Thankfulness, every day - Five

If anyone asks me what my ideal living environment is, my first choice is not a city. And yet, I find myself living (and not for the first time) in the deepest heart of a very big city. 

There are some things that I don't have as a result: a garden or outside space to call my own (not even a teeny tiny balcony in my current apartment); more than an hour or two a night when I can't hear the distant hum of traffic, being able to look up and see big sky and distant horizons, finding somewhere outside that I can safely be alone.... 

Oh, there are lots of things I don't love about it. 

But, there are easily as many reasons (and more) that I do: great places to eat, shop and enjoy the arts, all within walking distance; layers of palpable history laid down in the variety of architectural styles; easy access to travel routes that link me to anywhere in the country (and countryside) and many places across the world; heavy groceries delivered to my door and people-watching opportunities at every turn.... Lots of things that add comfort and colour to my everyday.

Being a short walk or cab ride away from my front door, from wherever I am in the city center, is also one of the things I love about city living.  This evening I walked home in ten minutes after meeting a friend for a post-work drink and natter, and as I closed the door behind me and sank into the peace and solitude of my home, I was very thankful that I had no further to go.