelling by plane to Auckland, New Zealand.

Day 25 & 26: Auckland, New Zealand

nelqui — 2024-12-19 16:57:11 UTC

After a flight across the Pacific ocean I arrived in Auckland, New Zealand. Auckland is a good example of land use (Unit 6) as it carefully manages its natural resources while accommodating its growing population. The city is known for its mix of spaces such as residential, commercial, and recreational. I visited the Sky Tower which is located in a carefully planned area that balances green space and urban development.

Day 27: Travelling by plane

nelqui — 2024-12-19 16:57:45 UTC

Travelling by plane to Santiago, Chile.

Day 28 & 29: Santiago, Chile

nelqui — 2024-12-19 16:58:39 UTC

After another day travelling by plane I arrived in Santiago, Chile which is known for its rapid growth due to urbanization (Unit 2). While I was in Santiago I could see how it has expanded as people have moved from rural areas in search of better opportunities. The urban sprawl is noticeable as the city continues to grow in both population and infrastructure. I visited the Plaza de Armas which is a landmark in the city that showcases its constant development and modernization.

Day 30 & 31: Buenos Aires, Argentina

nelqui — 2024-12-19 16:59:47 UTC

After a short plane ride across the Andes mountains I landed in Buenos Aires, Argentina where I was able to witness the impact of migration (Unit 2). Buenos Aires has for a long time been an attraction for migrants from areas such as Europe. While walking through neighborhoods like La Boca I saw how immigrant communities shaped the city’s culture, food, and architecture.

Month 2, Day 1: Travelling by plane

nelqui — 2024-12-19 17:00:35 UTC

Travelling by plane to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Month 2, Day 2 & 3: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

nelqui — 2024-12-19 17:12:48 UTC

Finally, after a short flight I arrived at my last destination which was Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio is a big example of tourism (Unit 3) shaping the city’s economy and culture. While in the city I visited the beaches, the Carnival festival, and the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Throughout my trip here it was clear how much tourism influenced Rio’s economy through the jobs and boosts to the local culture.