Cities
Find out which three cities would make the cut for the only places the hosts could visit for eternity
5/27/20263 min read
On today's podcast episode, the hosts are taking listeners on an adventure. Each one gets to pick the three cities that would comprise their deserted island. These are the only places that they can visit for eternity. After debating the rules for a bit, it's determined that they get anything that falls within the city limits. You aren't allowed to fly anyone to these cities, but if you know people who live there, you can see them.
Alex's Desert Island Cities
Mexico City, Mexico
Alex wanted an international city, and he chose this one based on food. He recently spent his bachelor party exploring a small slice and would love to return. It's the second-largest city in the Western Hemisphere (the guys forgot that São Paulo, Brazil, takes the top spot). It sits at an elevation of 7.349 feet, so it's higher than Denver. With an extensive subway system, the city is accessible, and Alex could explore for years and still barely scratch the surface of this megacity.
Queenstown, New Zealand
One requirement on Alex's list was a mountain town. Queenstown is one of the most beautiful places he's ever visited. Located on the South Island, it's got mountains within the city limits and an extensive selection of outdoor activities to try out. Plus, it's in the southern hemisphere, so you'll get opposite seasons. Mitch and Alex loved the food in New Zealand. Justin spent time in Queenstown, but it wouldn't have been his top city in that region.
If you were as curious as I was about the lack of mammals living in New Zealand, this article gives a fascinating overview.
Seattle, Washington, USA
Alex's third pick is the city he currently calls home. It's his favorite in the country and listed many reasons why he's chosen to live there for the last 12 years. Both Mitch and Justin agree that it's a wonderful city, but this is where the discussion about who you get to have with you comes in, and the rules are revisited. And if you've never visited Seattle, here's a first-timer's guide to the Emerald City for some planning tips.
Also, yes, there is a professional women's softball league (the AUSL). Seattle is the only city with teams in all three major women's sports leagues (PWHL, WNBA, and NWSL). They were not selected for the softball league, but have a semi-professional women's tackle football team, the Seattle Tempest.
Justin's Desert Island Cities
New York City, New York, USA
The Big Apple is the largest city in the United States and one that offers a little bit of everything. Justin lived in Brooklyn, specifically the Clinton Hill neighborhood, so this feels a bit like home. You can find any type of cuisine, but we all know pizza is one of his favorites. With the entertainment options and sports teams, you could spend lifetimes here without covering everything.
Tokyo, Japan
Another extremely large city like NYC, but with a completely different culture and vibe, Tokyo has been on Justin's travel wishlist for a long time. Exploring the sumo and samurai culture would be first up, but there is history, food, and so much more to explore. There were some questions about what kind of nature you'd get here, but none of the hosts have been and could answer them.
La Paz, Bolivia
Once Alex swooped in with his Mexico City pick, Justin had to pivot. He chose La Paz, Bolivia, which sits in the Andes Mountain range. The elevation is 11,975 feet, and it's known as the city that touches the clouds. The population is diverse, and it's a melting pot. Justin hasn't been to this city either, but after talking about it more, it sounds like he might not be the only one interested.
Mitch's Desert Island Cities
Chicago, IL, USA
Mitch wanted a large city, and Chicago checked a lot of his boxes. He's a giant Chicago sports fan, so the ability to go to a Bears or Cubs game was appealing to him. He likes that the people there are chatty and social. The summers are the best (although short-lived) and there is access to incredible food.
Edinburgh, Scotland
For something more historic and quaint, Mitch chose Edinburgh, which he recently visited. There is beautiful countryside with a good collection of golf courses. There's great pub culture, whiskey, history, and a stunning backdrop.
Bangkok, Thailand
For Mitch's final pick, he wanted a large city that he hadn't yet explored, and he chose Bangkok. He was also looking for diverse climates, so this would provide him with a warmer spot. With excellent food and a sprawling metropolis to explore, he thought this would be a great city to include.
Final Thoughts on Desert Island Cities
Justin's island won this round thanks to the fact that it seems impossible to even explore his island thoroughly in a lifetime.
Again, there were some excellent listener suggestions, but let us know what three cities you would choose.