Billy's Cities

Explore the great cities of the world!

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Introduction to San Francisco 2016

Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Point from the Presidio waterfront. Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio, San Francisco, United States, North America.
Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Point from the Presidio waterfront.

San Francisco, open your Golden Gate!

San Francisco welcomed me with open arms when I moved here from Boston 2 years ago June.  And now 2 years later, I’m finally exploring the city.  I still have 1 more day of sightseeing to go. [Read more…]

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China, A Little History, Part 3

Ming Dynasty

Hall of Supreme Harmony at the Forbidden City, Beijing. Originally built by the MIng Dynasty in 1406. China, Asia.
Hall of Supreme Harmony at the Forbidden City, Beijing. Originally built by the MIng Dynasty in 1406.

In 1378, the Mongols of the Yuan Dynasty were overthrown and sent packing back to Mongolia by what became the Ming Dynasty.  Thus was ushered in perhaps China’s most shimmering golden age of all.  In fact, Ming means “brilliant” or “bright”.  In Beijing, the Ming picked up where the Mongols left off, creating a master-planned imperial city centered on the new imperial palace, known today as the Forbidden City.  The Great Wall as it exists today is mostly due to construction performed during the Ming Dynasty.  Ming emperors were enthusiastic patrons [Read more…]