Places

I’m lucky enough to have been able to live and work in a lot of places throughout the world, which is not as common as I’d would have imagined. I believe that traveling around is not only good for getting a better grip on how other people live, but it’s a great chance to learn how other people think.

As you might expect, there are some places I’m not big on a return visit. Algeria wasn’t great for me when I was there in the 90’s. Liberia and Nigeria weren’t much fun, either. Maybe its countries with names that end in “-eria” that have issues. Maybe not, as I wouldn’t head down to the U.S./Mexico border right now…I’d probably avoid the obvious as well, which involves just about anywhere from Lebanon to Egypt and most of Africa at this point.

But I did want to list a few favorites:

New York City. What can you say? For me it’s the center of the known universe. Anything, good or bad that exists on the planet, can be found there. It’s fun, dangerous, enlightening, ridiculously hectic and certain to leave a lasting impression on anyone who makes their way there.

Washington, D.C., our nation’s capitol city, is a wonder. You could spend months wandering museums, libraries, monuments and throwing Hostess Ding-Dongs at politicians, pundits and lobbyists.

Seriously, though, it is a remarkable city. There’s a lot of knowledge to be had there and you never really know who you’re going to meet or what will become of it. I was at a hot dog stand on the National Mall one day and had a very nice conversation with the Belgian Ambassador. Not a functionary or deputy, it was the actual guy who gets invitations to state dinners and all that. That’s the kind of thing that happens there.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Las Vegas and really enjoy the 24-hour, anything-goes feel that they cultivate there. There is no way I could live there permanently…I’d be a chain-smoking, bankrupt, raging alcoholic with multiple cardiac problems within a few months. Or I’d be mayor. It’s really a toss-up as to which, but I’m certain there’s someone in Vegas who is willing to give you odds on that.

London is a favorite, and it is amazing. You could spend years in London and never get bored, great people, very easy to get around town via bus or tube, uncountable numbers of museums, shops, theaters, restaurants and there is something of cultural, historical or entertainment value on damn near every street corner.

The downside is that it’s expensive. It’s probably one of the more expensive cities to stay in other than Tokyo, where a week in a nice hotel and a couple of good meals a day will set you back more than the GNP of Lithuania.

Barcelona is another city that I really enjoy, although I have a pretty narrow view of it. I’ve been there repeatedly for a good amount of time and I still can’t manage to get out of the Ramblas and Barri Gotic areas other than a quick trip or two to see some of the Gaudi architecture.

If I had a decent knowledge of Catalan I’d probably spend a lot more time there, it’s that cool of a city. The people are Barcelona are friendly to the point of being gregarious, there’s a ton of stuff to do and see there, but there’s also a very laid back feel where if you didn’t accomplish anything truly useful for a few days that no one would hold it against you.

Sydney is a gem. I don’t believe I’ve ever had anything but a good time there. It’s a sprawling, international city that for me is the hub of the entire region. I’ve been lucky enough to spend a good deal of time there and I hope that my travels there will continue.

Other favorites?

Domestic: Austin (a laid back, interesting city), Detroit (a good time, despite the economy taking its toll), Chicago (museums, good steaks and a view), Milwaukee (it’s not just about the cheese) and Philadelphia (I have never been bored in Philly). As a couple of honorable mentions, San Jose is always nice, as is Nashville as long as I’m not stuck in traffic.

Overseas: Santiago, Chile (the wine, the seafood, the super nice people), Rio de Janeiro (too much fun), Buenos Aires (ditto), Tokyo (expensive, but worth every penny), Hong Kong (ditto), Osaka (a great city for eating and drinking), Jerusalem (get there before the full-on shooting war gets going), Rome (all roads lead there), Paris (Parisians can be a interesting) and St. Petersburg (although I still keep calling it Leningrad).