"I've always wanted to fall in love in New York..."

Cheesy, isn't it?

What difference is there between the pursuit of romance in one city or another (London and New York, in this case)?

Not a lot, probably.

But I've always had this thing about New York and about finding someone there. I've never been able to explain why - not in a literal sense, not even poetically, metaphorically or in any other way. Is it because I love NYC? Perhaps. Is it because I have some phony idea about branching out from London to find my soulmate in New York? Perhaps. Who knows...

The important thing is : it's something I feel deep down. New York and romance are inextricably linked for me. (I haven't seen Woody Allen's "Manhattan" in a while, in case you're wondering). Sure, there are plenty of girls in London with whom I could acquaint myself, but my head and my gut are telling me : it's a New York girl you need to meet.

Maybe you feel the same way, only with the two cities the other way round?

As for myself, I'd say I'm a dreamer (I'm certainly not the type who's always known what he wants to do with his life). But even my dreams leave me in a cloud. Somewhat paradoxically, I can also be hard-headed and unsentimental (must be down to my Scottish side). So a nice personality mix, possibly?

I'm gainfully employed, so not a bum or a total screw-up.

In terms of my interests, music has to come top. I'm a fanatic for my favourite sounds. Punk and noise, free jazz, contemporary/avant-garde classical...anything LOUD and CRAZY which pushes the boundaries. I love going to gigs and letting loose. I'm not a full-on maniac with my music all the time, but I do enjoy freaking out to some decent noise from time to time. I like softer forms of music as well...older jazz and classical, surf, rhythm 'n' blues and (some) pop.

Film ranks highly for me too. I particularly like independent US and European cinema. Low-budget fare always gets my attention. Some Hollywood flicks are okay - occasionally you get one that's very good, but I tend to be drawn to films that would never get produced in Hollywood (except as awful remakes!)

I studied literature in university, so I like to read. Shamefully, I don't bother with as many books as I used to when I was a student. Lack of time is partially to blame, though nowadays I'm undeniably apathetic when it comes to reading and don't put up enough of a fight against it. Little by little I'm improving. I've also tried writing literature of my own but that's another story.

I love to walk. The last time I was in New York I saw the entire city on foot. My feet had an insatiable thirst for the place. I walk everywhere in London. Urban roaming is a real passion of mine.

I'm looking for someone with whom I can build up a rapport over the net. Ultimately I'm seeking a relationship, but it has to start casually, of course, with the establishing of a friendship.

I intend to come to New York later this year, so it would be ideal for me if I could make contact with someone before then.

The attached pictures were taken recently. One's a passport-style photo (not the greatest exposure, but it's an up-to-date close-up shot) and the other two were snapped while I was on holiday in Colombia.

So...if you're at all interested in getting in touch...please do!

Best for now.

- Mathew.