Be Footloose
Three cities with character and worth visiting
Every city, quite like every human I know, has a personality that guides its behaviour and your experience of it. Based on Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) some cities could be INFPs (introversion, intuition, feeling, perception) or ENTJs (extroversion, intuition, thinking, perception) some expressive, some “aggro af ” or some, type B. I love discovering what gives a city its identity.
ISTANBUL
You know those people who are just so interesting that you become greedy to learn more about them? Meet Istanbul.
Istanbul has lived well and continues to, with a youthful energy most millennial cities could only dream of. Binge on mezze in Beyoglu, visit third century monuments across the Bosporous, sip a power-packed coffee in Karakoy and eat pistachio ice-cream, all in one day. It feels like its seen and done it all but it’s still there having a great time. Istanbul can do this by being incredibly unique. She doesn’t feel like a mix of east and west, it’s both. It’s not European or Asian, it’s both. And it’s not old or new, it’s both. It feels good about who it is and unapologetic about what its influences are. Get to know Istanbul, the Turkish cool cat who never goes out of style.
MELBOURNE
You know those people who have a cool confidence paired surprisingly with a sparkling warmth? Meet Melbourne.
Melbourne’s balance is everywhere. It’s in the laneways, in the top knots of the baristas, in the ties of the consultants and the grain bowls. Melbourne is easy to get to know and easier to fall in love with. Great cities of the world often make you admire them from a slight distance as you can never truly assimilate. You can visit Paris a thousand times, but can you ever feel like a Parisian? Melbourne is a great exception. Walk alongside its residents and discover real neighbourhoods and espresso in Carlton and Lygon Street. Have a spag bol at Pelligrinis, visit Victoria night market and blend in like a frothy flat white. Get to know Melbourne, that loveable hipster from down under.
ROME
You know those people that you’ve heard about for so long because of their formidable stature? Meet Rome.
Rome has seen glory, empire and now selfie sticks over 28 centuries. Her secret is her ability to adapt. Every Roman tour guide loves to say that Rome is like lasagna. With every dynasty change or conquest, Rome was rebuilt. Here is a delicious metaphor for a persevering spirit. Forge ahead and build with what you were and what you want to be. But don’t be intimidated. In spite of the maddening crowds and fridge magnets, Rome still wants you to be there. Through the buzzing Trastevere and Trevi Fountain. In her views from Palantine Hill and tales of conquests at the Colosseum. In her Cacio e Pepe and Amatriciana sauces. Carve out a piece of Romano for yourself. She wants you to do that. Get to know Rome, the true Caesar of them all.