TEN CITIES I'D LIVE FOR 1 YEAR

If you are around this blog for a while you know that I'm not really a city person. I will visit cities of the World that apply to me or are famous but I don't think I'd live forever in a city (never say never). But in a certain way there are cities out there that are beautiful or I felt a really good vibe as soon as I got there. Do you know this feeling? You smile just walking in the streets and feel you kinda belong there. 

I enjoy to make lists just for the fun and few days ago I wrote a list of ten cities in the World I've been before and wouldn't mind to live for a year... or two. 

Barcelona :: Spain

I'm a vivid fan of Antoni Gaudí and his art is everywhere in this city (Parque Guell, La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló...). It's definetly a place with all in the pack: good beaches, awesome architecture, delicious food, nice pubs and cafés, alternative lifestyle. And a plus if you speak spanish.

Berlin :: Germany

Although all the cold in Winter time I'm sold out for Berlin. It's a relatively cheap city with a lot to explore. You have a party every night of any type of music. I can't believe that they turned an ex-airport into a park where you can go skating or biking, drinking a beer or organize a picnic. I also love the abandoned places like this abandoned amusement park I explored with Claudia and Joana, we had to climb the fence, what an adventure!

Istanbul :: Turkey

A city divided in two continents: Asia and Europe. You can feel the best of both Worlds and the result is a learning process. I could spend an entire week admiring mosques inside and outside, not that I'm religious, but the architecture work is simply amazing. I also like the idea that there are students all over the World and also that all the alternative turkish come live here.

Lisbon :: Portugal

To be honest, I'd add Porto in this list as well but I wanted to choose only one city of each country. Lisbon is full of history and culture, you don't really need a plan to visit the famous spots of the city, I say get lost and you will be surprised with all you'll find; from old pretty houses, to great views (Adamastor, to the bridge...), passing thru Bairro Alto during the day and night, yummie food (including the famous pasteis de Belem), interesting events going on all the time, fado in a tasca with red wine or sangria as your company. I consider Lisbon one of the most beautiful capitals in the World.

Lyon :: France

You cannot go wrong with a city with not only one but two rivers! I like the multiculture environment that is going on, especially the turkish quarter and their bizarre food. I love that you can walk everwhere and they have the most beautiful park I ever been in my life: Parc Tete D'Or . The cafés and restaurants in downtown are french style: well decorated and with great food. [More about Lyon here].

Melbourne :: Australia

It's not only the beautiful downtown with a bunch of stunning buildings, inspiring street art, artists playing in the main avenue, arts and arts and arts, it's also the dandenongs, the Great Ocean Road and one of the best festivals in the World. It's deeply organized and the transportation works very well. I found pretty awesome second hand stores and one of my favorite areas is St. Kilda where you find the beach. The only thing I don't like are the rules everywhere, for example, you gotta wear an helmet when riding your bike or you get a ticket. I love to feel my hair when cycling and they are taking all the joy, "for safety".

Prague :: Czech Republic

 The black statues you can find here are one of the most beautiful things I ever seen, they look so neat! I enjoy the environment in the city and the hidden gardens. The cheap beer and the fact that is so international also give it some points.

Rio de Janeiro :: Brazil

 For many people is the most dangerous place, for me is the place to be. I have this dream of living in a Favela of Rio and help the community with social projects. I had great joy exploring the Botanic Gardens, The florest of Tijuca and other parks. As you can see it's not only a big city, it's also a place you can find amazing nature. Brazilians are pretty friendly and they love to have fun. So much culture going on there! I can drink a caipirinha while I watch a capoeira circle all day or learn how to dance samba. What about the Carnival? And the fact that you spend New Year's Eve on the beach wearing white clothes? Yes, yes, please.

San Francisco :: USA

I'm not a fan of living in the States but there's something magic about this city. All my life I heard about the sixties in San Francisco, how people tried to be free, fighting for their rights, for peace and love, it was the best decade, full of history, the time I'd love to live. I adore the lifestyle, the artsy stores, the international food you can get and people are very nice. I like the idea of Flea Markets along the bay and the bay itself. I could easily live in Haight Ashbury and work as Social Worker with homeless in Sonoma or Market Str. When I needed peace of mind I'd head to Golden Gate Park and to the beach.

Toronto :: Canada

I usually say that Toronto breath culture and cultures. I think it's such an alternative place to live with great bookstores and design, antique stores, unique handmade stores. It's great to get lost in Chinatown and to explore by bike. I'd go on a boat trip every weekend :)

Do you like my selection of cities? Which Cities would you live for 1 year?