Where to get your groove back is a participatory art project inviting people to imagine cities as people
A while ago, I read a quote from John Berger: “Every city has a sex and an age which have nothing to do with demography. Rome is feminine. So is Odessa. London is a teenager, an urchin, and in this hasn’t changed since the time of Dickens. Paris, I believe, is a man in his twenties in love with an older woman.” Since then, I’ve been imagining the places I visit as people, giving them character and temperament. I opened the question on social media and received hundreds contributions.
The project gathers these impressions to reveal how we collectively sense places: their moods, their histories, their desires. So if you ever need to figure out where to get your groove back, just keep reading!
Berlin is everything. And all at once. And everywhere.
Vancouver is an older, retired man who has lived to see it all. A lover of all cultures and cuisines, he’s traveled to every part of the world, and met all sorts of lively and interesting characters. Yet at the end of the day, he finds himself missing home each time. The outdoors have lined his face, while the mountains and oceans are forever etched into his soul. His youth was a grand, wonderful and messy adventure, but he lives humbly now with the comfort of knowing how finite life is and how lucky he is to be on this beautiful Earth.
Perpignan is an old man loyal to his moustache and his red scarf tied around his neck. He loves Catalan sausages accompanied by a good wine. Despite his age, he never refuses to go out at night to talk with the other elders and to dance the sardana during southern festivals.
Sarajevo is an old man, one who's seen both war and prosperity. He smokes too much, drinks coffee in sips and tells stories wrapped in golden silk.
Nairobi is this twenty years old dude who dresses like his grandpa. He looks nerdy and always carries a book around but has no higher education. Soon, you start to run into him at this new art gallery, and you realize he is friend with the hottest DJ from the city. Turn out, Nairobi has never been a nerd. He comes from a low-income background and prefers to wear old clothes so he can afford an edgy lifestyle.
São Paulo is a woman in her 30's. After a divorce with a old and conservative guy, she's enjoying her freedom and finding a balance between a culture and sports life. Between the past and future, old and new.
Messina in Sicily is a lonely woman waiting for a pirate to steal her away.
Delhi is a giant grey wrinkly monster with many limbs, squatted, roaring, breathing fumes & trying to shred you into pieces filled with energy, but with so much love and respect for all his past country heroes.
Milan is a middle aged woman whose been divorced many times over, with stilettos to the skies and closet to die for, she resembles a vogue cover everyday of her life and is absolutely unapologetic about it.
Lisbon is a young woman, sweet and fun loving but with an old soul. The kind of girl who can be the life of the party but still calls her Grandma every day.
Accra, Ghana is a teenage dreamer, looking to take the world by the horns. She is a trend setter, a peer leader, and serious about business. She understands that much of the world was built on the backs of her ancestors and is claiming her rightful place in the modern era.
Paris is a retired actress living from the glory of her past and has let others manage her day to day and they have completely failed her.
Naples is a Nonna, an Italian housewife, loud, unapologetic, soap opera music playing loudly from the balcony while she cooks delicious things you’ve never heard of. She’s got crows feet and an old dress on and while not traditionally beautiful, has charisma in abundance. She will judge you a bit, as nonnas do.
Sevilla is a female flamenco dancer: graceful, sultry, spontaneous, carefree, and confident. She brims with life and performs in the streets for all to see.
Nelson, NZ is a middle-aged woman pursuing her artistic dreams.
New York is a slut. Man, woman, trans, non-binary, doesn’t matter. New York is fast and easy and has no regrets.
Kolkata, India, I believe is a rebel without a cause, lost so much in its glorious past, that he is oblivious to the fact that times have changed, and a new day beckons to live up to its potential. An idealistic young man who refuses to shake corporate hands and instead writes street plays and songs of freedom. He drinks his tea with an ounce of ginger and gazes out of tall windows, almost expecting the pelting rain to turn to a revolution.
Nancy is an old man, wearing a fedora. He sips espresso in the sunshine when he can, and sings to his wine as he pours.
Prague is an old fairy with wavy streets for hair and a castle as her tiara.
Shiraz reminds me of an ancient grandmother that still gets up every morning with the dawn, bakes her own bread, and communes with nature.
Málaga is a young mama trying to do the right things but ending up burned and naked on the beach with her baby she feeds only fruits and almonds and milk.
Manchester is a bisexual poet wandering the dirty, glass walled city streets and weaving in and out of people's lives. People stop to shake hands and end up staying for decades, charmed by their friendliness and seduced by their all nighters where their cousin, Salford sets up an illegal rave under a bridge.
Amsterdam is a mid twenties guy who thinks sky is the limit. He's an entrepreneur and he is confident and doesn't make excuses. He's taking a chance on every opportunity. During the day: efficient and methodical and during the night: carefree and curious.
Yerevan is an old sculptor. Wrinkly, tan and grey-haired, smokes 2 packs of strong cigarettes a day, hates Turks and Azeris (duh), likes to play acoustic guitar for his many friends on those hot continental nights.
Paris is obviously a middle-aged woman in her late 50s. She smokes a lot, is a little eccentric and talks often about the past. The way she dresses is stylish but nevertheless a bit old-fashioned which betrays the way she feels about the modern world. There is an air of melancholy to her which she just can't shake. She does try to keep up with the times, mostly probing her nieces and nephews to keep her up to date with the latest fashion and trends. She owns the latest iphone with a bunch of apps on it but decided these things are rubbish anyway. She barely leaves the house nowadays, nevertheless when she is on the scene no-one fails to notice.
.Toronto is a man but his age is ambiguous - could be 20s or could be 50s, depending on the lighting and setting. Classic and fairly reserved, but knows enough to make you smile and keep coming back for more.
Seville is obviously a woman! A passionate and fiery flamenco dancer.
Helsinki is a wannabe queen bee who humblebrags how hip it is, but is boring beneath. You experience second-hand embarrassment when she speaks. She sounds convincing at first and her followers bully others on Instagram.
Hong kong is a young, busy, efficient, creative, flexible, hardworking, businessman.
Athens is a smart and confident woman, who basks in the sun and knows her food!
Hanoi is the cool aunt who's very quirky and a lot of fun for the nieces and nephews to be around.
Dublin to me is a street hawker. She's in her thirties but she's been in this trade since she was practically a child. Born and raised in the tenements, dirt poor but beautiful. Boisterous, street smart, and a lot more intelligent than people give her credit for. Really to me the city is synonymous with the image of Molly Malone. That's Dublin 1 and 2 anyway. Now, D4 is a spoiled rich guy whose dad is a lawyer and a West Brit.
New York is BADASS. No regrets, just lots of life lessons they never learn from.
London is a grumpy old businessman with cigar and 3 piece brown suit. Powerful indeed.
Portland, Oregon must be a goofy, weirdo, free-spirited young person.
Aberdeen, Scotland is a grouchy ass grandfather who has his life savings on lockdown, reads the newspaper every morning before his bacon roll & haggis combo for lunch washed down with some Irn Bru and whisky, secretly judges you when you walk by his immaculate (mainly concrete) front lawn and hates anyone new surprising or exciting.
Cordoba an old lady that would like to be an elegant, calm and tolerant señora but she lash out simply if the tortilla is too soft or if the flowers are not hanging evenly from her balcony.
Bratislava is 30-35 year old man who tried a lot of jobs and feels he should come to a conclusion about what is his purpose in life. He is an optimist, though, and he never gets tired of building his life routines from scratch. Though he would not catch your eye at the first sight, he has a heart from gold and a lot of stories to tell you over a cup of freshly grinded coffee.
Aarhus, Denmark is like a mild version of Blair Waldorf from Gossip girl. Vibrant, edgy, competitive, wanna get attention from the world, not Serena (Copenhagen) yet.
Seattle is also a bit of a weirdo, both because she is artistic, but also from limited exposure based on where she grew up.
Nashville is a 40 year-old musician, still filled with energy, but with so much love and respect for all his past country heroes.
Vienna is an older man who was married to the same woman for years was settled and then left her suddenly for a younger version of his ex. He tried to stay true to himself with his history and culture, but his new love interest is making him younger and more modern. He is now battling himself for what he should be, but he always goes back to the ex.
Prague is a young man with an old soul - in his 30s. He still loves to party, but maintains the family values he was raised on.
Sydney is a forgotten child bent on revenge.
Vienna is an older gent who was wild and flamboyant in his youth and alternates between an appreciation of the finer things in life and longing for his youth.
Portland is an early twenties brother and Seattle is his older sister. They are very close and share the same values, but he is an optimist and dreamer, while she is somewhat more practical and realistic. She is typing up their manifesto while he is networking for support.
Kinshasa is a young adult man in his 30's loving life but not proud of what he became has a man... Fighting with some addiction.
San Luis Obispo is a late 20s gal. Can still keep up with the hype of being 21, but is well established in herself and able to live independently. She lives a private life and it takes a person to really study and get to know her to fully appreciate her depth and beauty. She doesn't display her secrets for the world to see, but that just adds to the value of building a close bond. She is adventurous and social, but also enjoys her quiet, down time.
St. Julian’s - Malta is that older brother when there’s a huge age gap between you. He is comfort; a calming presence, somewhere that you’ll always belong. He provides everything you need. A distinct character in the midst of meshing cultures. Sometimes he’s a little bit crazy and at night you might lose him in the crowd. But he sees you and it’s evident. He helps you see yourself better.
The west side of Los Angeles is freckled blonde with starry eyed dreams who just landed at LAX, armed with nothing but determination and a dwindling bank account.
Ten years ago, I met this young outgoing girl called Ibiza. At that time she didn't want to tell me her age and made me believe she was eighteen. What I really love about her, is that she doesn't judge you no matter where you come from, no matter your skin color nor your sex orientation or your religion. She just loves you for yourself. Since now, I still don’t know her age but who cares because her spirit stays young. She doesn't seem to be ageing. Ibiza is so unique, and I have to admit from all the past experiences I have had with girls so far I have I never met a girl like this one, Eivissa (her catalan nickname) is one of a kind. Some nights she can be overdressed with a lot of make ups and some other nights she can stay natural but in the end whatever she does she will always end up gorgeous and sexy. Since I have met her, she hasn't stopped to surprise me, she is so original and funny. One thing I know for sure is that she still has plenty hidden talents that I am looking forward to discovering.
Innsbruck is an 32 year old economy student, who loves to get drunk with his 50 closest friends and his three flatmates in their rooftop apartment. He lives of his rich parents money and loves skiing, biking, hiking and instagram. #powpow #nosnownolife #becauseican #foreveryoung #blingbling
Bucharest is a homeless guy who wants to steal your shoes.
Rome is an older gentleman that’s very into classic rock and leather jackets but has religious tattoos and enjoys good poetry. He’s weathered the test of time and has the battle scars to prove it, there’s some beautiful parts to him but also some gritty parts, he has a soft soul and looks intimidating but when you get to know him you see that there’s more there than meets the eyes.
Venice is an older woman who knows that she doesn't have to try hard to be beautiful. The wrinkles on her face tell stories about her youth and she refuses to cover them up because she knows it all just adds to her charm.
Puerto Escondido (Mexico)is a woman in her 30s, free spirit, who has wandered all over the world but has always come back home. Dancing to each sunset, she relishes the beaches, the peace and tranquility her little town brings her.
Paris is NOT an older man, she is a chic French woman in her forties. She knows herself and radiates a calm confidence everywhere she goes - always dressed impeccably, of course. She may seem somewhat reserved at first, but as soon as you start a conversation with her (en français, preferably) you’ll find that she has a heart of gold. She’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to live your life the right way - for YOU. She enjoys and loves men, but would never change for one. She is the epitome of self acceptance. You’ll fall in love with her.
Stockholm is definitely Michael Bjorn, a man in his late 20s or early 30s, who works for the government and likes to live a quiet but fun life surrounded by friends and family everyday. He’s dedicated to his job but knows how important balance is so makes sure to take lots of time for breaks as well. He has a brother.
Berlin is someone who's escaped trauma and is breaking all the rules trying to figure out who they are. They're unabashedly themselves while free from constraints and healing from old wounds.
Athens is a talented bohemian that unfortunately peaked early in life, but is still fun to be around even though unpredictable.
Glasgow is a friendly drunken man in his 50s lost after a pub on his way home.
Kyoto is lovely friendly person, like newly found best friend:)
Bonn is a middle aged man, slightly overweight, with a red nose and cheeks from drinking. He hasn't made it very far and is neither ambitious nor creative, but an amiable, cheerful person.
Ottawa is a government employee.
Barcelona is a 25 years old woman, who loves to spend all day painting in her garden and dancing until the morning. She probably falls in love with strangers every day. She has an incredible smile.
Osaka is a man in his early 20s who loves to go drinking with his friends and gets a little too noisy, singing karaoke off key with a loud voice.
Toronto is exactly "fashion santa" in look and style, but his actual age is 35 he and cant afford to live in the north pole so he commutes there.
Dakar, Senegal is an elegant, high society, highly educated madame. She exemplifies progress through peace and education. She is the calm in the eye of the storm and the good neighbour in a neighbourhood that has had years of hard knocks.
Atlanta is a single mom with two kids. She's lucky enough to have gotten a university scholarship on merit because she worked her ass off, and she has a good office job and tries out every new ethnic restaurant. She lives in the suburbs, so the commute is brutal, but she doesn't mind a bit because she's enamored of the big city culture. At the end of the day she's just a kid from a working class, blue-collar, deep-South family who was the first person in her family to go to college, and she's never forgotten it.
Galway Ireland is a wholesome quirky neighbor who is a type b personality and a constant beam of positivity, but not in the annoying or creepy way. Think the inviting Hufflepuff. Strangers no more. Galway makes you feel proud of who you are, amd included in life everytime you talk to her.
Vancouver is a stoner with his head in the clouds looking over the mountains.
Medellín is a 18 years old raw guy. Struggling to find his identity between his painful childhood and his brighter future (at least that's what he hopes). When you look at him, you see a tough face plenty of scares, he does not seem very attractive. He loves football and enjoy dancing, flirting with the pretty girls in his neighborhood. I don't know why but despite his roughness, he is still soft somehow and tries hard to make you feel good and safe. And truth is, the more you hang out with him, the more you fall in love with him.
Budapest is a beautiful lady. Harden by jilted lovers but slowly finding peace with herself. She's beautiful but guarded until you take the effort to really see behind her mask. She wears layers of ill fitting clothes but still her grace shines through. Her hard careless mask makes you wonder if she even cares but when she opens up to you her beautiful soul makes you feel a love you forgot existed. She withdraws at times to feel her pain, to contemplate it but then comes back with more understanding of who she is, with a renewed energy to create something beautiful, to make others want to create beauty. To have her voice heard like a lone aria floating on the night air. She is crazy and unpredictable but there is an order to her chaos. She will love you unrestrained then break your heart. But at the end of the night as she kisses you on the forehead she let's you know you are home.
Montreal is a 30-year-old queer mixed race woman in fetish gear who speaks 5 languages and loves to party.
Budapest is a glamorous older lady who still paints her face and puts on her jewels every day to sit on her favourite bench and wait for a lost love from her youth to return.
Zurich is a 70 years old ultra-conservative gentleman who is strictly concentrating on his newspaper -no matter what- while sipping from his espresso.
Warsaw is neurotic AF, trying to be cool & modern but constantly getting held back by their (they're queer but so far they haven't come out) complexes. They like flowers, good books, and smoking, they have a fetish on business people.
Vancouver is a 70's punk-rocker who's had to put on a suit to pay their rent.
Tokyo is a schoolgirl in uniform, cute and playful.
Rotterdam is a single 30-something tech entrepreneur from working class parents. He lives in a new apartment in the centrum, and goes to all the new hip restaurants, but at 2am on a Saturday night all he wants is some beers and kapsalon with his childhood friends. Works hard to achieve, but never forgets where he comes from.
Singapore is that smart quiet nerd in the office. No one actually knows how old he is, because he looks quite young, but seems way too smart and mature to carry that face. He's always well dressed and well put together, and when you look closely you realize he wears the same clothes often, but it's ok. They're not cheap. And they are all fair trade - made locally, with sustainable materials. While he's not a huge guy, you feel 100% safe with him, because he's got presence, and class, and kindness. And he knows shit. Like...all kinds of efficient practical shit that the rest of us can't figure out. Singapore just got it all sorted and figured out and is living his best life.
Brussels is a busy 30 something woman who works for an NGO speaks 4 languages, she likes to party but also likes expensive yoga. She likes to pretend she has her shit together but in the end of the day she eats chips and drinks 12% beer.
Armenia is an old soul, who likes to tell stories of the past, and reminds the younger generation of how good they have it.
Saint-Petersburg is a young street musician fond of literature and theate.
San francisco is a 30 year old male with dyed hair and a briefcase.
San Antonio, Texas is a man in his 60s that has been trying to stop smoking since he was 40. He's been smoking since he was 15. His voice is rough and he smells of beer, but he'll open the door for you and won't ask you to smile. He's had the same pair of jeans and boots for years. His old lady keeps telling him to buy something new. He says he doesn't give a fuck. He doesn't care if you're rich or poor, he'll shake your hand with the same hand he used to pick the carne guisada out of his teeth. He's been driving the same truck since 87' and bitches about it everyday, but like his jeans, he's not going to do a damn thing about it. He loves it too much.
Melbourne is a beautiful young woman in her early twenties. While she is old enough to explore and be explored, she is young enough to still be enjoying everything life has to offer! Full of life, fun and adventure. She loves good food and a good time, from being aroused by culture, art and music to partying like crazy into the early (or late) morning.
Boston is a old soul who loves history and his culture and will give you the shirt off his back if you ask. But he's also a tough nut to crack and won't open up easily, he's definitely not for the faint of heart. And he's got a competitive streak a mile wide to the point that he's sometimes confused if he does things for himself or just to seem better and different than his friend who lives a couple hours south. He may be smaller than that friend, but he's got a feisty and spunky spirit that no one can match.
Rio is the prettiest girl in the classroom and she knows it. A little immature and self centered, she loves to go out dancing to eclectic music, wearing exuberant dresses. Equally graceful on the beach, on a hike and in downtown, she is bold, she is vibrant, she is chaotic. She is grateful for all the beauty, colors and joie de vivre around her. She is capricious and vain. She is still trying to figure out herself.
Berlin is a 40-year old punker full of life, creativity, anger and humour. He is not looking for a soulmate, due to his temper, but has a lot of friends. He has tough family history. In the day he is working as a graphic in a corporation, but in the night, he empties his soul making songs that would make you cry, and spraying grafitti on historic buildings that would make you blush.
Lisbon is a well put together 60-something year old woman. Her hair is always coifed and her clothes are impeccable. She’s articulate, reserved and a bit innocent. However, there’s a mysterious side to her that nobody knows.
New York City (all the boroughs) is the entire squad from brooklyn 99. and bonus: long island is gina linetti.
Hoi An is a witty, well turned out mother who is ageing gracefully. She wants to feed you up and nurture you but still has a cheeky, party girl side when she's had a drink. She's seen some serious shit but you wouldn't know it as she laughs constantly and smiles keenly to all who want to get to know her.
Copenhagen is a girl in her early thirties; brainy, ambitious and independent. She enjoys life to the fullest, but does so in a calm, serene way. She can be hard to understand, as she's quite different from most cities, but once you give her a chance, you won't let her go.
Tokyo is a guy in his early 30s. Looking at his clothes and the way he acts you think he's really modern and progressive but once you talk and get to know him you realize he's actually still very attached to old traditions and ancient ways, for the good and the bad. He's not exactly mysterious but even when you feel that you know him really well, you end up discovering a new part of him that you can't help but love. Tokyo will always surprise you, as however much you get to know him, he's never quite the way you imagine him.
The state of Idaho is a Tom Waits song.
Recently, Cape Town has become the coolest kid of your high school and you don’t hang out together that much. He is best friend with everyone, already got a tattoo and a piercing, plays guitar at the beach and surf every weekend. He used to be your neighbour, but moved to a fancier area of town a few years ago. Sometimes you text him on Sundays, go for an ice cream together, and remember the games you played together when little.
Istanbul is a pasha with a harem.
Chicago is a middle age man with a beer belly that mows his lawn every day no matter how short it is while wearing plaid boxers and sandals and socks. He uses politically incorrect language for everyone and everything but still beats up the fascists when they come to town.
Cairo is an energetic, mysterious old soul who is not afraid of change. Perhaps a sage .
Firenze is a simple, beautiful woman in her 50s. She doesn't need much, but she surrounds herself with lovely things, because she's earned it and she deserves it. She doesn't need love, but she loves love. And she wears and eats and does what she wants, because she is mature enough and confident enough to not give one f*%k what anyone else thinks. She's fabulous.
Toronto is a hot mess sorority girl getting blackout drunk on vodka crans and hooking up with her ex on her 19th birthday.
Riga is a twenty-something hipster woman, trying to balance healthy living and a full time job in the city.
Shanghai is schizophrenic urban hipster w/pink hair, Doc Martens & a backpack.
Firenze is a middle-aged woman rediscovering life.
San Francisco, 29 years old, in love with nature, community living and yoga.
New Orleans is an old woman tucked away in a corner, unnoticed and unbothered by the hustle and bustle around her. She is singing to herself and keeping time with the tap of her foot. Others think she's senile, eccentric, or just plain nuts. She chuckles to herself and doesn't mind when people keep their distance or misunderstand. When she meets a kindred soul, she'll embrace you, feed you, and dance all night.
Montréal is a young man, early-mid 20s, who wears denim jackets, smokes hand rolled cigarettes, takes psychedelic drugs, listen exclusively to indie music, and drinks absinthe. He's nice but not very talkative, and he's really smart but never went to college because he thought it was a waste of time. He knows English but doesn't like to speak it, has a deep interest in revolutionary communist movements, and has a poster of Ché Guevara in his bedroom.
Malaga is a man in his early 40s, self assured, charismatic with an air of 50 shades...
Grimsby, NE England, is a young boy, full of angst and anger, yet to discover his sexuality..
Belgrade is a retired army general who smokes like a chimney and knocks over his neighbour's planters "by accident".
Barcelona is a woman in her mid forties, she doesn't care if people think she's shallow because she still likes to drink mojitos at the beach. Deep down there is so much more inside of her and can transmit peace, balance and familiarity to whoever takes the chance to get to know her.
Brussels, she is this little 40 years old lady, studied law at ULB, then she decided to work in politics. She does not really enjoy it much... She feels that everyone in her surroundings are seeing her as this boring working girl, obsessed with climbing the ladder. When you look closely, you can see that she is "edgy". She has this "je-ne-sais-quoi" that makes you wanna talk to her, offer her a Hot Chocolate and ask her to tell you about her younger years where she was wild partying in the "Cercle". She feels often nostalgic. But then she takes a walk in The Marolles, eat some fresh "moules-frites" in Sainte-Catherine or enjoying a cold Chouffe in Cim-D'Ix. Then She feels alive again. Far from her office.
Istanbul is a mysterious and curious young woman (late 20s-30s) who smokes cigarettes and engages in deep conversations. Looking to understand the world and clash of cultures that exist. You can find her walking along the Bosphorus or in a cafe with some Turkish coffee or tea, always trying to strike up conversations with anyone she meets. She will leave you wanting more.
Utrecht (Netherlands) is this 27 yr old hipster lad, with a 5 days beard, bright socks and an beanie on a racing bike. just too old to be a foolish adolescent, just too much of a foolish adolescent to be a responsible adult. Still enough of a teenager to eat last night's pizza for breakfast, trying not to get too attached to his in-between jobs and the sense of relative success; whose business companion seems just a little smarter and better in everything they do, as they work towards getting their hard work paid off and respected. Loves plants, records, plain coffee and cats.
Rio de Janeiro is a young cool kid of 19yo that loves the beach, to drink beer with friends over a "roda de samba". Care free.
New York is the art college dropout who is doing alright for themselves.
Madrid is a woman in her 50's who grew up poor but didn't mind. She knows she has had and will continue to have everything she needs. She's gossipy and enjoys indulging in one or several glasses of wine, but when it comes to food, she is very no fuss. Trivial matters have no importance to her, as she has witnessed the struggles of man and has grown to understand what is truly important in life. Her children are mischievous and cheeky, and she disciplines them with a firm hand, but her sternness comes from a soft place, and those close to her never question her love for them. She has had many lovers and flirts openly and with enthusiasm, as does her husband. Mystery hangs around her and secrets are woven through her hair. And though she does not have material wealth to flaunt, her air is royal and you can feel her power.
Tokyo is a busy man in his late 40s. While he can afford to buy nice apparels he prefers to stay plain. He had lost his wife and son in a tragedy. He has not moved on and deep sadness can be seen in his eyes.
Florence is a young lover exploring all that life has to offer with its sights, tastes, long walks, artful glances, spontaneous creativity, and wine sweet kisses.
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunie, is a beautiful princess with the purest of heart, reserve but ready to fight and get dirty to protect her love ones.
Berlin is that guy that says he is an artist, and while nobody knows what art he makes he is cool anyway.
Guatemala City is a seedy man In his 40’s who will never settle for just one woman. He plays with the big boys, makes deals under the table, cheats the system. One of those guys with gelled back black hair and a mexi stash.
Luoyang is a weathered wise old woman....one who struggles to balance her strong adherence to tradition while knowing that life is ever-changing and new ways are inevitable. Her eyes sparkle surrounded by her family while they share meals and laughter together. She is so rich with life and crafts everything into art, but doesn’t have two pennies to her name. And she doesn’t care. It’s only money...and she has so much more.
Lisbon is a well-dressed very cultural woman, married but has multiple lovers.
Porto is an old man with a teenager soul. He has wrinkles and takes a few moments to walk up the streets but he comes out everyday just to say good morning to everyone that's passing. He's learning how to use video calls on WhatsApp.
My London is your urchin grown up. He’s in his early thirties wears a suit, works long hours then goes out to party - he’ll sleep when he’s dead. Sometimes, in his quieter moments he remembers that he used to love reading history books and felt inspired by great leaders before life got in the way. He used to go to dingy clubs to see loud punk bands and not overpriced bars with incredible views. He feels wistful, for a moment then remembers he’s late for a meeting / date / drinks and rushes to get ready and head out.
New Orleans is a grandpa. Someone who's lived through multiples wars and seen Carnage and bountiful beauty. He's lived through the worst of times but is still full of life and love and hope for the future. This man is going to live to be the oldest man in the world. He loves food and architecture and history and never misses a chance to pick up his brass instrument and secondline down the street because life is worth living and celebrating EVERY DAY; even when it doesn't feel that way. He'll hold you tight and tell he he loves you but you gotta dust yourself off and get back out there. No matter what.
Florence is a young gentleman, full of culture and consideration for the people.
Bangkok is a spiritual ambition woman filled with wanderlust.
Austin TX is a young woman trying to keep up with the trends, but struggling to and is easily overwhelmed.
Dublin is the barmaid with the edgy haircut and a couple of tattoos who makes you feel incredibly special for the 30 minutes you talk to her for. You leave the city feeling a little bit different than when you first arrived there
London is a bachelor in his late 30's with a good job that has done it all so he is ever looking for new different experiences.
Positano is a stunning young woman, the kind of stunning that takes your breath away. As you approach by sea, your mouth gapes in surprise. Have you ever seen such beauty? Setting foot upon her shores, you are awestruck. She is a gorgeous stranger that you see once in passing and never again. What lies beneath her surface on her narrow streets is not what you had expected. You thought that she would be bold and imposing. She is more reserved than her appearance led you to believe. She is humble and quaint, unassuming; in stark contrast to her striking complexion. She teaches you not to judge a book by its cover.
Dublin is the boy down the street you used to play football with. You've known him forever, but have since slowly grown apart. He still waves and yells 'hello!' when he sees you. He doesn't run when it's raining and he whistles wherever he goes. He's busy with his career, his wife has just had a second baby. You can hear him kicking a football around with his youngest daughter outside on a rare sunny day.
London is as a middle aged man past the prime of his younger, youthful self. He seems frequently on the brink of a mental breakdown and is still trying to rekindle young adulthood by buying expensive sports cars and dating individuals 20 years his junior. That’s just me!
Doha, Qatar is a teenage boy with the soul of someone who’s been around a long time. He’s intelligent with sharp eyes and well groomed in public but is building himself up and working out all the time. He likes to show off his wealth but not in an egotistical way. Also he smells incredible, and would make the whole world his family if he could.
Berlin is a 32 year-old graphic designer who works for a start-up, gets his Quinoa bowl delivered by bicycle, and recently started to micro-dose (increases both creativity and efficiency!!).
Tokyo is a single, nerdy lad in his late twenties. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth to a family with roots you can trace back to a few thousand years. Raised traditionally but has rebelled exponentially since his early teen years. Prefers neon lights to paper lanterns, digital to calligraphy - but still manages to find the delicate balance between old and new. Has a little sister called Seoul who looks up to him and thinks the world of him.
Meet Vilnius Lithuania - no one knows her age, not even herself, sometimes she feels like an old lady and other days lighthearted like a teenager with all her life and possibilities ahead. She is an artist but also a hardworking business women in the broadest sense. She spends a lot of time in nature and enjoys the damp morning gras underneath her feet. She wears linen and messy hair when she is nature. While in the city she is properly dressed up like a real lady. Her lifestyle has nothing to do with her bank account. She can be grumpy if you don’t know her and people mistaken her as cold, but once you know her sweet spots she is a real charm.
Catania - young rebel girl who just laughs and plays all days having in respect all systems and seriousness, twisting ideas around. Loves family and friends and cherish real connection. Long blond hair and backpack full of punk/cute patches.
Crete is a very old widow. She has lived through much but still has a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She keeps candies and chocolates on hand to give to the neighborhood kids.
London is more an eccentric old man who holds a candle for the olden days in his heart.
Lisbon is like mom or dad, or a sibling who you don’t live with anymore. It’s fantastic and exciting to reunite after so long, but after a while things settle down and everything becomes easy and comfortable again, like you remember it was as a kid. There’s always milk in the fridge and your laundry always re-appears clean and folded for you. But there’s evenings you’re arguing over the TV remote again. It’s that feeling of nothing ever being perfect - but always perfectly OK - that I associate with Lisbon.
Venice is an elderly artist in her 90s. People see her pearls and diamonds coming a mile away but they don't expect her calming tone of soothing voice. She is elegant but still full of a lust for life, inspiring young artists who come to visit her in search of her wisdom and winding anecdotes and stories about Dali and Picasso who she used to dine with.
Seattle is a straight up 40 something hipster who still skateboards everywhere, listens to grunge and knows every coffee going.
Valencia is an 18yo hippie girl. I would’ve never thought I’d find her interesting but she keeps surprising me both with her girlish charm and thoughtful insights.
New York City is a confident sassy woman in her late twenties. She is an organised mess who is living life on her own conditions!
My favorite cities are the twin cities of Minneapolis and St Paul. They have very different personalities—one is old and established, the other very trendy and party atmosphere. Years ago I heard it best described as “ you date Minneapolis but you marry St Paul”.
Glasgow is a 43 year old man with a terrible smoking habit , 2 ex wifes and a passion for watching football at the weekends. He also likes chips with curry sauce
Amsterdam is an academic, quick to embrace people from all over the world and with a good social circle but hard to get to know under the surface. He's stubborn, pragmatic, and opportunistic, with a traditional streak a miles wide. He focuses on facts and science, and doesn't let emotions rule him.
Bali, Indonesia is a young lady in her late 20's who is beautifully feminine. she carries herself with such grace that you can't help but stare. then when everyone goes to bed she goes out and gets blackout drunk and sleeps with a random tourist whose name she will never remember.
New York is rude, bossy, frustrating but above all exhilarating, dreamy and always here to welcome me back with open arms.
London is a middle aged man that has a lot to offer but is burning the candle at both ends. I think he's about to hit a mid-life crisis. Haha
Kyoto, Japan, is an aging geisha who while she loses relevance in the modern world, still manages to go through her days with the unhurried grace and charm of a bygone world. She maintains her poise and dignity even as she exchanges her lavish silk kimonos for the more utilitarian clothes of today’s times. And while she has settled for the ease of the subway than the hand pulled rickshaws in which she promenaded in her freshly embellished hair and season specific kimono, she still takes the time to turn 180 degrees and give a graceful bow and gentle smile to a startled tourist who has been surreptitiously admiring her inborn grace and poise, before exiting the subway car.
Athens is an old philosopher whose ex-wife is a powerful. He is full of life and loves politicians. Athens and his ex see each other on many occasions. They still love each other but also know themselves well enough to realize that life is to be lived fully with who you are with… in the moment. So dance, drink, and eat because tomorrow we might die.
Glasgow, Scotland. She is a rough one, chavy yet West End classy. She grinds hard during the week but takes MDMA and drinks pitches worth a month of rent at wetherspoons on the weekends. She’s old and used but her smoky heart beats along.
Hanoi is an elderly woman but to whom age is but a number.
New York City is a gender fluid person with unlimited facets to their personality, yet the surface is hard to crack, but everyone likes them for different personality traits.
Berlin – a queer man in his late 20’s. He’s been through so much adversity. He’s been separated from his family. Wars have been fought and walls have been built in his heart. But from his adversity he flourishes. From his cracks flowers have started to bloom. He is a multi disciplinary artist and spends his weeks working on his art in his shared studio space. He loves techno, smokes roll-ups and spends his Sundays dancing the day and night away.
Copenhagen is a hipster in his mid-twenties who can tell you all about coffee.
São Paulo is as a twenty-something Indigenous woman, trying to balance her life between her traditions and connections with the land and being cosmopolitan.
Porto is an old man who loves to read and tell stories of the good old days to his friends over a nice cup of coffee on the street facing the river.
Prague is a middle-aged woman, old in spirit but with the seeds of optimistic rebellion planted in her heart in youth. She is the type to seem closed off until you are trusted enough to see the layers that lie beneath. Her hands, wrapped around a coffee cup as she prepares for work each morning, are weathered from long hours outside, but her smile is bright, when you are fortunate enough to see it. She spends her days grounded in reality, but at night, when the shadowy sides of humanity are hidden in the darkness, the twinkling lights of hope, reflected in her eyes as she gazed out upon her city, shine brightly.
Edinburgh, Scotland is a young woman with long red hair, who works in an old bookshop full of rare and antique books. She wears cosy big jumpers and heavy boots. She’s hopeful for the future. She has a wee brown dog.
Battambang, Cambodia is a man in his late 30s, he enjoys beautiful sunsets, deep conversation and red wine. He loves adventure and taking the odd lover. He’s passionate about the environment and will always recycle. Dependent on his mood he’ll listen to anything from Trance to folk music. He will never fully commit to you but is definitely worth your time. He is a warm bath on a cold night.
Istanbul is a fisherman who loves tea, literature and cats.
Bristol is a woman in her early twenties. She's rebellious, covered in tattoos, she lets strangers draw all over her. She fights the norm, wants to do her own thing and go her own way. She likes to meet new people from all over the world and learn their traditions. She likes trying new food.
I live in Pattaya. Some people think she is a middle aged prostitute? But for me, she is a young girl full of energy and very sexy.
Rome is an old and very beautiful woman. She knows the world, has seen a lot and loves to tell everyone who is willing to listen. And she is very strong, having the power of her friend history on her side!
Toronto is a 33 year old guy with a beard, a dragon tattoo, has a beer belly and a corporate job, hangs out with the dudes getting drunk at the same few pubs every weekend, going to baseball games and concerts, not looking for commitment, and always feeling simultaneously excited and exhausted.
Tokyo is a toddler, in a sweetie shop, learning to walk, full of naive wonder.
Vienna is a rich young gentleman, tweed and watch fob with some questionable facial hair choice. He’s elegant and cultured and remote, but beautiful and lovely to experience.
Berlin is a 40-year-old Peter Pan, who is refusing to grow up and just wants to party all week long.
Melbourne is an early 30s man, a graphic designer who plays the accordian in a band on the weekend at his mate's boutique gin bar hidden down a gritty laneway. He wears tight jeans and a band tshirt of a rock band no one remembers, a scarf and heavy coat complete his look. Quietly confident, he doesn't like to show his feelings but cried regularly watching Offspring. His humour drifts into the dark side but he still yells out "Huuuuuuughsy" everytime he bumps in Dave Hughes in Toorak. On the weekends after getting his soy macchiato and smashed avo from a local cafe, he heads to the farmer's market to meet his boyfriend who sells local honey made in hives on the rooftop of his apartment building. Melbourne is happy walking the art galleries just as much as he is walking the laneways looking for the next Rone. Melbourne despises flashy and loves to talk down his ex, Sydney. He loves to travel the world but always knows where home is.
Helsinki is a 30-year-old woman who's beautiful in a natural, simple way. She loves the little pleasures of life, like a good cup of coffee in the morning, taking long walks in the forest and standing by the sea shore watching ships go by. She knits and picks mushrooms from her local woods. She loves tech, and in another life, she thinks she would be a coder.
Istanbul is a gorgeous, mature woman who has seen many relationships in her past, some destructive, but has lived to turn all that into wit and wisdom. She’s still young at heart and full of energy, and she manages to steal hearts and tremble knees at first sight. She will soothe you and excite you, feed you and feed from you at the same time. You may be exhausted from all her demands if you live with her, but you will always miss her if you don’t.
Copenhagen is your classy older sister in her late 30s that has multiple degrees and enjoys great wine. She’s a curator and always greets you with a warm smile. She’s married to a non-fiction novelist and has two children—a boy and a girl. When she was younger she enjoyed traveling the world, hopping to the Greek isles on holiday and partying in Bali with her girlfriends. Her guilty pleasure is an expensive department store moisturizer but is practical in every other way.
Delhi is a 19 years old girl. Her style is colorful and vibrant. When she walks , you can see the maturity and wisdom in her stride. This is a girl whose ancestors have seen invasions and colonization. Yet Delhi has never left her kindred spirit. She feels unsafe when she walks on the street. The men have been cruel to her, cat calling, throwing acid on her face, rape. But she survives. She takes an oath that her daughter will be like her- rich heritage, beautiful, colorful, vibrant, and most importantly one day will live in a safe world.
Skopje is a woman in her 50ies who's trying too hard to impress the new society. She has a poor background and is a bit noisy, but has the warmest heart. During the day, she wears too much jewellery and wrong makeup, but over night she goes back to her true form and embraces anyone who show her some love.
Florence is a sweet, sassy librarian in her 30s.
Rome is an elderly woman trying to keep up with the times and falling inevitably into chaos for in doing so she loses herself. She is not perfect. Her enviable beauty is scarred; her attitude is obnoxious. But she is not meant to be perfect.
Toronto is a woman in her early twenties strutting to work confidently. She is ambitious yet satisfied in a fascinating way, she walks with poise, clutching her coffee and poring over details but never forgets to unwind with art in the evenings. She follows routine during the day to prove herself but during the night she loves adventures, trying new food and meeting different people. She gets insecure sometimes but doesn’t hesitate to embrace her friends and confide in them, knowing that they will take care of her. Even when she is grieving, she doesn’t forget to smile and ask the cashier how he is doing. She loves when people come over unannounced but sometimes gets tired of all the work that’s left to do. She knows the value of resilience but on most days she’s thoughtful enough to choose kindness to herself and others over it.
Chengdu is a guy in his mid to late 20s. Hes just graduated with a fancy degree, and he has 2 completely different sides (most people only know one of them). Theres the tender guy who loves his mom, cant resist talking to animals in a baby voice, and cooks with his grandma. Then the other side is that he has a wild streak. Hell come home at 3 am from the clubs and he parties way too hard. He has many faults (doesnt everyone) but above all, he is kind and he is finding his way in life.
Bucharest, Romania is a former literature student (now in his 30s), his dream was to be a writer and historian, long hair, always wearing a long, black coat, spending his time in the library, with little money and many dreams. After finishing his studies, both his parents died and he became broke, so he realised it is difficult to make it as a writer and he became an entrepreneur, earned money, started drinking and going out Saturday nights, learned lots about technology and public speaking and cut his hair. He still wears his black coat tho, still reads beautiful classic literature and enjoys history, but more as a hobby in his private space, as his group of friends don't have the same interests. He still has doubts about what would have happened if he just persued his dream.
Dublin is a woman in her 40s who's entire life has been hardship...until now. She's rediscovering herself and blossoming into the woman she was always meant to become. She has friends from near and far, and adapts to her friends personalities and they come and go. She is content, but there is definitely still something missing. She has a wonderful fish tank in her living room.
Florence is an 80 year old lady. Elegant, cultured. She keeps unimaginable secrets. Your eyes are like an eagle - accurate. And so are her words, always well expressed. She sleeps little, wakes up early as she enjoys the lights of the dawn of a new day. She is unique. grand in its essence
Guayaquil, Ecuador is a toddler. Sometimes feels like the king of the world, sometimes he doesn't know what he is doing and his family doesn't really understand him. He always does what he wants and when he doesn't, he cries, hits the table and makes a scandal. This kid learnt how to speak incredibly young, but will struggle to learn how to read and write. Hardly sleeps, good for running and singing. Charismatic, charming, but a mess in every aspect.
Tokyo is a graphic designer in his early 30’s with a child on the way. He comes from a family of traditional fisherman. His wife is a bass player and they live in a modern sky rise in Shinjuku. He dresses in a suit but wears chucks instead of dress shoes. He takes the train to and from work, and usually brings his lunch. Homemade recipes that his mother taught him. They go out on weeknights to bars and restaurants with friends. Well at least they used to... pre-parenthood.
Granada is a swooning dark-eyed temptress from Moorish times who intoxicates visitors not only through her breathtaking sights, but more subversively through her orange blossom scented paths lined with rosemary bushes that lead past hearths as old as time expelling ancient fragrances like incense and myrrh. Once she’s bewitched you, looking back upon leaving her timeless beauty is always a heavy hearted path strewn with melancholic tear drops of a love lost.
Lisbon is a charismatic woman with long dark hair, wearing colourful clothes, who enjoys sipping coffee on her balcony facing the sea, taking care of all stray cats of the neighbourhood and screaming occassionally at her curious neighbours, while doing laundry on a sunny day.
Istanbul is this great great grandmother who has 2 other sisters and they live under that same massive and ancient roof to incessantly talk and gossip about the neighbours. She aged beautifully like the finest wine but lately has undergone cosmetic surgery which did not turn out too well. No one knows how and why she took this decision at her age but everybody respects her. She is the most generous and forgiving lady and she is still praised for her sharpness of mind which is not the case for her two other siblings. Nevertheless many children and grand children love her so much that they practically live alltogether even though they already have their own houses. She is mostly adored and admired by men of all ages.
PS: She prefers cats to her siblings to keep her company.