“It is good people who make good places.”
Anna Sewell
For 30 years did my heart belong unconditionally to Biarritz on the French Atlantic coast on the Spanish border – the high waves, the black rocks, walking distance to everything … and the great food to affordable prices, plus a very pleasant climate the year round. I visit Biarritz the first time in September 1976 and it was love at first at first sight. Since then I been back uncountable times, last time for my 60’s birthday. Now 10 years ago.
In 1854, the emperor Napoleon III built Villa Eugénie for his wife Eugénie as a summer retreat – today the luxury hotel Hôtel du Palais – than from there, Biarritz developed to a playground for the rich and famous from all over Europe and today surfers from all over the world. Today the golf courses and the horseraces plus the ruby put Biarritz on the international stage.
In 2015 I visit Sopot, Poland at the Baltic Sea for the first time – and I found a new favorite. Maybe my priorities have changed with age or it’s because of the difficulties to get to Biarritz from Sweden. Living in the UK there were budget direct flights the year around.
Sopot only 1-hour flight away … with miles of white sand (no rocks or cliffs), fantastic food … great exchange rate … very relaxed. The most beautiful spot on my doorstep.
But I also have a city that I absolutely LOVE – Chicago, my kind of town. Before Vancouver owned my heart, still a fantastic city – but Chicago took over and if I ever win enough money … I will buy a penthouse apartment in the Aqua building and hopefully live happily ever after.
Chicago has the water, excellent food, and great hospitality … has culture, architecture, a great ice hockey team, loads public parks, music, fountains … and public art. Very friendly and chat-full smiling people. Plus all the FREE open-air concerts and events at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in the Millenium Park during the summer.
I know Chicago has rough edges and tough areas but doesn’t ever big city. In my book, Chicago has a big heart and loads of soul.
But … HOME is the most special place for me.
“Home is the most important place
in the world.”
IKEA
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/favorite-place/
and what lovely places they are )
Yes, they are …. they have brought me so much joy, excitement and pleasure through the years. So different, but they all stand on the edge of loads of water.
Aaah, so Sopot has ousted Biarritz!
Yes!!! Biarritz will always have it’s place with me.
Happy memories!
…. LOADS!!!!!
GREAT!!
Pingback: Favorite place – On the road – What's (in) the picture?
ThAaAAaanks, Chris!!!!!
You really are quite the nomad Viveka!!! All of your homes have been in beautiful places. Chicago is too cold for this southern girl but I do love it in the summer!
Thanks, Tina … in all honesty I have stayed away from Chicago in the winter …. it’s bitterly cold what I understand. I wish I had homes in all my favourite places *laughing – I would have difficulties to make my mind up where to go then. But I’m sure it a nice problem to have … if the money where there. *smile
Pingback: WPC: Favorite Place | Lillie-Put
THANKS a million … *smile
🙂 Dear Wivi,
have never been to Biarritz nor to Sopot. And it’s been ages since I’ve been to Chicago.
But soon I’ll see you in another one of your favorites… can’t wait to welcome you!
A very HAPPY weekend to you xo 🙂
I think we … should have a date in Sopot next year!!!! You will love it. Can’t wait to come back to Vienna … see my friends and YOU!
Great post as usual!😊✨
Thank you so much!