Comments on: The joys of visiting small towns

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 10:49:25 +0000

In reply to Savi of Bruised Passports. Oh my, yes. Marrakech is best done with a small bite and moving on. It is such a crazy place it just doesn't feel like Morocco to me.

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 10:48:18 +0000

In reply to Samuel Jeffery. There are definitely some big cities I really enjoy, but definitely feel more connected to a place when I spend time in the smaller cities and towns. It definitely does feel more genuine.

By: Samuel Jeffery

Samuel Jeffery — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 12:44:42 +0000

I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here. Personally speaking, I grew up in a small town, so when I initially hit the road I was totally enamored by the thrills and warp spreed pace of life big cities typically have to offer; however, as I’m getting a little older I’m finding myself going back to my roots again and preferring a slower pace of life. For example, while in Malaysia I preferred Malacca over KL; while in Cambodia, we lingered longer in Battambang than Phnom Penh. I think it’s easier to have more genuine and authentic encounters with locals in a smaller place.

By: Savi of Bruised Passports

Savi of Bruised Passports — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 09:24:08 +0000

Couldn’t have agreed more- smaller towns and villages are often a better representation of a country than its bigger cities. We enjoyed Marrakech, but fell in love with Morocco when we visited its villages and small towns (just like you)

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 13:12:19 +0000

In reply to Sam. No, definitely not. I think a blend is always important.

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 21:44:37 +0000

I feel the same way…sometimes. I’m a city boy, and I feel at home in medium to large cities (overly large or pedestrian un-friendly cities stress me out, though; I like my cities walkable). I often do enjoy visiting small towns after an extended stay in a city, but I don’t think I’d want to travel only to small towns!

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 01:17:22 +0000

In reply to Jess. I very much agree. I think this was one of the reasons I was so disappointed with Bangkok the first time. I expected exotic Thailand and got pretty much any other big city in the world except with better street food and some signs I couldn't read.

By: Jess

Jess — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 16:52:48 +0000

I do think that besides the cultural attractions – museums, shows, ect – big cities have more in common with each other then with their environment. It’s in little towns when you can actually appreciate differences in everyday life. I love cities, and I love visiting them, but I feel like I learn more in the middle of nowhere.

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 02:47:55 +0000

In reply to Steph (@ 20 Years Hence).

Yes, that does occasionally happen as well. We’re in a small village right now that truly doesn’t offer much, but it’s very close to a mid size town so it makes it enjoyable. You have the great local feel of this very small community but within minutes you can be somewhere with more offerings.

In Thailand we definitely experienced that with night markets. We stayed for a while on the island in Ayuttaya, and their night market had probably the best food I’ve had in Thailand. Even my son would ask “Can’t we go to the night market?” if I suggested going to a restaurant for a change. LOL

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 02:45:13 +0000

In reply to Kate – CanuckiwiKate.

Let’s hear it for the little guy! I’ve always loved them, but enjoy them even more when I’m traveling. So many have such palpable charm.