Which worldwide city stole my heart?

As we approach another lovely Valentines I spent a little time today reflecting on a recent conversation with a family member about favourite cities. Having been in travel all my working life it's probably no great surprise to read that I have managed to visit a fair few exciting destination_blogs along the way and I have to say any city break is always anticipated with much relish. My trips to New York have always been actioned packed - from New York in Spring when the snow appeared from no where after a 70 degree day in the sunshine to a visit in the autumn as part of my honeymoon itinerary it was all amazing. Central park was as I had imagined and The Plaza was just like I had seen in the movies. There were iconic buildings, shops that are renown worldwide (Tiffany's is amazing - as are the various department stores that abound). Paris is hard to compare with other cities. The buildings along the Seine are awesome, the smells evocative of a truly cosmopolitan meeting place. Visit the Louvre, walk along the Champs Elysée, climb the Eiffel Tower, discover the tiny specialist shops that can be found across the city and purchase your trip reminder that will, for years to come, act as a reminder of all that romantic and wonderful Paris has to offer. Amsterdam had canals, shops, and the Anne Frank Museum - where it would be hard not to feel a real mixture of emotions. The buildings here blend beautifully together and combine with their surroundings to create the most amazing settings. This is a city where you really need to walk around (not cycle - walk) and look up. Venice is spell-binding. The canals, the bridges, the churches, colourful characters, pizza's, pastas, eating out, ice cream, places to sit and just be. Venice is romantic, relaxing, welcoming and happy - I can't wait for a return trip. Mexico City was bedazzling and I survived three days there which was a miracle. The VW Beetle taxis are a reminder that we are mere mortals - the taxi drivers are manic in their attempts to beats each other and to ensure you visit your final destination without having witnessed any of the cities comings and goings. When you explore the city you need to stay sharp - otherwise it is likely that you will return to your hotel with a VW Beetle tyre print on show! Madrid was exciting, Palma has much to see and explore - the cathedral is superb. And then there was Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Las Vegas and to many more to cover in just one blog. I'll add another blog soon and tell you about the Middle East, Far East and Australia and then I will reveal just my number one hot spots (and the runners up of course!)