Within the past month, I’ve been in a number of cities. Four in particular left an impression on me, the more so because of the contrasts between them.

The four cities are Toronto, Canada; Seattle, WA, USA; Zurich, Switzerland; and the state of Jalisco in Mexico.

Of these, Toronto is by far and away the most multicultural, with Zurich a very close second. In retrospect, Toronto isn’t the most interesting city in terms of layout and architecture, but the diversity and friendliness of its people make up for those shortcomings. And in all fairness, Toronto does have some cool architecture, just not as much as I would expect for a city of its size.

Seattle has the most interesting topology and natural surroundings – and drogaddictos, no extra charge! Grunge isn’t dead at the Pike Street Market.

Zurich has the best architecture and best shoes of the bunch.

Jalisco is the most vivacious, with something crazy and unexpected around every corner. And how can you go wrong with a fillete and Fanta?