New Mexico is known as the land of enchantment. But a lesser known slogan inside the state is the land of entrapment. It is such a beautiful place with wonderful, sunny weather. If you like the outdoors, you'll have alot of fun there. If you dont... good luck. More people know about Albuquerque because of the show Breaking Bad. There isnt much diversity in the state that was once Mexico. Almost everyone is white and/or hispanic. So most people who grow up there know at least a little Spanish. A key slang phrase is "all sick". It meaning falls along the lines of 'so cool' or 'radical'. Someone once told me a story of when they were doing a road trip and they got pulled over. The cop told them they had to have a US license (plate). They argued that New Mexico is a state, but the cop disagreed, saying, "Old Mexico or New Mexico, it doesnt matter. You're in the United States. You need a United States license (plate)."
So very cold. I dont know that it ever stops. Its strange to see how many people are out walking in weather that leaves me curled up in bed. And yet, they perservere.
A bright, loud, and beautifully lived in city. You could call it dingy but all that is just proof of how many people have touched this place. Its overflowing with life. Definitely one of my favorite cities. Every time I visit I'm more inclined to live there. Its called the city that never sleeps, but after covid, thats not really true. There are far less 24 hour stores. It gets quiet for at least a few hours. I like how there's something to do in every 10 minute walk. I wouldn't call it a walkable city if only for all the hostile architecture threatening people who want to sit down and rest. I get it. There's a homeless problem. But the solution isnt criminalizing it. That's just increasing their suffering. And the suffering of the people around them who have to deal with uncomfortable benches, spiked ledges, loud music, etc.
They have so many good festivals! I've attended the lilac festival, which I have my qualms about, not my favorite; the jazz festival, which has free and paid music shows all week long; cocktail revival, where bars around the city have themed events, there are also tastings and classes; and the pride celebrations that happen in July rather than June. Its right across the lake from Toronto. There used to be a ferry, but it unfortunately was shut down.
I spent a few years here during covid so I didnt get to do a whole lot. I went to the aquarium (which had a tiger?) and the beach down in Galveston. I was able to pick up a lot of Spanish while I was there, but that was mostly due to my roomates. Due to the diversity there were a lot of good food places in the city. It is a terrible place to learn to drive. The Katy Freeway is chaotic and scary. The traffic doubled my commute in the morning. Its also so humid! Would not recommend.
I was only here for a few months and it was my first taste of Europe. And I was in love. The architecture and the age of all the buildings was so alluring. I loved being able to walk around and discover and become familiar with the places around where I was staying. There were only two downsides to my stay. 1) The weather was too cold for my taste. (I slipped and fell on the ice a few times.) 2) I was lonely. But that's not the cities fault. Everyone I met was friendly and kind. If I would've spent longer and was able to build a community I would've been quite happy.
A bustling place with a great transportation system. It was fun but didnt hit the mark for me. Maybe if I spent more time there, or if I visit again I might like it more. Also, Big Ben is smaller than I thought. I imagined him as a lone clocktower when he's actually part of a complex of buildings. Underwhelming.
Gorgeous! Delicious! I loved the art and being able to catch glimpses of the Eiffel Tower as I was wandering. The people were lovely here too. Despite the rumors, I smelled no pee. I did get to see the outside of the Lourve. We were not prepared enough to get our tickets in advance and did not want to spend all day waiting. It was in this city I rode the electric scooters for the first time. I only fell once and there were no cars around.
My favorite city in italy by far. I loved walking on bridges over stinky water. I loved the food and the drinks. It was small and quiet except the major tourist areas. I got to see Rialto Bridge (overrated), St Mark's Basilica (rated, but I'm a sucker for a pretty church), and Doge's Palace (overrated). I was able to see a quartet perform. I loved that because its live music and you can tell they love what they do. Highly recommend exploring all over. It has such a good vibe.
This place reminded me of a more subdued New York City. The subway right next to the ancient building was an amusingly jarring juxtaposition.
This is also cute and quaint. I think someone should either visit for half a day or for a week, no in between. The leaning tower is cute, you can get your little picture. But there's more to see! I, unfortunately wasnt able to because we took a bus to the beach where we spend some time shopping and getting food, drinks, and gelato. There was a lively market to enjoy by the water.
This city is so big! We saw the chapel, the basilica, all the things I've wanted to see since my latin class. But we completely missed out on the current scene because I was too caught up in ancient history. A tour guide told us that tourists are the only ones who walk. The people who live and work in Rome drive. And those streets are crazy! Buses honking, cars missing them by inches, roundabouts and jams galore! Also, free water but no bathrooms is a recipe for disaster, I feel. I liked the grafitti on the walls. Not the names and initials etched into the ruins but the tags on the trains and buildings. I could spend a whole month there at least.