In the end Quiet Luxury won out. I titled this post "Fortress of Solitude" like superman's lair because that's just what it is to us - a fortress of solitude where we can go to collect ourselves after a hectic day in the city. It's hard to understand without living here but it's precious to escape from the noise and insanity every now and then.
Also, I know a lot of you commented on not having a big kitchen. And I agreed in the beginning. The thing I'm coming to realize though is that I'm going to be doing very little cooking here. Not because of how small my kitchen is but because there is so much amazing food to try and it's almost always cheaper to eat out rather than cooking for yourself. I can't even explain how many different restaurants and food stands there are here. I've never seen anything like it.
So we're in a small place with no oven but we have a beautiful gym and pool and it is quiet and beautiful in this area of town. We also have an amazing view out of every window (and floor to ceiling windows in the living room and bedroom)
I wish I had some better pictures of the place to post here. Right now I'm having trouble getting my pictures off my camera :( As soon as I can figure out the problem I'll post some better pictures of our place. Sorry to disappoint all of you that voted for other options. And I want everyone to know that although it's really small we still have plenty of space for guests to come stay with us! So anyone who's thinking about it, please come! We'd love to have you.
I forget how busy cities can be so it was probably good that you didn't listen to us. haha. At least you didn't pick the funky japanese. Even without cooking, I think you would go crazy with a kitchen like that. -Bri