Everyone has to live somewhere. Some have always lived in the same place. Some don't have a choice as to where they live. The lucky ones, like me, choose where they reside. I've lived in many other places. However, I now live in my home area again, in the Highlands of Scotland.
I've just returned from a visit to the Central Belt, specifically East Kilbride. I went there to collect a couple of leather sofas. To make it a round trip, I travelled down via Perth and Stirling, and returned via Loch Lomond and Glencoe. To get to the Erskine Bridge, from East Kilbride, I skirted around places like Cambuslang, Rutherglen and Glasgow city centre. I found this part of the return trip to be very depressing. It seemed that I had chosen to see some of the most run-down parts of the Greater Glasgow area. In particular, the areas at the side of the M8 motorway, just before Glasgow Airport, were the most aesthetically challenging. Everywhere I looked there were derelict warehouses and other commercial buildings in disrepair, all the buildings were covered in graffiti. The housing didn't look any more appealing. Glasgow has lots of nice areas, too. Although, this trip didn't provide any of the highlights.
It wasn't just the visual experience. The whole area was just too busy, for me. Too many people, too many cars, not enough space. I'm just a country bumpkin. I was so happy to head north. I started to feel easier when I got to Loch Lomond, and literally breathed a sigh of relief when I reached Bridge of Orchy (the first part the journey that really feels like the Highlands).
Now, don't get me wrong, cities have their place. Cities have the infrastructure and communication links to support larger businesses. They also have the populations to provide the required workforce for these businesses. In consequence, historically they have been the preferred centres for grand cultural venues like museums, art galleries and concert halls. I've even been known to frequent such entertainments. My most recent trip proves that I'm also not adverse to travelling to a city for a shopping experience. Just don't ask me to live in a city.