Mes villes favoris, huh? Where do I begin? Or more to the point, where do I stop?
Seattle: Favorite town stateside. Good vibe, and if you’re in the know it has some really wonderful hidden little places to enjoy. Big city, small town; all at once. Plus, its zoo has gorillas. Sweeeet.
Portland: Yes, P-Town is pretty dear to my heart. I always describe it to out of towners as a “city with training wheels.” Large enough to have big city intrigue, but is really just a small town with big buildings. Cool place, and plenty of Bohemian charm to make even Ned Flanders feel hip.
London: Haven’t spent a lot of time in the Queen’s back yard, but what little I have was enough to get me hooked. Plus, I want to go back and look for the phone booth to the Ministry of Magic.
Paris: Ahhh, Paris. C’est ma ville favori dans tout le monde. I can’t even begin to describe my love for this place. An entire world of cultures in one city, all easily and quickly accessible via le Metro. There is no better day than spending the early afternoon at the Louvre, then strolling through the Tuileries and having chocolate ice cream at the Place du Concord. Comment j’adore Paris.
Puerto Vallarta: So much charm and such a perfect retreat. I can’t think of any other place in the world (other than maybe Hawai’i) where I’d rather escape to. Plus,
real blue agave tequila and margaritas the size of aquariums all readily available; who couldn’t love it?
Shanghai: A truly remarkable city in a truly remarkable land. While other Chinese cities are gripped with pollution, the residents here have gone to great lengths to preserve their cities beauty. Parks abound and the entire freeway through town is lined with green planter boxes while underneath is mounted a continues series of multi-color neon lights, turning it into a long green ribbon by day and a dazzling light show by night. There is even a Disneyland-esque quality to the waterfront (the Bund) with it’s Victorian buildings and sparkling lights. Almost like a storybook.
Geneva: Of all the people in Europe I love the Swiss the most. And not just because of their chocolate, either. They are the most welcoming, kindest and sweetest people one could ever encounter, and unlike many Europeans they have open arms for visitors from other lands. Quite a difference from the French.
Honolulu: A place I could spend the rest of my days. Everywhere there is a sense of culture and connection. The spirit of Aloha grabs you and never lets go. With this and the ability to have real Kalua Pork, actually cooked in the sand, and you have the perfect paradise. Though, avoid the strip clubs. Scary stuff there.