As a dog owner, naturalist, and freelance illustrator, escaping my home office and exploring beautiful (and dog-friendly) hiking trails is high on my list. I’m lucky to live in an area surrounded by incredible, diverse landscapes that I can get to in under 20 minutes. One of my favorites is the Serpentine Prairie Trail in the Redwood Regional Park. I love going an hour or two before sunset when the light is golden and the prairie practically glows. In April, I visited at this golden hour and was delighted to see an explosion of California poppies. The view here is spectacular--in one direction, I can see the tops of the coastal redwoods, mixed evergreen forest, chaparral, and grassland. In the other direction, where the sun is setting, is the bustling city of Oakland down below, but all I can hear is the wind through the grass and the croaking of ravens.

Well known as being J.R.R. Tolkien’s inspiration for ‘Middle Earth’ in the Lord of the Rings books, Cannock Chase (colloquially ‘The Chase’) is somewhere that friends and I have frequented for many years. If you go to a part called Broc Hill at just the right time, you can literally just sit there and watch the sun disappear behind the horizon, and witness some stunning gradients in the sky. Also a great place for running and photography—you even get to see the odd few deer just bounding around. Cannock Chase is officially listed as one of England’s ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONB).

One of the biggest parks in the inner city. When I was small, everyone would tell me never to go there, for it was considered the drugs-park of vienna. growing up I realised that it was mere exageration and this beautiful park became my favourite. there is the vienna river running right next to it, for sure it is not the cleanest, but for me it gives an amazing element of urbanity to the whole area. The river is loosing itself in a dark viaduct-like opening, and saga has it that in this tunnels at other times rave partys would take place. the park itself is beautiful, sourrounded by the city, with the fabulously hideous hotel intercontinental building, and the marble statues leading along the river, that changes it size seemingly daily, according to the weather, next to it you find one of vienna’s most beautiful cinemas, the gartenbaukino, as well as nice cafes, my favorite being the “das kleine cafe”. a wonderful experience is limited to summertime and made me often take the long way round when returning late night: you will find yourself in the middle of all kinds of animals lively running about, 5 hedgehogs, 7 rats, 12 ducks, one badger, mice and a heron. I love to find them there crossing the park.

Near Neede - in Borculo- there is this former oil mill dating back from 1375. One of my favorite restaurants nearby.

Kipsari is a vegetarian restaurant/bar in the premises of Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. I enjoy its cozy atmosphere, the beat-up sofas and dim lights. There’s also a small gallery for the students. Kipsari is run by ARTS student association TOKYO ry.

One of the nicest spots in Barcelona to work/study while having some great coffee.

I don't go to the movies much but when I do I love coming here... they have the best of the independent and international films and it's the last of it's kind in New York.

Angkringan are covered food stalls on the streets and the amount increased after the crisis in 1998. Angkringan are successful because the food and drinks are very cheap. The menu offers a variety from nasi kucing (''rice for cat'': a small portion), chicken head and feet to a drink of blood from small birds mixed with honey. Characteristic of angkringan is that there are always three large kettles on the fire.

Best cafe for vegans.

Espai Joliu is a plant concept store, coffee shop and art gallery. Don't miss out their delicious ecological homemade cakes while browsing one of their magazines or buying a plant.

Recently discovered Tri's restaurant in this lovely lively place near Laurier metro station. Tri Express is the place for delicious - and affordable - refined sushi and chef's specialities. The decor is great too ! Some of you might have heard of Trì Dư because of this hilarious video of him preparing a Royal clam on a TV show that went viral a few years ago - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrtyIqSzoYI

Great coffee and records shop