And the #GlobalLocalSpot Contest Winner Is…

Over 15,000 expats contributed to this year’s Expat Insider survey and told us the best and worst things about the country and, more specifically, the city they live in.

To celebrate the release of our Expat City Ranking in November and to find out even more about what makes your city special for you, we launched the #GlobalLocalSpot contest on Instagram asking InterNations members to share their favorite spots in their city. From Amsterdam, Toronto, Mittenwald (Bavaria), and beyond, we received many amazing entries. But there could only be one winner!

InterNations member Sevim Cimen Gumusel submitted this amazing photo from Paris, France which was chosen as the winning picture. ‘’This photo is taken inside Galeries Lafayette,” she told us. “I love the holiday season, and the decorations always make me happy.’’

The Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree tradition dates back to 1920 when the first Christmas tree was erected for the annual employee Christmas party. The tree itself is incredible on its own, but the infamous dome and grand staircase add to the spectacle that make this tree admired the world over. Ironically, this year’s theme for the tree is travel, and this is one of the things that Cemin connects with the most. ‘’The architecture of the dome itself is already very beautiful and every December it becomes breathtaking. And since I’m passionate about travel, the details such as that red airplane made it even more special to me and made me dream about new journeys ahead. This shot is all about happiness to me.’’

Congratulations, Cemin, and thank you to everyone who participated in the contest.

Although the contest is now closed, you can still share your favorite photos of your city with us on Instagram using our everyday hashtag #GlobalLocal or browse other submissions on #GlobalLocalSpot.