This is my 'happy place' - Folkestone, off the South East coast of Kent, UK. It is such a vibrant hub of creativity and nature combined. You can stroll along the Leas overlooking the sea, or wind down through the pathways to the walk along the sea front. You can visit the Harbour Arm to listen to live music, sip a cocktail, eat from a variety of food trucks or just take in the view over the Harbour. Oh the Harbour! Watch the boats bobbing whilst walking over the disused but renovated railway track, with the beautiful cliffs setting the backdrop. Peruse the independent shops all along The Old High Street and shop at the local markets, and end the day watching a play at the Leas Cliff Hall. I have been visiting ever since I was little'un and it just keeps getting better. Every time I go there I just feel any worries washing away and I feel totally relaxed. It really is my special Happy Place.

This place is special to me because it’s emotionally connected to the memory of my youth. I discovered Berlin at a time when I was figuring out who I wanted to be, so every corner evokes intense emotions, memories and life expectations. I have recently moved back after ten years (who would have thought!). Reencounters can be a little bittersweet. The city has changed a lot, and so have I, but I am pretty sure it still remains one of the big love affairs of my life. Here goes a bit of the old and a bit of the new Berlin, some of my favorite places to share with the many visits you receive when you don’t live in your country of origin. Hope you enjoy the walk!

Map illustrating Southwest France

This place is special to me because I grew up visiting Wales a lot, as my father was born there. I still visit Wales every year, sometimes twice a year to enjoy the great outdoors. Wales is not so well known by many people but it has such amazing things to offer, so I decided to make a map especially for the contest about Wales and in particular the south. I hope this map will encourage you to explore it as well and I hope you will enjoy it just as much as I do every time I visit.

This illustration is an autobiographical map of many of the places dear to me. It's got anything from stupid and fun things I did as a kid, to my girlfriend Meg & I buying our first house this year and doing it up.
And lots of tea, beer and coffee!

A map of Arizona, the Grand Canyon state! With jaw-dropping sunsets, and natural wonders, fantastic animals, and beautiful cactus of all shapes and sizes. Arizona is my home state, and I never get tired of exploring all the natural beauty and culture it has to offer.

This place is special to me because I have moved to Trier from Moscow 2 years ago and i have totally fallen in love with this place. Trier is over 2,000 years old – making it the oldest city in Germany with an astonishing 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There is a lot to see in downtown Trier with traces of the Roman times almost everywhere you look. The city is often referred to as the “Rome of the North” because it served as the key city of the Roman northern territories. There are many beautiful vineyards located around Trier which are perfect for taking walks. But there’s plenty of nature inside the city of Trier as well. Old trees rise among the historic buildings, casting welcome shade in the summertime. Trier has a special atmosphere all of its own. It is an ancient city but young at heart.

I moved last year to Nottingham and since then I fell in love with the city and its landmarks. There are so many beautiful things to see in this English town that I thought it deserves to be share with you all.

I live on the eastern tip of Long Island NY. We have more lighthouses in our township than any other in the US. Here are some of my favorites to draw, paint and visit. You can see them by car and boat. If you love lighthouses you should come visit!

This map highlights several important locations in The Beatles' career.

This place is special to me because I grew up on the Florida beaches, and one year worked for an architect whose office was within walking distance of this architectural gem. I remember the incredibly designed cabinetry, trim work, and built-ins I saw in the interiors, and the painstaking deliberation over small details such as exterior paint colors. Many houses have names, picket fences line foot paths (cars aren't needed), and a short walk through artsy pavilions will take you to what everyone comes to see -the fine, powdery white sands and aqua blue surf. When hunger strikes there are plenty of food options, and for entertainment there is shopping, theater/fine arts performances, educational lectures, and bike rentals. I would love to go back with my camera to recapture memories from long ago. Seaside has been heralded as "probably the most influential resort community since Versailles" by Newsweek. I highly recommend visiting here if you love the ocean, architectural beauty and design, and want a peaceful, urban-modern vacation in a small community.

This place is special to me because… it’s an outstanding beautiful place. Sintra is full of extravagant palaces, romantic gardens and parks, beautiful castles. Here we find nature, trees, culture, peace. Amazing place to go for a walk or hiking. And to look for inspiration!

This place is special to me because my father was stationed here after WWII. Years later I met husband, who is from here, and our family has made memories walking the Residenz gardens, eating gelato, watching fireworks from the Fortress, attending festivals and concerts, and shopping. Dating back to the time of the Celts, Würzburg is a culturally rich seat of Prince Bishops who ruled for over 6 centuries. Despite a history of peasant revolts, witch trials, and invasions, and the bombing of WWII that destroyed almost 90% of the city, the city was rebuilt and thrives today. Some beauties are the Residenz, one of the most ornate palaces in Germany, the spectacular vineyards, the multiple churches, and the sculptures by Riemenschneider. I'm partial to walking around the city, tasting the gelato and cuisine, and shopping.

It’s a city of medieval houses and narrow cobblestoned streets with a very romantic and cozy waterfront and lovely parks – just perfect for a stroll. And there is always the right time to clink glasses with the locally grown sparkling wine! In December the famous Christmas market takes place and the beautifully lit old town makes just the perfect backdrop for impressive memories of a lovely visit.