San Francisco might have the Golden Gate and L.A. might boast about Beverly Hills, but neither is the fastest growing city in California. That honor goes to San Jose, the third largest city in California.

First of all, San Jose is known as the “Capital of Silicon Valley.” Indeed eBay and Adobe have their headquarters here. While this might excite a few tech-heads in search of their dream job, it by no means defines the area. Rather, the valley was probably chosen by companies for its livability.

San Jose is often noticed for being the safest big city in America. Visitors can feel at ease wandering around day or night.

What is there to see in S.J.?

A trip to the city can start in Downtown, where hip boutiques and cafes butt up against art galleries and the natural beauty surrounding the Guadalupe River. San Pedro Square Farmer’s Market is in downtown; the fresh food as reminder that while tech is in the news, agriculture is still California’s largest industry. At night, an area known as SoFA gets shaking. There are plenty of nightclubs here, many of them under the impression that they are quite cutting edge.

Another popular nightlife activity is, of all things, hockey. The San Jose Sharks are a successful pro franchise and prove quite popular with local residents. The stadium, known as The Shark Tank, is the place to see San Jose let its hair down.

Berryessa Flea Market is an interesting place to buy or simply to watch. Spanish is heard much more often than English here.

Berryessa’s polar opposite is Santana Row, a hip and happening place featuring high-priced condos, too-cool boutiques, and a happening nightlife.

San Jose does not receive the press that other California city’s do, but it is an extremely attractive place to visit.

Lesotho is a unique country for several reasons. First, it is entirely surrounded by South Africa. Its high altitude (relative to the neighboring plains) earns it the name “Kingdom of the Sky.” Unlike neighboring South Africa, Lesotho is relatively safe. Visitors don’t have to worry too much about becoming victims of a crime. Still, when driving at night, local people often do not stop at red lights to avoid car jacking. This is more a precaution (with a bit of fun thrown in) than a necessity.

Amongst tourists, Lesotho is most known for its friendly people and natural attractions. Hiking in the beautiful highlands is easy. The government’s tourist bureau will provide a professional guide. Heartier trekkers will be able to visit isolated villages hidden in mountainous valleys.

The Maletsunyane Falls are probably Lesotho’s biggest attraction. The huge waterfall drops from the rugged cliffs down to a glassy pool. This is the best photo opportunity in the country and worth the hike it takes to get there. It is reasonably safe to climb down the valley walls to the pool. It is also possible to follow the Maletsunyane River downstream.

Lesotho has a long history. On of the most interesting sites is found in Thaba Bosiu. It was here amidst the mountains, that the first king of Lesotho succeeded in fighting off numerous invaders and consolidating Lesotho’s independence. He is buried here along with many of the other notable figures of the kingdom’s past. You can visit the tombs. The ruggedness of the place makes it seem quieter than it really is.

Lesotho has a proud history and a beautiful landscape. While it lacks some of the infrastructure of South Africa, it is far safer and has its own unique atmosphere and is a place of unsurpassable natural beauty.

South Africa is its continents rising star. Since the end of apartheid, the country has become Africa’s most culturally and economically significant land. This development has not gone unnoticed by the world at large. A shining example of this: FIFA awarded the 2010 World Cup to South Africa, making it the first sub-Saharan nation to host such a major sporting event. There is plenty more to South Africa than soccer, though.

With all that is new in South Africa getting the headlines, one might forget the history of this land. The nation’s history is punctuated by peoples like Zulu, Boer, an British; figures like Nelson Mandela; and a past full of both colorful culture and violent conflict. One thing that often gets left out of the list that might be of interest to visitors, be they gourmets or just curious travelers, is the wine.

South Africa’s relationship with grapes dates back over three hundred years. Today the industry is steeped in history, but also very accessible to visitors. In fact, the tourist industry owes much of its recent success to wine tourism. Some grape growing regions of the world are inaccessible to the average tourist. There is no such exclusivity in South Africa.

Though there are some guided tours that include walking vineyards, visiting cellars, and plenty of tasting, it is easy enough to explore one of the many “wine regions” on your own. Most of the vineyards are located in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Some of the better-known regions, like Stellenbosch, have well trod routes between vineyards. The industry has had a trickle down effect on its surrounding areas. Restaurants and hotels that can cater to even the most demanding gourmand have sprung up along these “wine routes.”

Wine is only part of the attraction to South Africa. It’s many cultures, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife draw visitors as much as its grapes. All this makes for one of the most interesting and colorful wine industries in the world.