Much of travel writing revolves around the perspective of the traveler. Writers aim to improve the experience of the traveler by catering to the best possible experience for a tourist- but not too touristy! It's about how the traveler learns to love a place.
I wanted to see how the locals of the cities I visited find love in their lives. Answers revealed how people discover to love themselves, their partners, their family, their community, and the natural world. And so I asked people on the streets- in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and some pitiful French- a simple question: where do you find love?
May you enjoy their thoughtful responses as much as I did.
Madrid
"When [Real Madrid] are the champions of the world and everyone takes to the streets!" —Tony, 22
"When I am traveling I found my love for the world around me."—Carlos, 36
"In Madrid. The people know exactly how to enjoy life here."—Ella, 21
"Love is everything. It surrounds our lives in every corner." —Alejandra, 20
"Love is something you find in one single, special moment."— Nicolas, 30
Seville
“In the small details of life love reveals itself. It's about appreciating all the things you do daily.”—Celia, 25
“It's in the things we have in common with one another. I love the skating community in this city and all our shared interests."—Arturito, 22
Paris
“ At home. I found love when I decided to focus on being married to my family and my village more than one person."— Jabidou, 37
“There’s love in the beautiful exchanges of human connection in this city.” —Kathleen, 23
“My friends. I trust them with my life.”—Saad, 35
“On the Seine at sunset. There’s nothing else more special in life than this.”—Solene, 28
“When I can feel comfortable expressing who I truly am around others I feel how strong love is.”—Alex, 32
Lyon
“My family is my world. I would do anything for them.”— Jean, 45
Nice
“When I’m on the beach, all of my worries go away.”— Juliette, 34
“I don’t think I find love. It either find me or it doesn’t, and a lot of times it doesn’t!”— Marc, 28
Porto
"In work really. I do what I'm passionate about serving people in my city and I love connecting with my clients.”— Tiago, 23
“My wife. Every single day I wake up knowing this is who my heart belongs to.” — Pedro, 41
Lisbon
"When I sing my soul is happy. Music makes me feel alive.” — Maria, 20
“In the park. Everything is so peaceful here.” — João, 58