Provincetown, Massachusetts

There is nothing quite like a quick Indian Summer jaunt up to Ptown now is there? The seashore here is just amazing, with sweeping dunes and bike and walking paths for miles. Ptown is of course many things to many people - gay mecca with theme weekends from Bears to Baby Dykes, sleepy off season oceanside retreat, home for arists and writers... the list is endless. The one thing I suppose everyone falls in love with when they come here though, is the landscape.

Toronto, Canada.

Vibrant. Ethnic. Cultural. Urban. Friendly. Toronto.

It seems this city is rightfully a world class metropolis. Each neighbo(u)rhood is distinctly different and offers something of it's own to this lakeside city. From Chinatown and Kensington Market to the Distillery District and the Harbourfront, this city has something to offer everyone. 

Budapest, Hungary.

The first time I was in Budapest was in March of 2008 and even though it was cold and rainy for the 4 days I was there, I enjoyed the city tremendously. Going back now 3 and a half years later, that enjoyment is just reaffirmed. Hungary has a long and beautiful history, one that in the last century has included occupation, political strife and war. Budapest was ravaged during WWII but much of it has been rebuilt beautifully. The landmarks are amazing, Buda Castle, The Hungarian Parliament, Andrássy Avenue, Gresham Palace... Stunning. Congruently, it is also a strikingly cosmopolitan city. Wine bars, outdoor cafes and fashionable people abound. High highs and history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barcelona, Spain.

I just find this place spectacular. It is like a living, breathing epicenter of artistic inspiration. Antoni Gaudi and Joan Miro, what more do you need? I have a guide book that describes Barcelona in this way:

'What Barcelona's got, she flaunts. And you name it, she's got it. Spain's second city is cradled between the last gasp of the Pyrenees and the shores of the Mediterranean, and is blessed with art, sun, sea, sand and sexy people in every direction.' 

I couldn't say it any more succinctly. So on this trip I started at the Park Güell which was designed of course by Guadi. The views from there are quite spectacular as it is perched high above the city. Then I headed over to another high point in the city, Montjuïc. I took the cable car up to the top and walked my way down, stopping at the Mies van de Rohe designed Pavello.