So, why not share some of the gems I've found while creating the new Most Liveable Cities tours for Worldwide Quest. I encourage you to noodle around and discover some urban items that delight or surprise you. Every couple of weeks, I will create a new playlist of articles/videos/events/books that have caught my attention. I will let you know why I am posting it and how much of your time it will take to read or view. I welcome your comments and suggestions. Tell me where you are itching to know more about, where you are itching to go...
THE STOOP – “Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.”
![Stoops Ann Kirkland blog](/resources/images/news_articles/uploads/stoopsblog_pic1.jpg)
I grew up in a Philadelphia suburb, but my grandfather lived in the city. This is where I first noticed stoops and the community street life they gave rise to. I knew instantly something special happened that did not exist on my leafy street where no one walked.
![Stoop definition](/resources/images/news_articles/uploads/stoop_pic_anns_blog_sept_2018.jpg)
WOONERF – Another Dutch word, but one I only just discovered. This Dutch concept embraces the idea of a “living street” with room for pedestrians, cyclists and yes, even cars. The street is seen as a social space rather than a space for vehicles to get from point A to point B.
![](/resources/images/news_articles/uploads/woonerf.jpg)
ARTICLE: Woonerf: The Dutch Solution to City Planning (3 min. read)
We will be on the hunt for Woonerfs during our May trip, Amsterdam & Rotterdam: Power of Pragmatic Planning. In the meantime, have a look at What a woonerf might look like in Toronto.
OUR INAUGURAL MOST LIVEABLE CITIES TOUR will be Havana: Capital of Creativity. When I led two back-to-back Classical Pursuits trips there in 2016, I could not get over the explosion of creativity. Dance, music, art, design – from amateur and kitsch to highly sophisticated and ultra-modern, everyone seemed to be creating something. In search of what makes Havana a capital of creativity, I (Ann Kirkland) will be returning with native Cuban Boris Masip. Cuban born entrepreneur, dreamer, amigo.
![Cuba](/resources/images/news_articles/uploads/20993954_1940223956193493_1066829563010550902_n.jpg)
VIDEO: The World is in Need of This: Profiles of Havana Artists (3 mins.)
Be in touch with me if you would like to know more. This trip will sell out quickly!
ann.kirkland@mostliveablecities.com
647.802.1367
I will close with a zany song called Let’s Take the City and Make it Our Home. Filmed in NYC, it seems apt, since I was just there last week to meet with Boris, connect with old friends, and saw that stoop life is indeed still active.
![Ann Kirkland stoops Worldwide Quest](/resources/images/news_articles/uploads/ann_with_grandson_sept_2018.jpg)
1) Stoop, spotted in New York, New York East 81st Street, September 14, 2018
2) Grandson Sam and I are veteran stoop sitters in Toronto, even on a cool morning
2) Grandson Sam and I are veteran stoop sitters in Toronto, even on a cool morning
Please let me know if you found something here to tickle your urban
fancy. Or if there is something you would like me to feature in future.
— Ann Kirkland
ann.kirkland@mostliveablecities.com
647.802.1367
647.802.1367