Today I took the "scenic route" home...and it reminded me of the only reason I like this city lately.

I hate the weather (ok, just the spring/summer) and the people tend to be not so nice (Yes, I have found wonderfully nice people too, but they're rare like diamonds!)...but the architecture is simply wonderful.

I walked by gorgeous four story row houses; lavish homes that invited me to see their wonderful woods, antique furniture and art collections (I should point out that here it is common to see homes without curtains; something that puzzled me but now i come to enjoy while walking home after dark)

As I walked by their gorgeous entrances the tiptoing sound of my heels seemed to trigger the automatic safety lights. It was like a waltz.

Then, a smaller street tempted me, it was one of those that fits only one car. The homes were smaller; two story houses. They were cozier and less museum-like compared to the previous. Livable, lovable, homey, with a warm european hint. The lighting was darker; more romantic, but i felt safe. It was like I was in the middle of one of those friendly towns/cities fairy tales tell you about (or any romantic small streets in italy, take your pick). This street even came with one of those friendly neighbors that says hi as you go by.

I replied with a greeting and a shy smile.

Finally i took a dark alley. The tiptoing of the shoes created an echo that seemed to guide me towards the light. A large roach crosses my path; an older gentleman returns with his dry cleaning and disappears into the shadow that i've just escaped.

There is light once more, cars, people.

For five minutes I got lost in the middle of this, my current city, and I fell in love with it again.