For me it’s cities. I’m absolutely fascinated by how cities work. Every street, building, alleyway, park, shop, bar etc. tells a story of how life happened there. Every single thing in the city contributes to its functioning.
I can spend hours just scrolling on Google Maps, zooming in on cities like New York, London, Tokyo, Beijing, the city I live in, you name it. Dropping myself in the street view function and just strolling around everything. I also oftentimes have Google Maps open on my second screen at work, because I find it calming in a way.
I think this all started with Star Wars and Coruscant. As a kid I was hooked the moment I saw a CITY the size of a freaking PLANET! I find there’s something comforting in knowing that everywhere around you, something is happening and you are all part of this megastructure, making it function. I don’t know how I never ended up as a city planner or something.
Same on the public transport. Can’t tell you how happy I was when I went to live in my city which has a metro system. I use it a lot.
Also, plants indeed. Especially when people just stop mowing their garden and just let it grow. It’s fascinating to see what happens when you just let nature do its thing.
I wish my city had a metro system, but the buses aren’t too bad.