I start my day with a climb up six stories...always breathless at the top...feeling good. Not far enough away to escape the sounds of the city but enough to afford a clear view of the sky.
By lunch time, the streets are full. While I have grown used to some aspects of life here, I am still so consciously aware of the diversity in the city. I tend to think of it as "European". In actuality, it is the richness of people from all over the world. Such a variety of physical features, styles, languages. It is not the most diverse city in the world, just more than I am used to. My favorite feature of the city.
Sometimes I head to the tourist hub of the city and let the music of the buskers guide my way. I try to avoid the buskers playing cheesy covers or the bagpipers who just keep repeating the same tune. Keep your ears open though. There is talent on those streets.
Admittedly, there are times when I just block out everything around me. I have a soft spot for rainy days in the city because it quietens the sounds and smells. I walk the streets, umbrella in hand (but only in the summer when the wind is calm...dead umbrellas will litter the pavement soon). On nice days, I escape to a quieter part of the city where I am usually met with a wind and I can imagine myself walking a coastline surrounded by nature.
Too much escape and I tend to forget where I am...until I catch sight of something that reminds me of where I am.
The days go quickly. It could be I am still not used to the shorter work day (officially 7.25 hours). Although 8+ is often the reality. Having a shorter official day still makes a big difference. I have always felt that it is a more productive and healthier approach. That coupled with a decent amount of holiday throughout the year. I was hoping things were turning around in the states but having just seen recent statistics, it has yet to happen.
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