METROPOLIS

Big cities have always fascinated me. Busy, interesting, cultural, dynamic, colourful, bright lights. That's were it is all happening. As a kid I could picture myself enjoying the big life. Every once in a while I get the urge to pack my suitcases and leave the straitjacket of daily life. To get myself in that mood I listed my 10 personal favorites at this moment:

1. London

Visited more than 10 times and still my favourite. Cool and warm. Funky modern and stylish old. Rainy but never dull.

2. Stockholm

The modern and laid-back capital of Sweden. Beautifully located. On a nice summer day the whole city is out and about; the sky is blue and the water is blue and the days are long

3. Rome

The eternal city. Stylish and impressive. The charm of Italian chaos and the enormous St. Peter.

4. Moscow

Now for something completely different. Colossal buildings

and golden domes. The red star of communism has disappeared; the star of capitalism shines brightly. Fascinating and political.

5. Copenhagen

Bit like home. Cosy, funny and friendly. Mix between Paris and Amsterdam. Great design and cool atmosphere.

6. New York

Everything is big here. Look up and see the skyscrapers. Every culture has his own quarter. Indeed never asleep. Great museums.

7. Florence

One big tourist area. Nowhere so much so close together. Overwhelming. Tuscan hills within walking distance from city center. Michelangelo and Medici.

8. Jerusalem

All the tension in the world packed into one city. Hat on / hat off, shoes on / shoes off, shorts and long trousers. Politically and religiously impressive. Read the bible first (and then forget about it afterwards).

9. Paris

Should be on the list. Home of the arts and fashion. So near that we sometimes forget about it. City of lights and the city of wine. Test your knowledge of the arts here.

10. The Hague

My home town though not my birthplace. Small but ambitious. International but also provincial. Only town on this list with its own beach.

The Hague out of place on this list ? Just a little ...