Where you live plays a role in how you live.
Maybe your work led you there. Maybe you followed a spouse. Or you chose to be near family, or friends. Or you've always lived in the same area and have never thought about it.
Your choice of location affects your choices about space. It's more than just: an expensive city means limited space unless you're rich. The culture, the architecture and the aura of where you live all inform your life within the home.
Wherever I go, I ask myself: "Could I live here?" I do this even if I'm someplace for five minutes. And of course, the answer changes as I learn more about the place (e.g., I loved Bordeaux, but now? It's nice to visit).
This past weekend, I visited Huesca (liked it), Zaragoza (bored me), Tarragona (has its charms), and Sitges (way too touristy but beautiful). I actually find most of what I've seen in Spain dirty and in need of a serious makeover, and yet something draws me to live there (and no, it's not the Rompot).
The climate appeals to me, as does the complete alienness of the landscape. Yes, I'm often reminded of Floridian apartment blocks and strip malls (not a good thing), but I love the old parts of the old cities and towns. The narrow streets, the clothes hanging to dry out of windows, the café tables and chairs strewn about the edge of public squares, and even the slight seediness, all these things imply a casualness to life that I really like.
So perhaps Spain and I will make a good match. I look forward to finding out.
Someday Lessons:
- Make conscious decisions, even at the highest level.
- Does where you live match with who you are?