This place is special to me because it describes my journey of relocating to a new city after living in my home country for 27 long years. The initial challenges and explorations are what this illustrated map is all about!
I and my partner [whom I call "Bunny" and is depicted as one here ;)] arrived in Melbourne in mid-year 2019. Melbourne being voted as one of the best cities to live in the world, we were very excited to discover the new city and somehow we managed to have a fair bit of it in the initial few months; from watching a footy game at the Marvel Stadium, watching penguins at the St. Kilda Pier to seeing KAWS at the National Gallery of Victoria. The crucial part was to find a place we could call our "Home", but after hopping from my sister's place to an interim Airbnb location and finally after a month finding our own house was a journey worth documenting. We were exposed to many different areas of Melbourne during the house-hunt in just one month of our arrival and eventually ended up exploring very interesting places and having some amazing experiences on our way.
After a few months, all I can say is - " Melbourne took my heart! "

This place is special to me because Tel Aviv is where I grew up. In this map I tried to capture all my pesonal favorite places.

This place is special to me because it’s the city where I arrived as an outsider, and left as a local. The map depicts “My Leeds” — the landmarks which helped me navigate the city when I first arrived as a university fresher, and the bars where I spent many incredible nights into early mornings. Known as “the London of the North”, Leeds grew out of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, and its rich, diverse history is reflected in the vibrant and eclectic city we see today. From elegant victorian shopping arcades and architectural splendour, to boozy bar-crawls and toe-tapping music venues, Leeds has plenty to offer the wide-eyed country boy when first moving away from home. No matter how many times I return to this city, there’s always a quirky new bar or restaurant to add to the extensive list of interesting places on offer, and although I may not currently live there, I always consider it to be home. Included in the map are not only the places, but the people who made this city an obvious, unquestioned choice for my favourite place — a place “where there’s music, and there’s people, and they’re young and alive” (The Smiths, 1986).

This place is special to me because it was where I spent my 20s. I came to Wellington, New Zealand as an international student; and this place has greatly influenced who I have become. The city center is compact and everything is within 2km walking distance. The people are friendly, there are many places to eat and explore, and if you are lucky you may spot a Kiwi bird! I hope my map inspires you to consider Wellington as your next trip. We often say "Nothing can beat Wellington on a sunny day!" I love you Wellington. And thanks for the memories.

Map of Paris

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!

This place is special to me because it is where I studied and now spend most of my free time. We do not have many green or open spaces in Beirut but the American University neighborhood has it all: a botanical garden –which is also a cat haven, heritage buildings, an archeological museum, art galleries, excellent restaurants and coffee shops, a weekly farmers’ market and, last but not least, the seaside cornice – a beautiful promenade that leads to the iconic Rauche rocks site. One never gets bored in this area, never!

This place is special to me because..it's vibrant, friendly, healthy and home. Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, Australia. It's full of fun activities, fabulous beaches nearby, loads of beautiful parklands and a beautiful river that runs right through it. Come visit ! You wont regret it !

This place is special to me because this city is a beautiful place due to the modern architecture and lively night scene. This is a city where there's so much to explore and see! I wanted to showcase some top places that are definitely worth seeing. Beyond the luxury shopping and tall buildings, you'll also experience the wonderful culture there.

You know you want a wide selection of wonderfully weird things to do in Austin, Texas! I lived in Austin for years, so the city is near and dear to my heart. There are so many wacky things to do in this place. From the funky goodness of South Congress to the Cathedral of Junk (made of...yes...junk) to Chicken Poo Bingo, Austin has a totally unique vibe. My father attended graduate school at UT in the 70's, and I'd get to visit the campus with him occasionally. I grew up on Willie Nelson and Schlotzky's. I worked in an art gallery on 6th street after college and fell in love with my husband in those years. We've taken romantic strolls through Laguna Gloria, played mini-golf at Peter Pan's under the giant T-Rex, and held hands while moonlight snorkeling at Barton Springs. The whole city makes me feel young and in love with happy memories! Seeing the bat colony rise into the sky at dusk is something you should see at least once in a lifetime. And don't skip Uncommon Objects...they have everything you don't know you want yet. Do you hear that, taxidermied tiny alligator wearing a party hat? I'm coming for you. Shiner Bock ice cream from Amy's will be the perfect end to any day. Happy Austin-ing!

This place is special to me because of the wonderful chilhood memories I have there. I grew up in Brussels and I remember my weekends being full of museum visits, bike rides and waffle breaks. What inspired me the most to create this map was to think about all the places I go to when I have international friends coming for a short visit and I have to introduce them to my hometown in only a weekend. You can be sure that food is always a big part of the experience!

Having family in Mexico, I wanted to do something that shows some of the things scattered around in Mexico and about Mexico. Showcasing some of the well-known items you come to think about when you think Mexico. Including landmarks, food, sports teams, and icons that you think about when you hear "Mexico". All done in acrylic gouache and did some last minute touch ups in Photoshop.

This place is special to me because I love the juxtaposition of old cobblestone streets and colonial architecture in a thoroughly modern city. Boston has the best of everything ... a bustling, beautiful, cosmopolitan city that is small enough to walk from end to end. This little city really shines in the fall when the students return and the leaves start to change color. It’s a great place where new ideas are always blooming, yet is steeped in history and tradition. Come see for yourself!