friends in the city 3 - pathways

A good pathway has a slight curve, some green edging and maybe some crunchy leaves underfoot. Cities have always got a few of these, often in a park right in the middle of town. They may make your journey a little longer, but they're a nice break from the monotonous roadside footpath. I hope that every city has someone in charge of the these pathways. Even though it is surely a job for love, not money, I hope he or she is paid handsomely.

Sydney

Brisbane

Melbourne

Next episode of "friends": February 5th

friends in the city 2 - escape

People pay a lot of money to feel like they've escaped the city. Trendy bars turn outside inside and inside outside. Nightclubs turn inside into a brain explosion. Find whatever escape suits you, just make sure you can get back easily.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

Lift off!... as soon as we get a green light

A mosquito trapped by a belly full of blood.

Next episode of "friends": January 31st

friends in the city 1

I'm a bit scared of big cities. I wouldn't say that they chill me to the marrow, but I definitely don't feel comfortable in them. Survival in the city requires the ability to block things out. The volume of your music player is turned up above the squealing traffic and the stinky gutter-fumes need to waft through, unnoticed. I'm more accustomed to amplifying the outside world, rather than muting it.

A lot of clever people seem to think that facing your fears is a good idea. That doesn't really work if, like me, you're also scared of being scared.

I now live in a big city. In order to subdue my fears, I've decided to find some friends - in particular, friends who are the city.

These three were a little wary at first, but soon we were discussing the craftsmanship of fine shoes and satchels.

The horizon - a most trustworthy companion.

A friendly place to rest. The ground is even padded if you roll off.

Next episode of "friends": January 26th