The tradition of cartography emphasizes fact and objectivity. But maps are not objective, they are spatial storytellers. 'The City is Alive' utilizes the dynamic nature of story maps to convey a sense of place and proudly embraces the personal aspect of mapping. I reflect on my study abroad experience in Buenos, Argentina by using Google Earth to map plants on apartment balconies in the Recoleta Neighborhood. My time in a new city taught me a great deal about creating my own happiness and experiencing the life all around us. This narrative cartography was a project for my class 'Mapping People, Mapping Place' with Professor Wes Bernardini. skye_cote@redlands.edu