TOP CITIES FOR VISIT

If you have not yet set yourself off to travel this year, this list will help you decide as to which places on earth will really fill your eyes with wonder and amazement, especially these top 10 tourist destinations in 2012. To all globe-trotters, this is the best opportunity to seek for lovely destinations that you have never been to. They are ranked based on the number of visitors, comments given by the tourists, and other positive feedback as you lay your plan for a perfect vacation and getaway with your loved ones and friends. This is a much needed break that you needed wherein you’ll get pleasure seeing new regions, discovering culture, and wide arrays spots. Some of the spots that you could see and find in this list are also included in 2011 tourist guide.

10. Atlantic Canada

This is not just an important tourist destination for this year, but it is also an immigration destination which has increased tremendously since 2008. In fact, for this year, CNN has chosen this one of the travel destinations because of the diverse galleries, museums, cultural activities, festivals, and other captivating places which are historical and have well-preserved natural beauty. You could find Bay of Fundy, Cape Breton Island, Prince Edward Island, and other provinces.

9. Sydney

It is known for its harbor, sunny and wonderful beaches. It has a wonderful climate that some people would like to migrate and stay in this place permanently. It has a cozy atmosphere which invites freedom, vibrancy, and coolness. It’s the place for physical and outdoor activities. This is where you could find the beauty of the national parks, iconic beaches, and colonial architecture.

8. Netherlands

When it comes to greenest and lovely views of the garden, flowers, field of tulips, and horticultural expo which is done every 10 years, Netherlands is the perfect city that defines vibrancy. Discover places like Amsterdam, Haarlem, Delft, Groningen city, Den Haag, and other splendid parks, coastlines, lakes, and islands.

7. Rome

It has been consistent in offering the old and contemporary architectures especially that this is the center of Christians across the globe. It has oozing vicinities, stations, and sceneries where people could freely stroll, enjoy the sunlight, and sup lunch outside. If you have traffic, it’s the place where you could feel the spirit of calmness, and let you feel that you are just having a long vacation from a peaceful place like Rome. Discover the Ancient Rome, attend their masses, get to know their priests, and these are all found in the Vatican City of Rome.

6. Las Vegas

It is included in the top 50 destinations for 2012 by one of the travel blog websites. This is an ideal place for lovers, couples, and all honeymooners since it’s very stylish and idyllic for all lovey-dovey plans. No wonder, it is called as a city of love on earth where you could enjoy the premier destinations for fashion, jewelry, and other recommended attractions that will fill your heart with love, and gladness.

5. Paris

Nothing beats romanticisms that Paris possesses. In fact, most of the couple who would want to express their love even more to their spouses, and fiancées visits this place to reaffirm that affection. The best place here is the Eiffel Tower where most of the couples go where they shout out their love. It’s the best spot for wonderful architecture, food, and of course fashion. Some of the destinations that you should not miss aside from Eiffel Tower are Luxembourg Gardens, Musee du Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Palais Garnier – Opera National de Paris, Sainte-Chapelle, Notre Dame Cathedral, and other culinary cuisines.

4. Myanmar

It is popularly known as Burma which is popular for Pagodas and temples which is situated in the Southeast Asia. It has extraordinary and authentic places that tourists would love. The people here are very welcoming, hospitable, and sweet which is one of the reasons why it is included in this list of tourist destinations. It has an extraordinary description of natural habitation, and spots like the Inle Lake, Bagan, Thanlyin & Kyauktan, Twante, Golden Rock & a lot of exciting havens.

3. World of Maya

Amidst the old places, cities, and museums which are built in various countries in the world, the World of Maya has maintained the ancient civilization surroundings and structures. If you are enthusiasts of historical stuff like ruins, artifacts, pyramid, valleys, and mountains, definitely you would feel like you are on the top of the world when you get into this place. You could explore as well nearby places like Mexico, Comitan, Itza, Tulum, and other rarest journeys that you could experience in your life.

2. England

Aside from the fact that England is the hosting country for Olympics 2012 which is being held in London, there are more to discover in this monarchy center of the world. This year as well marks the celebration of the 60^th year of Queen Elizabeth of being on the throne. There would be a river pageant, concert at Buckingham Palace, and of course the 200^th birthday of Charles Dickens. People might think that this is one of the expensive places on earth, but you could still find affordable hotels, and restaurants that will keep your excitement as you stay and move around in England. England is known for museums, aquariums, abbeys, castles, festivals, and other heritage parks which are prehistoric and educational.

1. New York 

It is the largest and busiest cities in the world. In fact, it is the number one destination last year, and it’s the top choice again for 2012 tourist destination. It has Times Square, Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Met. Like London, it is also filled with Museums, famous buildings, parks, landmark, parks, and festivals. In fact, there are about 47 million visits from foreigners and localities each year. You could also enjoy their cruises, rides, and tours, shopping, theater, leisure, and lovely places where you could relax and eat.

PLACES TO GO ON VALENTINE'S DAY . SEE & LIKE

It is that time of the year again when lovers, couples, and close friends are feeling the loving with the upcoming Valentine’s Day, which will be occurring on a Tuesday. Have you already thought of a place where you could bring your loved one, and show to him or her of how much you really feel? If you are panicking and you do not have much idea where to go, then checking this top 10 list of the places to go for this year’s Valentine season can get you thinking of the idea in presenting your love, the best way you know how.

 Places to go on Valentine’s day

10. Kanto, Japan

Checking out the view of Mount Fuji on a clear sunny day can be a romantic gesture for both of you. Taking a bath on their prominent and ever-famous hot springs can not only rejuvenate your body, but you can also feel the steam of love as you do it together there. A sip of sake, or rice wine, should get you going.

9. Cape Town, South Africa

You and your loved one can profess each other’s love in a whole new way, by joining the South Africans and celebrating a Roman tradition called Lupercalia. This is done where women pin the name of their lover on their sleeves, which can make you feel like “wearing your heart on your sleeve”. Cape Town is a great place of segregating yourselves from the rest of the world.

8. Maui, Hawaii

When you are both attracted by the call of the sea, then Maui can be one of your destinations to surf as you get close to each other. The huts and cottages near the beach can be your simple getaway in spending the best of the times together.

7. Honolulu, Hawaii

The amazing beaches, the relaxing breeze of tropical weather, the soothing whispers of the trees, and the rushing of the waves makes Honolulu as a great spot for lovers who need that tropical getaway from the cold weather. The ethnic touch of the food and even the environment seen here can take your breath away.

6. Reykjavik, Iceland

They say that the coldest of nights can set in the warmest of hearts. In Iceland, you can enjoy the wonderful and happy mood of winter, with matching poetry that can make love flourish in the midst of a snowy field. Northern lights can also be seen here, which makes Reykjavik a better and happier place on earth.

5. Churchill, Manitoba

If you want your loved one to feel that he or she is the star of your lives, or the best heavenly body that you have ever seen, then going to Churchill this year can be special. The lights in the sky will give the most romantic chill, watching stars at night and beholding the Northern Lights that just amaze everyone who sees it. Even the heavens are in favor of your love here.

4. Valentine, Nebraska

There is no better destination for the day of love, than in Valentine, Nebraska, or more commonly known as “Heart City”. This place has not just been called of such due to the name of one politician that lived on its lands, but it has also created a reputation of love when the season comes in.

3. New York City, New York

Even though you may be at the heart of the city, the places here are as wide for lovers and couples who are looking for a wonderful time in bars and clubs, fine dining in exclusive restaurants, and amazing deals in hotels and other places. Dates can be done on penthouses and on high-rise buildings.

2. Venice, Italy

One of the most romantic scenes that you can find yourselves with, is when you are both staying on a small and thin boat, and making the most of your time together across the waters of Venice. You can enjoy Italian food selections that involve pasta, meats, and even native-made pizza.

1. Paris, France

With no contest, you can go to Paris if you want your lover to experience a unique encounter in the “City of Love”. You can spend some time on viewing France on top of the Eiffel tower, or you could just enjoy freshly made French cuisine in many of their prominent restaurants.

WORLD'S MOST COOLEST PLACES

This post is about the coldest places in the world. Places from different localities which have coldest climatic conditions with temperature which may be freezing even at its maximum have been enlisted in this post. Although there may be other places which are colder as well but only the top 10 coldest places in the world have been put in the list having the temperature description of two different places from the same countries. That means, five countries possess two coldest places each.

Following are the coldest places enlisted with the temperatures in Fahrenheit as well as Celsius below:

10). Rogers Pass, Montana-US:

This is the tenth coldest place in the world which is continentally divided in Northern side of Montana located in United States of America. This is favorite place of flying birds going towards East. Swans, Canadian geese, golden eagles, bald eagles, snow geese and other type of winter animals are often seen at this Pass. The coldest month of this place is March and April. The extreme coldest Celsius temperature of -56.5C was recorded at this Pass and the Fahrenheit temperature was -69.7F.

09). Fort Selkirk, Yukon-Canada:

This place is located in the region of Yukon situated in the country of Canada. Fort Selkirk is the ninth ranking coldest place among the coldest places in the World. This town was almost deserted because of the extreme cold climatic conditions in 1950s. But now, it has been restored somehow due to certain suitable arrangements made at this place. No matter, that it can only be reached by boat or by air. The coldest month of Fort Selkirk is January. The extreme coldest Celsius temperature was recorded as -58.9C and Fahrenheit temperature was -74F.

08). Prospect Creek, Alaska- USA:

This place experiences a sub-arctic type of climatic condition which means that the season at this place is a long-term winter season and through the year there is only a shorter time for the mild summers. Prospect Alaska was somehow expanded because of the construction of trans-Alaska. But now when the weather conditions are even severe, this place has become much smaller than before. The coldest month of this place is February. The extreme coldest temperature in Celsius was recorded as -62Cand the Fahrenheit temperature as -79.6F.

07). Snag, Yukon-Canada:

Snag is another coldest place in Yukon situated in Canada likewise Fort Selkirk ranking on sixth number. It is a small village on a small dry and cold weathered side-road turned to Alaska Highway. It is situated in bowl-shaped valley of White River in Yukon of Canada. The sky is full of fog at this place and the weather is very chill and freezing. Frequent cold wind flows continuously with great frost. The coldest month of this place is January. The extreme coldest temperature in Fahrenheit was recorded as -81.4F and in Celsius as -65C.

06). Eismitte-Greenland:

This is the sixth numbered coldest place in the world situated in Greenland. In English, Eismitte is also called as Mid-Ice. It was a site in the interior Arctic side of Greenland. In German, Eismitte means Ice-Center. Literally, this place is meant to be the perfect place delivering a perception of ice around everywhere at this place, Eismitte. The coldest month is February of this place. The coldest extreme temperature recorded in Fahrenheit was -84.8F and -64.9C in Celsius.

05). North Ice-Greenland:

This place comes on the fifth number among the top coldest areas in the world. This place is the name of a research station which was once occupied and expanded indeed by the British North Greenland Expedition between the times 1952 to 1954. This research center was situated on the inland ice of this Northern place. The coldest month this place experiences is the month of February. The extreme coldest temperature in Fahrenheit is -86.8F and in Celsius is -66C.

04). Verkhoyansk-Russia:

This coldest place is a small town in Sakha Republic situated in Russia. It is a town which experiences great differences between the extreme summer season and the peak of winter season. The temperature changes with the alternation of the seasons with the passage of time. However, it is one the coldest place in the winter season and the winter time is more than the summer time in Verkhoyansk. The coldest period of this place is the month of July. The extreme cold temperature in Fahrenheit is -89.8F and in Celsius is -67.7C.

03). Oymyakon-Russia:

It is a valley in the Khrabet Mountains and a village in Sakha Republic of Russia. This is another but colder area of Russia again than Verkhyansk. This place again experiences extreme subarctic climate with long lasting winters for a longer period of time. The coldest month of this Russia’s place is the month of February. The extreme coldest temperature in Fahrenheit is -96F and -71.1C in Celsius.

02). Plateau Station-Antarctica:

This is the second ranking place among the coldest places. This is a mothballed American Research and theatrical production station on the Antarctic Plateau. The station was closed in 1969 and the coldest month at this place is the month of July. The extreme coldest temperature in Fahrenheit recorded was -119.2F and in Celsius was -84C.

01). Vostok-Antarctica:

This is the top coldest place among the other entire coldest place in the world situated in Antarctica. This is an Antarctic Russian Station for the research. This pole of cold is on the Southern side of Russia experiencing the coldest temperature ever. This place has the lowest authentication for the normal natural measured temperature of the atmosphere on the Earth. The coldest month is the month of August in Vostok. The extreme coldest temperature recorded at this place in Fahrenheit is -128.6F and -89.2C in Celsius.

MOST ROMANTIC PLACES

Most people are dreaming about some really romantic vacation, with sunny beaches, where sun is shining, and where they don’t have any worries. Well, if you are one of them, these are places just for you! Here is a selection of most romantic places in the world. Well, take a look, and get prepare for the upcoming summer vacation! Enjoy

1. Oia, Santorini (Oia, Santorini), Greece. The ideal place where you can contemplate the sunset.

2. Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal), India. Excursion to the royal residence in India, is itself an unforgettable experience. Taj Mahal is a magnificent palace with a facade of white marble, which at sunset is painted charming shades of pink.

3. Pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. In recent years, cruise on the Nile was one of the best choices for a honeymoon. What could be more romantic than a sunset that illuminates the pyramid of Cheops at Giza – one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, have come down to us.

4. Maldives. Take cover on the island away from prying eyes. Why not? You need only 15 minutes to get around his foot. This paradise, including palm trees and white sand dunes. You will be able to walk on board a traditional Maldivian dhonis (dhoni) with a glass bottom around the island. The glass bottom allows us to consider the beauty of the underwater world in detail and make fantastic photos.

5. Marrakech (Marrakech), Morocco. Several hours of flight, and you are in another world. Marrakech – the heart of Morocco, also called “red city”. Here you can see the acrobats, storytellers, dancers, musicians and singing at sunset in conjunction with tropical aromas of flowers will add shades of romantic mysticism in your journey.

6. Sydney (Sydney), Avstraliya.This city has many charming places in which a visitor can enjoy an outdoor or cultural experience: the beach, harbor, Opera House.
And don’t worry that you’re half a world away from home. Easy cash advances are available online from your laptop, bringing your bank to YOU!

7. Isola Bella (Isola Bella), Taormina, Italy. Island in Italy, which fully justifies its name (beautiful island). This is a real explosion of bright colors that vary from season to season, creating beautiful landscapes.

8. The road of love. Cinque Terre (Cinque Terre), Italy. The first tourists who visit here, were so enchanted by the romance of the place that the title “The Way of Love” was born of itself. But remember that walk on this path can only have married, as the Italian will take, this trip would bring about misfortune for lovers

9. Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon), Arizona, USA. Grand Canyon of the Colorado River – one of the deepest canyons in the world. Its steep walls painted in yellow-orange stripes are marine sediments, frozen in solid masses. The romantic aura of this place betray the Indian legends, images from films and cultural treasures of the reserve.

10. Central Park New York (Central Park). This is one of the most famous parks in the world. Why not assign it a date? The most beautiful park in the autumn when the trees change their color

WORLD'S MOST WORST PLACE TO VISIT

10. Harare, Zimbabwe
Recently voted by the Economist as the world's worst city to live in, Harare is a unique study in failed fiscal policy. The once acceptable city fell into disrepair during Zimbabwe's severe bouts with hyperinflation and corruption. The troubles began in the early 21st century when Zimbabwe's inflation rate increased to 112.1%. Sounds terrible right? As it turns out, those were the sunny days. In 2008, the inflation rate peaked at 231,150,000% per annum. In U.S. terms, this means that if you deposited $10,000, it would be worth about 4 thousandths of a U.S. cent in one years time. That sucks. (For the record, 10,000USD = 46.720 quadrillion Zimbabwe dollars in 2009.)

This sort of economic arrangement allowed Harare to fail. There are not enough printers in Zimbabwe to print enough of its Z100 Billion notes, and when a loaf of bread costs trillions, doom is soon to follow. Unemployment grew to 80% and many services faltered. Today, foreign currencies have been adopted but the damage has been done. Much of Harare is in disrepair, and few foreign companies care to directly invest in the troubled city. That said, it is probably the safest place on this list to visit with flights direct from London on the national carrier - Air Zimbabwe.

9. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
The lone entry from Oceania is the ultra-diverse Port Moresby of Papua New Guinea. PNG is home to over 820 languages - more than any other country in the world. As such, its capital Port Moresby boasts a diverse crew of opportunists and island cultures. It was recently voted by the Economist as the 137th out of 140 places in the livable cities index, making it a tough place to get by.

Rapes, Murders, and HIV are just a few of the daily tragedies that befall this enclave at the edge of the map. Here, even riding in cars is a dangerous activity. Gangs called Raskols are known to rob vehicles transporting foreigners at gunpoint.

Port Moresby is best used as a temporary gateway to nearby dive sites and for flights to PNG's jungle interior and its solitary treks. Reaching Port Moresby is easy from Australia on PNG's national carrier Air Niugini.

8. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
37 years ago, Ali and Foreman traded blows in one of boxing's most historic matches. The match took place in Kinshasa. At the time, the country was known as Zaire, and the future looked hopeful for the mineral-rich nation. But as is common in 20th century African history, corruption at the top derailed the future. The country became a model for African kleptocracyas President Mobutu matched Zaire's national debt with deposits into his personal bank account in Switzerland - to a tune of 4 billion (1980) U.S. dollars. He was forced to flee in the late nineties.

By 1998, the Congo region was engaged in the Second Congo War - the most deadly military conflict since World War II. In the end, over 5 million perished, and to this day the mineral-rich country has a per capita (nominal) GDP of about $186.

Chinese foreign direct investment has allowed Kinshasa to grow into a more reasonable place over the last decade, though it is not yet ready for its tourist close-up. Violence and political instability still ravage the second most populated city in Africa. It has come a long way from the time of Mr. Kurtz, but the heart of Africa is still an exceptionally complicated place. Just a month ago during the presidential election, thousands fled Kinshasa in anticipation of violence, and tanks rolled in to police the streets.

Tens of thousands of orphaned street children call the slums of Kinshasa home and are also routinely accused of witchcraft by locals. Carjackings are one of the more common types of tourist robbery, especially outside of the city center. And one more thing, photography isillegal.

Reaching Kinshasa is easy from Paris on Air France.

7. Rocinha favela, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rocinha is the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro. While its infrastructure exceeds that of lesser favelas and its view of Rio is truly breathtaking, it is also home to several hundred thousand Brazilians packed onto a steep hillside. It is a playground for modern day little Li'l Zes.

With one of the highest murder rates in the world, Brazil has been cracking down on violence in anticipation of hosting both the Olympics and World Cup. In fact, local authorities have effectively declared war on this slum in an effort to clean it up and push out the drug cartels, and just a few months ago, Rocinha was occupied by the military and police forces. Their aim is to restore government control in the sprawling favela. While progress has no doubt been made, when visiting Rio (which is generally safe), it is wise to avoid favelas unless accompanied by a local guide.

6. Sana'a, Yemen
"Just off the horn of Africa..." is a common statement that generally precedes a story about modern piracy. And just on the other side of the dangerous Gulf of Aden where such piracy goes down is treacherous Yemen - a land frozen in time.

It is a time machine to the modern edge of the Islamic dark ages. On one hand this brings old world Arabian architecture and cultures of antiquity, but on the other, it brings out Islamic fanaticism. It is a place of child brides and a training ground for Al Qaeda. Men walk around freely with weapons per their religious rights, and these weapons range from the ubiquitousJambiya to battle-worn Kalashnikovs. Sana'a is old, dangerous, and has its share of political unrest. As a westerner, you can keep your travel plans safer by avoiding Yemen.

The tragic thing about Yemen is that it possesses such beautiful sights. It has unbelievable Red Sea beaches, Socotra Island (Similar to the Galapagos and on my own personal travel shortlist), and old forts amid craggy mountains.

Reaching Sana'a, Yemen is possible from Dubai, Doha, London, and Sharjah.

5. West Point, Monrovia, Liberia
Clean water, electricity, basic services - all things we take for granted in the West. In the West Point area of Monrovia, a city named for James Monroe, these are luxuries. West Point, a peninsular slum jutting out into the Atlantic, is home to a special breed of disgusting squalor. Home to 75,000 Monrovians, it is one of Africa's most notorious and crowded slums. Cholera is at an epidemic level, drug use is rampant, teenage prostitution is a commonality, and toilets are scarce. In fact, since it costs money to use neighborhood toilets, many Monrovians in West Point just crap in the streets or on the beach.

Vice did a great series on Liberia a few years ago. In the series, they meet with with an ex-war leader known as General Butt Naked - the commander of a group of child soldiers called the Butt Naked Brigade. He earned this name by charging into battle wearing only sneakers and his AK-47. Aside from sacrificing humans and partaking in cannibalism, he also regularly communicated with the devil. Today, he is a minister.

Delta flies from Atlanta to Monrovia, Liberia.

4. Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Just as turbulence occurs where hot and cold air meet, similarly a point of human turbulence occurs in this nasty city where Mexico meets the United States. Drug violence, government incompetence, and poverty mix to form what has been called the murder capital of the world(this dishonor has since been ceded to Honduras). As drug wars continue to rage, Juarez continues to be a dangerous place. The drug cartels continue to fight for one of the most valuable things in the world - access to the United States narcotics market.

Neighboring El Paso, oddly, has one of the lowest murder rates in the United States. In fact, among major cities, El Paso is tied with Lincoln, Nebraska for having the lowest murder rate in the United States. It is indeed strange to have such a dichotomy separated by a river.

Flying to Juarez from a number of cities is easy, but don't do it. Go to Cancun and fist pump instead.

3. Cite Soleil, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Take one of the most damned places on the planet, knock the hell out of it with an earthquake, and you get the worst of Haiti - Cite Soleil. Port-au-Prince is generally a place of ephemeral hope and naked truths, and at its most rotten corner is this heartbreaking slum.

Cite Soleil is one of the largest slums in the northern hemisphere. It is a place where what you see is what you get, and what you see is abject third world poverty. The slum is void of sewers, schools, electricity, or healthcare facilities. It is the kind of place where relief workers are swallowed whole by the earth. In 2007, UN peacekeepers attempted to access the neighborhood and were welcomed with gunfire.

On top of this, many dangerous gang members escaped prison during the earthquake of 2010 and have returned to this crumbling slum. Reach PAP, Haiti from Miami on Insel Air.

2. Kandahar, Afghanistan
Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, it is a tragedy that Kandahar is so awfully dangerous. A one time trading center and strategic foothold, Kandahar is a victim of its perfect location between the world's of East and West. It has been a point of interest since Alexander the Great stumbled upon it in the 4th century BC. For centuries, traders passed through this city when traveling between Asia and Europe. As result, wars have also passed through and control has changed hands over its centuries of existence, from Mongols to Arabs to Brits and beyond.

Kidnappings, suicide bombings, and other criminal activities have turned it into an absolute monster of a destination. War has a way of creating this sort of general lawlessness. Having a 28% national literacy rate does not help matters.

As a weird footnote, Kandahar has an Armani Hotel, though it is not licensed by Giorgio. Its TGI Fridays, once a bastion of Americana and cheese sticks in Afghanistan, has allegedly been shut down. One can reach Kandahar from Dubai on Ariana Afghan Airlines. During Taliban rule, Osama bin Laden used this airline for Al Qaeda operations including the smuggling of guns, money, and opium. Today, sanctions have been lifted against the troubled national carrier.

1. Mogadishu, Somalia
Still crazy after all these years, "Mog" has perhaps the most terrifying disclaimer (ever) hovering above its entry on wikitravel. It states, "Mogadishu is regarded as the most lawless and dangerous city on Earth and is currently experiencing a major food and refugee crisis. It is not safe for leisure or tourism. If you are planning a visit for international aid work, etc, you will need expert advice and planning."

Civil War has raged for decades, and the government controls only a few blocks of the city. It is a base for modern pirates, the backdrop for the true story surrounding Black Hawk Down, and it is said that machine guns are frequently used by drivers to negotiate through car traffic. It is a land without law, a soulless place at the edge of Africa. Much of it bears more resemblance to the last level in an especially difficult video game than to life on Earth. It is more modern warfare than modern world.

Oddly enough, several supermodels were born in Mogadishu including Iman and Yasmin Warsame - a footnote of beauty for an ugly place. Flights to Mog can be booked on Jubba Airways from Jeddah and Dubai. Good luck with that. Seriously though, if you decide to go, be sure to wear a bulletproof vest and hire a small army of Ethiopian soldiers.