Corie and I often have lengthy conversations about the cities we each live in, what they have to offer, and how we engage with our communities. Sometimes we really do believe that we should trade places – I move to NYC to live the busy city life à la Carrie Bradshaw while Corie’s family of five move to low-key London, Ontario to enjoy the great schools and parks (and space for three kiddies to run!). Living in any city has its ups and downs, of course. Here’s a peek as to what Corie dealt with a couple of weeks ago (and more often than not, truth be told)…
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The daily debate about what to do and where to live continues and it is always just a mix of ideas. I had a great day yesterday taking the boys to the Central Park zoo and I was so happy to just be able to leave the condo and go. Completely convenient. We walked up 5th Avenue and because it was fashion week we saw lots of photographers and the fashion crowd. So fun. Then, coming home, we were crossing 8th Ave. and we saw two RATS scurry from the sidewalk into the sewer right in front of our corner Starbucks. In the daytime. What does that mean? Where do they live? My latest fear – that they are setting up camp in our storage unit area?! Life in NYC. Sigh.
photos of NYC by Corie, fall 2012
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Do you ever wonder if you’re living in the right place for you? Are you ever surprised at the contrasts that you see in your city? Corie and I often joke about how fancy and expensive NYC is yet it can also be so grimy and gross. Compared to NYC, the sidewalks of London, Ontario just sparkle! Kind of.
I enjoy living in my suburban community of Etobicoke Ontario. My small crescent is surrounded by old maple trees, manicured lawns and profesionally arranged flower pots. In the summer I feel like am at a cottage in Lake Simcoe surrounded by blue jays, red breasted robins, squirrels and other small mammals right in my backyard! I love the hustle and bustle of working in downtown Toronto where am within walking distance of the exquisite shops of Bloor Street. It’s fun to see all the office workers come out at lunch time walking in different directions either to go shopping, grap a bite to eat or simply window shop. Having said that, I love exploring new cities, the small towns of Calabria and Molise in Italy and the many beautiful countries of the world. It make me appreciate coming home to our beautiful city of Toronto so much more! I thoroughly enjoyed Cories’s blog.
We just spent a few days in NYC, and I think I could enjoy living in The Village for a year or so, but I don’t know that I have it in me to live there long-term. My ideal location is Vancouver Island. Now that’s a move I could get behind.
The Village – just like many neighbourhoods in the city – has so much character and interest. The city is so lively and an amazing place to be. It always – always – inspires me! Your photos are amazing – the black and white ones especially! I’m making my first trip to British Columbia this spring – Victoria. Looking forward to it, of course!