Ottawa , General info:
9/10

Nestled on the banks of the majestic Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau Rivers, Ottawa is one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. A thriving international technology and business centre and world class tourism and convention destination, Ottawa is also rich in culture and heritage with its many national institutions, parklands, waterways and historic architecture. It is home to a large number of foreign embassies and is a recognized centre for both academics and professional training. The city offers an open and welcoming environment to cultures from around the world, providing service in English, French, and a host of other languages.

Ottawa , Different stuff:
9/10

Ottawa is great city to explore on foot. With pedestrian friendly streets and the density of attractions, a car is expensive and unnecessary for the most part. An excellent place to start any tour of Ottawa is the Capital Infocentre, located directly opposite Parliament Hill on Wellington Street. They have maps and brochures for most tourist attractions in Ottawa, many of which are within walking distance.

Ottawa , Don't miss:
7/10

The Ottawa Bluesfest, an annual outdoor music festival that takes place each July in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. While ostensibly focused on blues, the festival has increasingly showcased mainstream pop and rock acts in recent years.

Ottawa , Food:
8/10

Ethnic foods from around the world are available at a wide variety of restaurants and street vendors throughout the city. The Byward Market area has a wide selection of different cuisines; the Chinatown area is along Somerset Ave. between Bronson Ave. and Preston St; Little Italy runs along the length of Preston Street, from Carling Avenue to Albert Street. Also try the tasty beaver tail, a doughy, deep-fried pastry associated with Ottawa, although a number of places claim to have created it. It's available in sweet and savory versions, topped with cinnamon, sugar, icing sugar, etc. In the winter, many places will offer it on the canal. During the summer, the only place downtown to offer it is in the Byward Market on George St. There is a variety of toppings and the taste of the beaver tail arguably stands out more with the classic sugar & cinnamon.

Ottawa , Hotels:
10/10

Within Ottawa and the National Capital Region, there is an abundance of hotels, offering a wide-range in choice in both style and price-range. The city is home to world-class luxury hotels with a long history and tradition of accommodating dignitaries, celebrities and sports figures alike. Yet at the same time, the city is able to offer top rated lodging to the more budget conscious traveller. The Bed and Breakfast industry is alive and well in the Ottawa area. For those travellers accustomed to a more personalized setting, there is an equally wide range of choices, with a number of Bed and Breakfasts options available.

Ottawa , Safety:
9/10

Ottawa is a very safe place to live and visit, so if you use common sense it is at least as safe as any other city. There are many tourists in the city, especially in summer months, and there are very few incidents of robbery or assault.

A note about marijuana, a decision by the Ontario Supreme Court in 2007 has rendered possession of less than 30 grams legal within the province.

San Jose , General info:
8/10

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. Located in the center of the country, sprawling across the Central Valley, the city is the seat of the government, the focal point of political and economic activity, as well as the major transportation hub of this Central American nation.

San Jose , Cheap stuff:
9/10

Super markets and grocers usually have better prices than shops that cater to tourists.

San Jose , Different stuff:
9/10

There are no street addresses in San Jose, or for that matter, in Costa Rica. This does create problems. People here give directions by referring to landmarks.

San Jose , Don't miss:
9/10

Gold Museum, which offers a rare look at various gold artifacts of the ancient Latin American civilizations. The collection consists of 1600 pieces of Pre-Columbian gold work dating from 500 AD to 1500 AD. Information is given on the processing and making of the pieces as well as their social, cultural and religious meanings.

San Jose , Food:
8/10

Restaurants in San Jose, Costa Rica, offer dining opportunities that span the globe. From sushi to Italian, from fast food to French cuisine to Argentine beef to Peruvian seafood, you will find far more than just rice and beans in local restaurants

San Jose , Hotels:
9/10

San Jose is full of hotels from one star to perhaps three. Just a few luxury hotels with great service.

San Jose , Safety:
9/10

The traffic is dangerous. Cars don't stop for pedestrians, and they generally drive fast. The area around the Coca Cola Bus Terminal is not safe at night, and you should watch your belongings at all times in the city. If you have a flat tire on the main highway to the airport, don't accept help except from an established service station, and never accept help from a person who offers to help on the highway. It may become a car-jacking. If you travel by bus, never put your luggage into the storage space, even if the driver wants you to at the beginning of the travel. Crime is a serious problem, so be constantly on the alert. Also, police may stop you and take you to jail for not carrying your passport, or a photocopy of the main page and the entry stamp.