The Favourites - Day 10: Cities (I Have Visited)

I believe that with every place you visit, you leave a part of yourself behind and, in return, are given something back. Call me a romantic, but it's true. 

“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” - Bill Bryson*

1. Sao Paulo, Brazil

Source

I spent the happiest 6 years of my life childhood (and pre-adolescent days) living in this beautiful city. It holds its own special place in my heart. Though the memories grow vaguer as the years go by, I feel like I wouldn't be the person I am today without it being a part of my life- and the people!
I went back to visit in 2000, I hope to go back again soon.

2. Prague, The Czech Republic

Source: Piri on Flickr

The land of a thousand spires- a fitting nickname. Being in Prague is like stepping into a fairy tale; the castle, the cobblestone roads, the gothic architecture, all taking you back into time. It's a great city to wander around in, get lost (avoiding eerie looking alleyways, like everywhere else in the world). Fun sights I enjoyed include: The John Lennon wall, The Charles Bridge Band, The Astronomical Clock, Blacklight Theater, and oh, all of Prague really because my favourite movie of all time was filmed there. *wink*

3. La Habana, Cuba

Source: _desajuste_ on Flickr

I can only describe it as an "Old Soul". La Habana is one of those places you have to see for yourself. Live it. Experience it, the people.

4. Selva Lacandona, Chiapas (Mexico)

When I was 14, my dad sent me to the jungle on his behalf. "His" company was sponsoring a competition, the aim being promoting environmental awareness, and he didn't want to go. Good for me because I had a blast! I met kids of all ages from all over Mexico and we got to walk around the jungle, ride on boats, watch wildlife in its natural habitat, sleep in cabins...  Unforgettable!**  

5. New York City, USA

Source: My own from my flickr stream

I ♥ NY . The city that never sleeps. The city where dreams come true. This is one of those places that really just speaks for itself.

6. Quebec City, Canada

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Part of the reason I hold fond memories of my trip to Canada is that I went with my cousin, my sister and my mom. All women- we had the time of our lives! We stopped by at a couple of places in Canada, but Quebec was by far my favourite. It felt so alive to me, artistic- street performers on every corner, artists displaying their work- and reminiscent of (yes) Paris. The oxidised copper plated roofs so charming.

7. (Foggy) London, England

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Oh, I still dream of the South Bank. This was my favourite place to walk around in, to sit and mull life/university over, and home to one of my favourite places in the world: the BFI (back then it was still the NFT). Day or night, the view is breathtaking. London also instigated my love of walking and bus rides.

8. La Patagonia, Argentina side

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Best family trip EVER. I remember waking up really early for all the fun excursions, my dad making a delicious nasty morning drink*** for us and many hours outdoors engrossed in nature. This was way back when Global Warming wasn't looming over the fate of glaciers- we trekked on the Perito Moreno. I was face to face with seals and penguins. It was also one of the first places I went to that was really cold.

9. Florence & Venice, Italy

Firenze: fabujuluos on Flickr ; Venezia: Cuellar on Flickr
My first time travelling overseas was when I was 16. And I was more than ready for new sights! Italy was always sunny and (remember, I was 16...) full of gorgeous men and boys. Being with my parents impeded any summer romances though- but we did get to see a of cities. It was hard for me to choose between Florence and Venice as a favourite. Venice with its canals, gondolas and flowery balconies; Florence with Fiesole, the elaborately adorned Cathedral and il Ponte Vecchio. It's also the land of pasta. Yummy indeed.

And of course...


10. Paris, France

By Irene Suchocki ; Source

Ahhh, Pahreee. Place of l'amour... Clichés included, I love Paris (pretty sure the French would not agree with me though- about the clichés). Back in high-school, my friend and I used to plan running away to Paris when times got rough (IB's a killer). Little did I know then that in the near future, Paris would be a mere train ride away! (Another reason to love London) Paris is magical just by being Paris. I will dedicate a full post on why I love the French and everything that's French for another time...

All these places have their moments with lovers and friends, I still can recall.

What are some of your favourite places? Or places you're dying to visit? I know I have a long list!

* Bill Bryson is an amazing writer and I encourage everyone to read at least one of his books. Notes From a Small Island, A Short History of Nearly Everything, and Shakespeare are a couple of my favourites.
**Chiapas itself is a breathtaking state.
*** It consisted of: orange juice, flavoured yoghurt and milk.

PICTURES GATHERED FROM PINTEREST & TUMBLR 
(tried to link back to original sources)