Every city has its own unique character, thanks to its landscape and the lifestyle of the people who live there.
Somfy, a tech company that creates home-automation systems, asked people around the world to share the view from outside their windows.
A set of fascinating stories came with each photo, giving a captivating view of what everyday life is like for people around the world.
We've put together a collection of images and stories that showcase the experience of 24 different people, from Janis, one of only a few residents of a small Latvian village, to Uros, who is mesmerized by Abu Dhabi's nighttime skyline.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
"I'm on the 26th floor of a 50 story building — not too high and not too low: just right ... From here I can look over the whole city. My window faces east and every morning I feel like I'm looking at the best scenery ever, and it's never going to be any better than this. But then the night comes, and the view just pulls you in with a million colors and its New York-like soul. Sometimes I feel like I have a huge virtual reality screen and the scenery is changing just for me."— Uros
BANGKOK, THAILAND
"My view makes me feel connected to a bustling, lively city, even though I live in the suburbs. I love that I can see the modern buildings that make up Bangkok as well as the cranes that are busily erecting the future iconic buildings of the city. At night, the lights twinkle and it's beautiful ... I've only been living here for 2 months, but I can see that it won't be long before I have new buildings to look up [at] and enchant me with their twinkling lights."— Gavin
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
"During spring and summer, the green of the trees breaks up the uniform pattern of the concrete apartment blocks. From 6 a.m. - 8 a.m. time slows down, there's little traffic, and the cool morning breeze goes perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee. This view represents my childhood, home, and love — my girlfriend lives right across the street. Usually the evening is the best time to enjoy the view, especially during June when the Linden trees are in full bloom. The smell is incredible and it sweeps over the whole neighborhood."— Cristian
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