Traveling is perhaps my favorite activity; from interacting with the locals to observing the cultures of the places I visit, I've learned so much just by seeing the world. Here are six lessons from six cities I have visited over the years:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
When I think of Amsterdam, I dream of stroop waffles, enchanting art museums, friendly faces and red hues glowing from the city’s famous Red Light District. Whether you want to have a low-key day strolling the canals and feasting on magnificent Dutch food to getting in tune with your more wilder-side in the Red Light District, in Amsterdam, you can pretty much do anything you set your mind to.
In Amsterdam, the freedom is almost limitless, and the city’s creative energy reflects just that; Amsterdam has taught me the importance of expression.
Detmold, Germany
You may have heard of Munich or Berlin, but perhaps not the North Rhine-Westphalia city in Germany called Detmold. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Detmold twice with my orchestra, through participating in an exchange program. Although I’m sure you will feel this in any German city you visit today, Germany has reminded me of the power of good hospitality. Between the tables of food our German host families would set for us in the morning to the open-armed greetings and meaningful conversations we shared with city residents, I feel honored to have such a sentimental tie to such a fantastic city.
Paris, France
If there's one lesson I learned visiting the city of love, it's how to indulge. We're often caught up in school, work or helping out our loved ones that we find ourselves struggling to find time for ourselves. Instead of jetting off to a tropical island for your next holiday, consider Paris: Croissants, champagne, steak frites, designer window-shopping (or actual shopping if you're lucky) and Laudurée...need I say more?
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Pura Vida: it’s a way of life. In Costa Rica, I experienced “pure life” firsthand; between being fully immersed in miles of jungle, interacting with the laid-back and optimistic locals to simply walking into town and sinking my teeth into every type of fresh fruit you could imagine, there are few vacations I have been on that have impacted me as strongly as my trip to Costa Rica. Sure, Paris is glamorous and elegant, but Costa Rica's effortless beauty taught me how to appreciate the simpler things in life.
Austin, Texas
Austin is a hidden gem tucked away in central Texas—there you can find anything from insane food trucks, singing hippies to incredible night-time honky-tonks. Austin has taught me how to be myself, without ever holding back; In Austin, being different is celebrated instead of discouraged. Even the city slogan is “Keeping it Weird!"
In short, I like my cities like I like my men: hot and one-of-a-kind.
New York, New York
I’m going to let Alicia Keys take this one home: “New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do.” I’ve never felt more inspired than I have in New York City. There’s something about the never-ending hustle, the bright lights and the city’s melting pot of cultures that sparks a creative side in pretty much anyone. Although some may find all of the songs, movies, and Tumblr blog posts dedicated to the Big Apple borderline-cliché, no one really understands the magic of New York City until they’ve been there themselves. N.Y.C. has encouraged me how to follow my dreams.
The next time you visit a popular city in the United States or a lesser-known one in Europe, try to take home more than just a key chain and some cool photos.
