I Love the Energy of Big Cities — But I Still Need My Peace and Quiet

Huge cities have their place, but I can only stay awhile.

Over the past nine years, my husband Brent and I have lived in and visited some of the world’s largest cities: Istanbul, London, Bangkok, Mexico City, and Sydney.

And last year, we added Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Osaka, and Tokyo to that list.

And since this is Michael Takes Too Many Pictures, here come photos of what I loved about each place.

In Istanbul, it was the incredible history — from Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar to the Basilica Cistern.

In London, it was the way the city glowed at Christmas.

In Bangkok, it was the temples, malls, and the outdoor markets, especially Khlong Toei.

And in Mexico City, it was the food.

But it was our time in Asia that forced me to come to a startling conclusion: I love the energy of big cities…

…the food…

…the architecture…

…the fast pace…

…and even the chaos…

…but I can’t ever see myself living in a big city long-term.

Back in America now, Brent and I have spent the past several months living on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, not far from Port Townsend.

Which is small…

…and chill…

…and so very, very beautiful.

And I really love the peace and quiet. In fact, our time here has led me to conclude I’m not quite the big-city guy I thought.

Was it something about Asian cities? Or had I changed?

Earlier this month, I visited Seattle, where Brent and I lived for decades before we became nomads.

Even though it was early May, it was dazzling.

The weather was incredible, and the city exploded with spring.

Everywhere you turned, it was green…

And the city itself looked great, from the new waterfront…

…to the iconic skyline.

Yet, after a week, I was ready to take the ferry back across Puget Sound to Port Townsend, where a traffic jam is five cars.

So I guess I have changed a bit — gotten older, maybe.

I still look forward to visiting more of the world’s largest cities — Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City and Rio de Janeiro. But I know that when it comes time for us to stop traveling, it won’t be in a big city with a dazzling skyline.

It'll be a quieter place with an endless horizon.

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Michael Jensen is a novelist and editor. For a newsletter with more of my photos, visit me at www.MichaelJensen.com.