"And every street and avenue"

Worlds places are so different.

Some are perfect for bikers and hikers to live. I am made to believe that Denver, Colorado, is the best in this category.

Others are good for young professionals and career people. I somewhat feel Chicago and Copenhagen are pretty good.

Then there are places interesting for innovative enterprises. Like Silicon Valley, Scolcovo, and Durham.

Some places take the spot of the safest. Year after year.

There are also world’s happiest countries.

Places for families with children.

Places favorable for feminists.

Capitals for the environmentally-aware.

Cities for the queer.

Those are all properties of places that can be chosen when shopping for a destination. But then there are other places, those that accommodate you, and make you comfortable. They are there when really, there is not much choice.

My hometown is perfect for a solemn walk. Whereas the environs of Boston, downtown Stockholm and all of Florence are the three worst for being outside and alone, my hometown was never a letdown. From the day when I sat on one end of a bench not too long before a young boy sat down on the other end of it and spent there some time silently, and a passing-by lovey-dovey couple comment that “these two have probably found their way to talk to each other”, my hometown is my first pick for being alone in.

On a beautiful winter evening, you will meet a 60 year old waiting in front of the central post office. For someone who is being shamefully late. A bunch of teenagers failing to disperse because of a too long goodbye, filled with swearing. Another woman sitting on another cold, covered by snow bench – feels like meeting yourself of ten years ago.

The streets in it are just good enough to lose oneself in day-dreaming. Wide enough to think that there is a space for your companion to walk by your side. Bright and filled with laughter for those who believe in hopes. There is a moment of magic, now proven by horses and white carriages (just like in Wien!), and total absence of dunk (a mystery, if you ask me).

It’s all good. For anyone who favours acceptance over choice. Like I do.

(see my shy and shaky attempt at candid photography).