Those who visit here with some frequency know that I am mighty fond of the rural landscape and its many, many charms, but it might not be quite as obvious that I am equally smitten, often enough, with the joys of urban life. Some of my happiest times and most exciting and meaningful adventures are attached to various wonderful and fabulous cities where I’ve been privileged to live or spend time.
Whenever anyone asks me to name my favorite cities where I’ve visited or spent any little amount of time, the first places that come to mind are truly lively, astoundingly adventure-filled places. I’m not big on bravery or constant busyness or the unknown, as you may well know by now, but I always manage to find myself energized and passionate about what these fabulous environs have to offer at every turn. It turns out that there is no shortage of urban places that fill me with dazzling delight. In addition to my hometown of Seattle, there are so many other magnificent cities for me to love wildly, places like Stockholm, Boston, Vienna, San Francisco, Munich, Cincinnati, Oslo, San Antonio, Vancouver, New York, Prague, Chicago, and London—for starters.
I will always crave my quiet time, and often that’s best found in the sweet, laid-back grace of the countryside, removed from cities’ bustling pace. But besides that it is possible to find moments of peace right in the middle of any major metropolis, if one only knows how and where to look, there is the inherent buzz and boisterous beauty of urban life to enjoy as well, and I am not at all immune to that kind of happiness when I can bask in it. I suppose the root of the whole equation is always, quite simply, to seek my well-being wherever I happen to find myself.
Art-Colored Glasses 
I love the first image….and am very similar in that as much as I enjoy the countryside, I also enjoy the city. Thank you:)
Great minds, eh!
xo 🙂
I am the same. I live in the city and love it but need country regularly.
I’m looking forward to revisiting some favorite cities in the next few months. What are some of yours?
I have to put my city of Melbourne up there because we have the old and the new sitting together. At first I was horrified when they built the new museum like a rubic’s cube (colours and all) next to our magnificent world heritage Royal Exhibition Building built in 1880. After sitting and studying them I decided I loved them together. We also have Federation square (modern) right across the road from our famous Flinders street station (built 1909) Fed sq. built 2006, both totally architecturally different. Again they are great together.
Oh dear, I had better stop rambling. Chicago is next on the list then Turkey and, and….the list goes on. 🙂
City holidays are great as we can enjoy the sights but always manage to find quiet places too. We stroll everywhere so that probably adds to the relaxed feel!
Yes indeed, ‘walkability’ is high on my list of characteristics that define favorite cities.
All our requir4ements fcould be met in cities besides you can develop friendship with likeminded people.
So true–perhaps that means that the Blogosphere is a sort of city, too, in its own way. 😉
It is in fact a global city with a difference wherein we can interact and exchange our ideas.
I enjoy city living far too much to give it up, Kathryn. I’ve spent a great deal of time in the country when Mom needed me and though it’s great, I need the city lights and frantic pace and, like you said, knowing where to go to get some peace and quiet.
Well, goodness, you could hardly do better for a good city home than Chicago, as you obviously know! 🙂