Interests

• arts
• culture
• books
• architecture
• acting
• dancing
• education
• dining
• seafood
• wine
• beer
• coffee
• desserts
• mexican food
• modeling
• walking
• nightlife
• partying
• clubbing
• pub crawls
• politics
• technology
• movies
• drawing
• magic
• music
• business
• teaching
• history
• beaches

Teach, Learn, Share

Lot´s more to say here, but just for fun - my favorite 10 cities in the world (and a tiny bit about them):

1. Barcelona, Spain – Flat out the coolest city in the world. Barcelona blends bohemian vibes with international chic spawning a seaside wonderland oozing cool at every corner. Sensuous curves from Gaudi's architecture set a seductive tone to this Mediterranean metropolis. From sipping absinthe in hidden bars to breaking dance-beats glitterati-style on the buzzing disco tech scene, the BCN will stretch your imagination. Barca certainly is a sexy city. If you're not careful, she'll wrap you up and soon you won't want her to let you go.

A creative energy permeates Barcelona making it easy to appreciate why Dali, Miro, Picasso, even Hemingway, were all drawn to the Catalunyan capital. The city's soul bleeds artistic inspiration. A beach town (MAJOR points in my book), Barcelona maintains metropolitan refinement, while an undeniable laid-back, savor the sweet life, mentality flourishes.

2. New York, U.S.A. – There's a legit high you experience just walking the streets in Manhattan. The energy in New York City is like nowhere on Earth. In the "city that never sleeps" entertainment happens everywhere. Something new and fun is the norm, making getting bored in the Big Apple nearly impossible. New York's long been synonymous with big time living and big time dinero. The combo of commercial quality and convenience here is second to none, meaning you can pretty much buy anything you want, anytime you want it… if, that is, you have the money.

NYC is all about living the dream. Home to a ridiculously disproportionate percentage of global corporate headquarters and leaders in their field regardless of profession – from business to politics, the arts to education – New York happenings disproportionately shape the face of the world… and when you're here you can't help but feel part of that.

3. Buenos Aires, Argentina – Talk about a social society. Here, everyone's out after hours. Don't be surprised if while throwing back beers in the local plaza, you see children playing nearby as young mothers holding newborns sip wine with friends until well after 1:00 am. In Buenos Aires, the action starts after dark and doesn't stop until the following morning. Dinner's at 9:30 pm, then to the bar until 2:30 or 3:30 am, and finally off to the boliche (Buenos Aires' answer to the club/disco tech) to dance 'til sunrise.

From the endless stream of suggestive looks to ever-present public make out sessions, flirtation's always in the air. If indulgence is your intent, there may be no better city. World class steak, unbelievable desserts, never-ending nightlife, too many bars and restaurants to get to them all, more beautiful people than anywhere I've ever witnessed, and all for one third the cost of your favorite escapes in the U.S. or Europe.

4. Rome, Italy – Living in Rome is a trip. There's just something surreal about walking passed the Colosseum, Pantheon or the Vatican City as you go to take your morning coffee or catch the day's metro. In Roma, history surrounds you. The subtle air of ancient enchantment fills the Roman atmosphere, cultivating a downright romantic aura. All the cred may go to Paris, but discounting Rome's romance-factor means missing out on one of the world's most idyllic settings. The awe-inspiring architecture and best of Italy's foods and vinos brought in from around the country, doubly serve to enhance the romance.

Despite the enduring sense of grand human achievement and bustling major modern-city economy, the "il dulce di farniente" (Italian for "the sweetness of doing nothing") mindset still subsists in the Eternal City. Done in full fashionista style, kids dressed to the nines and all, Romans truly understand how to delight in the many sweet, simple joys of their city.

5. Los Angeles, U.S.A. – Sure, it's a homer pick. But, L.A. is my hometown and despite all the usual b.s. associated with Tinseltown, I love L.A. Incredible weather, beautiful people, underrated beaches, overrated shallowness, and a classically famous laid back 'tude. The nightlife is loaded with options and the summertime beach parties are flat out tough to beat.

The entertainment industry reigns so dominant in L.A. it's thoroughly laughable (and slightly disturbing). Much like New York, finding a waiter/waitress who isn't an actor/musician/model can be an adventure itself. Truth be told, there's a unique charm to the Hollywood culture and history, and an enormous portion of global popular culture radiates from Los Angeles. From music to movies to television, every nation on Earth feels the City of Angels' influence. Yeah, I'm showing bias, and no doubt having so many close friends here colors my opinion (but, these are my faves, right?).

6. London, England – Behemoth of economic development and the world's leading financial center, in London (like NYC) you'll find all the commercial goodies and creature comforts you could ask for. The city's so-so culinary reputation is undeserved and becomes more ridiculous each year. Few cities in the world boast more phenomenal eateries nor do they rival London's multitude of excellent intercontinental and ethnic selections. The night scene is a blast with top notch international clubs and an endless array of quintessential U.K.-style pubs.

For the "I'm only happy when the sun is shining" folk, visit in the summer (and still expect light showers). Wet, gray weather remains a timeless staple of London life, undeniably assisting in forming the city's classic character. However, if you want to leave town, one of the advantages of London living is access to cheap flights all across Europe, which, considering London's expense, becomes a very prized perk.

7. San Francisco, U.S.A. – The only city in California with that real city-feel… urban, cosmopolitan, and diverse, San Francisco is the national poster city for acceptance and tolerance. Not as nonchalant as L.A., not as high stress as New York. Creative yet serious, casual yet professional, you could call S.F. the evolution of the American city.

The Mexican food is outstanding, but don't leave without getting your fill of seafood (they do some of the best I've ever tasted - and I'm a big seafood nut). San Fran's easygoing sophistication lends itself to creating some really neat night spots… it's not the craziest town to go wild in, but you'll have more than your share of hip spots to hang.

8. The French Riviera – The French Riviera remains one of the more peaceful places on the planet. This sultry stretch of Mediterranean includes hot spots Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. Café life extraordinaire, luxury yachts lining the Côte d'Azur, astounding beach-front and unforgettable French/Mediterranean cuisine mean the most fervent workaholics will breath easy here. When you do need that adrenaline rush, the Monte Carlo Casino awaits to satisfy your desires - every self respecting casino lover needs to visit at least once in their lifetime.

9. Paris, France – For all it's fanfare, Paris, in fact, is an extraordinarily romantic city. There's no getting around it. The River Seine, Champs-Élysées, Notre Dame, all the sites and architecture add up to make the City of Light one of the world's most aestheticly pleasing metropolises. Paris truly makes a remarkably beautiful city. Notwithstanding its size, the city somehow manages to keep a relatively relaxed feel.

Excellent food, atmospheric wine bars, and quiet cafés are never too far away. Paris may not be for everybody (what city is?), but from my experience, if you spend only a couple of days here, you risk missing its magic. So, stay a bit longer if you can. Give Paris the chance to draw you in… if she captures you, you will not regret it.

10. Berlin, Germany – For my money, the most fascinating city in Europe right now. Extraordinarily rich in history, Berlin is a powerful cultural center with first rate discussion taking place here not just in universities and the political arena, but at kitchen tables, coffee shops and in bars. Today, a progressive sense of purpose pervades Berlin, similar to San Francisco only with more current charge. While Germany remains a global economic power, its capital moves forward a chief ideological leader (both in the region and worldwide) with more sway than it realizes.

The night scene affirms the general vibe in Berlin with a giant collection of über-varied bars, disco-techs, and everything else you can imagine (and many things you can't). Few rules and no formal closing hours give rise to many wild, late nights cementing Berlin as one of the continent's undeniable top party locales.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Argentina, China, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, United States