When I draw certain locations, it brings back memories of holidays past. As we are hurtling towards Valentines Day, I thought I would share some iconic, romantic cities that we all love ...
Paris is the city of romance and love. Through its intricate architectural detail, whether its Rococo, Art Nouveau or Art Deco, Paris is a city brimming with art and art lovers, which is why it's top of my list as a favourite romantic getaway. There's nothing better than dipping into a zinc bar for a aperitif, wandering along a tree lined boulevard and heading into a cafe for, well a cafe! Paris, t'dore!
Athens is a city that I find beautiful and where I feel alive. Steeped in ancient history, it's a noisy, bustling city teeming with life. I love the winding streets in Plaka, lined with pretty, little tavernas, where I might just rest and treat myself to a coffee with the traditional Greek pastry: baklava. Favourite is the food market, where they will cook calamaris, straight from the sea and onto your plate. Mmm!
Florence (Firenze) is a city for lovers ... of art and therefore somewhere I would love to return. But I am equally enamoured by the endless, red tiled roofs and beautiful piazzas, where you can settle down for an espresso in the morning, an ice cream in the afternoon and glass of vino in the evening.
Seville (Sevilla) is another favourite city. I have memories of wandering through the Barrio Santa Cruz, stopping for some tapas when hunger calls, washed down by a glass of ice cold manzanilla. The Alcazar is a romantic Moorish palace, with beautiful tiled rooms looking out onto a garden of palms and olive trees.
Finally, Edinburgh is a city full of heart and warmth, which is pretty handy given that it gets very cold there in the winter months. I have wonderful memories of going to a candle-lit concert on new years eve in St Giles Cathedral, stomping up Arthurs Seat for an amazing view over the city and beyond and settling down for a dram at the end of the day in some cozy pub, which is bursting with Scottish folk singers and their tunes. I often reach for my beautiful Scottish wrap to keep me warm on a winter's night and it takes me right back to the Royal Mile, where pipers busk and tourists wander in search of a piece of bonnie Scotland to take home.
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