[The Sean]

A selection of some of my favourite, or at least some of the more interesting, major cities I’ve been to, spread geographically over a few posts:

Australasia

Brisbane – my city of birth and a place I can see myself settling down one day, has made great strides from the “big country town” of even 20 years ago and is now a brilliant, modern city with a fantastic quality of life.

Sydney – Australia’s “show off” city, full of glamour and excitement. Not necessarily the city you’d tell a visitor to live, but certainly where you’d send them to on a visit. Iconic attractions and one of the two or three most beautifully set cities on earth, surely.

Melbourne – it can be argued that where Sydney has the style, Melbourne has the substance. Perhaps not as glitzy as its northern rival, many believe is more cultural and sophisticated, and a better place to live. I’m huge fan of both.

Canberra - my home for six years, which seems weird when I think about it as I didn't think I'd stay that long. A very attractive, well designed town with an excellent restaurant/cafe culture, though a l always found it too "planned" and sterile, and not very dynamic. I enjoyed my years there though.

Christchurch – A big change of pace from the major Australian cities, Christchurch is somewhat more gentrified, betraying its “London of the South” nickname. Lovely setting on the Canterbury plains.

Beijing – fascinating combination of glorious ancient culture, 20th century communism and an awakening into the capitalist modern age. In real danger of losing its history in favour of looking to the future (the Starbucks inside the walls of the Forbidden City is one of the most disgraceful things I’ve ever seen) but I loved it regardless.

Shanghai – one of my favourite cities, a very strong European influence showing its legacy as a trading centre, but with a cutting edge modern feel as well. Would love to go back and spend still more time there.

Harbin – up in the far North East of China, close to both Russia and North Korea, it’s -17 at 11am and you get mistaken for a Russian when you’re white and have a beard (shaving when travelling is a hassle). Dismal local cuisine, but interesting place.

Hong Kong – set dramatically on a harbour and certainly the most “Western” of Chinese cities, I nevertheless found this dynamic place less fascinating than much of the rest of the country.

Suzhou and Hangzhou - the two beautiful garden cities of China, where you can feel the history while wandering around the gardens, canals and silk markets, and get transported back into the world of ancient China.