now it is fine...weird...the reault had disappeared..

BillT, did you rank them using a weighting system? For example, you could give 10 points to a #1 vote, 9 points to a #2 vote, ..., 1 point to a #10 vote, then rank by points. Or what?

or you could do a scale like your old english teacher did with her grades...you could favor bkk and disfavor K/L....
or you could leave it totally to us to figure it out and you could start another pole or revive the penn vs oriental discussion....or shorts and T-shirts...??

Bill how abour running another poll of the top Asian countries that voters haven't visited yet but have a desire to see ?

BillT - just fascinated by your interim post inviting people to vote for places they have never been based on third hand information.

Now I will play again according to your rules, giving places I haven't been nil points, and rating the others on overall vibe.

Bangkok 5
Hong Kong 4
Singapore 7
Sydney 1
Bali 2
Shanghai
Beijing 3
Kaula Lumpur 6
Hanoi
Tokoyo

People seem to be hung up on the fact that they are being asked to rank some destinations that they have not visited. If the only people that could vote are those that have been everywhere then it would come down to Bob and Kathie voting. Look I have not been to Paris or Toledo but I know that Paris wins that one hands down. Come on people- you can use your knowledge and pick the winners!

I can see that for the purposes of this survey it's convenient to include Sydney. However, in the interests of pedantry Australia is not actually part of Asia, either geographically or culturally.

Geographically, the Australian land mass is recognised as a continent, along with North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Antarctica.

Culturally, while Australia has a large and growing Asian population and strong economic ties with Japan and China in particular, the reality is that most Australians, and certainly most if not all Asian leaders, don't agree with the view advanced by some Australian political and business leaders that "we're now part of Asia".

Neil has raised an interesting issue. Should Australia be classified as part of Asia ? Back in the dark ages I was taught that is was Asian, and now I'm not sure. Perhaps it should be one of those famous gateways to Asia, in a similar manner to Turkey.

I know it's off topic, but what are your views about which continents Australia, Turkey, Russia and Saudi Arabia are situated.

As I said in my first reply to this post - whether Australia is an 'asian' country is about as political as you can get. Clearly, geographically, being a very large off-shore island, it isn't. Culturally it isn't either being caught, except when it's deluding itself, between the US and Europe. It must be said, though, that I believe about 13% of Sydney's population is of Asian origin.

This is a BIG question. Australia is NOT Asian in its mores. It is a 'western style' democracy. And, thankfully, more Westminster than Washington. Long may it remain so, even with JH.

Ok, ok now that we have had our geography and political correctness lessons can we get back to the purpose of the orignal post- rank 'um- as author I have certain god given rights and have- for this thread- bestowed Asia status on Sydney.

BillT lol.. it like pulling teeth from un imaganative children..

If you call me a child again I'll throw all of my toys on the floor.

OP - you are a prime example of why Americans are such a laughing stock. Sure, it was a fun post - but don't you ever THINK about anything. Do you know where you are when you stay in your 5 star hotels? Do you know anything about the country that you are in - history, politics, culture? I suspect not - you just want to broadcast your ability to pay for the aforesaid 5 star accommodation.

You make me want to throw up - but you could always prove me wrong. Come on - post a summary of one of your recent travels. How was the Hilton (no sorry, that would be beneath you) - so how was the fancy hotel you stayed in - and where was it - and what did you DO DO DO while you were there?

I would just love to know. And am thinking of compiling a questionnaire just for you.

Alice, There seem to be two types of posters on this site. The first type are those who go on and on (and on and on) about the hotels and have major disputes with other posters about what is "the best." Many of those posters love to brag about how many times they have stayed at a particular hotel and how "they know me there" -- seems to give them status. The "hotel posters" are the regulars who seem to dominate this site. Occasionally they have good tips about things like transportation, restaurants, spas. Then there those who are interested in sights, culture or natural beauty and really experiencing the countries they visit. Take the posters for what they have to offer and ignore those whose greatest interest is how many TVs there are in the room. Obviously travel has not expanded their horizons and you will not change them. Much better to try to encourage other posters who have interesting insights and experiences to share. Tell us about your travels.

Is the voting closed? Can I change my votes. If so, then:

3 Bangkok
4 Hong Kong
6 Singapore
10 Syndey
5 Bali
9 Shanghai
8 Beijing
2 Kaula Lumpur
7 Hanoi
1 Tokyo

Alice, P.S. Please don't judge or make generalizations about all Americans based on a few posters (or the recent election). There are millions of open-minded, generous, caring people in the U.S. and many who are actually quite intelligent!

Going on vacation is all about have a good time for one or two weeks. Good time being defined by what makes one happy. If staying in 5 star hotels, eating at great restaurants and shopping till you drop floats your boat then thats great! If it means learning about the culture, history, getting to know the people- thats great too! Its not anyone's place to tell another what their vacation should entail ( Unless of course if they decide to stay anywhere but the Penn!)

CFW. Off topic but did you know that one o the national newspapers in the UK had a headline which read "How can 59 million be so dum". I don't have a political bias (they're all the same) but it shows a little of how the rest of the world perceives Americans.

This thread has taken an interesting turn...

SidB - Are you sure the headline didn't say 55 million?

Bill - sorry for temporarily hijacking "your" excellent thread.

Sid B- Yes I know. My point is that there are 55 million other people -- we're not all dumb!