64. Minsk, Belarus

From the Galileo Mall in Minsk. The first country in Europe to introduce colour television. Belarus has the highest population of European bison (Europe's largest land animal), and is the world's third biggest butter exporter. The butter does not come from bison.

63. Sint Maarten

Part of St Martin, the world's smallest inhabited island shared by two countries (the other country, confusingly, is also called St Martin). Peter Stuyvesant, the last mayor of New York under Dutch rule, acquired the nickname 'Peg Leg Pete' on the island after being struck by a Spanish cannonball. He later founded Broadway.

62. Paris, France

France is the most visited country on Earth. On average, one Japanese tourist per month suffers Paris Syndrome, a psychological disorder caused by having overly high expectations of Paris. No equivalent disorder exists for Brussels.

61. Baalbek, Lebanon

Home of the well-preserved Temple of Bacchus, and the Temple of Jupiter, the largest Roman temple ever built. Its six remaining columns are 30 metres tall. Baalbek is the reputed birthplace of Saint Barbara, patron saint of explosives and barbiturates.

Snow Globe of the Year: And the Winner Is...

...Utrecht!!! After an extremely close vote, the Netherlands' fourth largest city won by a hare's breadth. Here are the final rankings:

4th. Krimml, Austria

3rd. Roswell, United States 🥉

2nd. Bogotá, Colombia 🥈

1st. Utrecht, Netherlands 🥇

Thank you to everyone who voted, and congratulations Utrecht, now officially the world's premier snow globe shopping destination. You can view its original blog entry here.

New posts will resume in the New Year, featuring even more glamorous globes and dazzling domes. 🔮

Snow Globe of the Year: Voting Now Open!

The first-stage votes are in! Over the last week, 60 candidates have been whittled down to 4 fabulous finalists, but only one can be named this year's golden globe. The nominees are...

#1 Bogotá, Colombia 

The post that started it all. Will the Gold Museum have to settle for silver?

#7 Krimml, Austria 

From the land that invented snow globes. Hurry before it's absorbed by the moss.

#23 Utrecht, Netherlands 

In lieu of 24-carat gold medal, this bunny will accept 24 carrots.

#55 Roswell, United States 

The most popular choice from the comment section, but will it crash out in the final?

To have your say, a poll is now open in the right-hand sidebar. Voting closes 10 days from now on 24 December, when the winner will be revealed with a brand new shaken-up photo! 🔮

Announcing Snow Globe of the Year!

 

With 2017 around the corner, and this blog now three quarters of the way to fulfilling the promise of its title, 80 Shakes is launching a thrilling new competition that will no doubt come to rival the Olympics in time.

 
Snow Globe of the Year will decide once and for all which tourist hotspot (or Lübeck) has the world's most whimsical snow globes. Voting will begin on 14 December from a shortlist of 4 finalists, with results on 24 December. The winner will receive a glamorous photo shoot, and be revealed for the first time in all its shaken-up splendour!

The nomination period is now open! To have your say, please write in your favourites from the archives (or the collage above) in the comments below. Nominations close in 7 days. 🔮

60. Great Wall, China

Not visible from space. Its easternmost portion, the Shanhai Pass, extends into the sea. The cement holding the bricks together was made from sticky rice.