Conversation topic: What is the best city to live in?
Would you like to live in a city that is cloudy more than 300 days a year and has many snowstorms every winter? Neither do I! That is why I left my hometown, Rochester. I have to say that Rochester has many good points. It’s quiet, making it a good place to raise a family. I, however, have no interest in raising a family! There are few traffic jams there, even during the so-called “rush hour”. And there’s lots of nature - beautiful parks, a canal and a river running through the city, with Lake Ontario and several beaches to the north. But in the end, Rochester is simply too cold for me.
Since leaving Rochester, I have lived in Paris, France (as a student), in Osaka, Japan, briefly in San Jose, Costa Rica, and now in Beijing, China. I’ve enjoyed all of these places but the best city for me, at least right now, is Beijing. Here’s why:
First of all, there are plenty of jobs for me in Beijing! I have worked in a university, in a high school, in several companies both big and small, and I am now working in one of the fastest-growing private schools for adults who want to learn English. Second, there are lots of things here that I enjoy doing, including visiting historical sites, listening to live music on the weekends, or eating delicious - and cheap! - Chinese food.
My absolute favorite place in the whole world is Hawaii, but it’s far too expensive for me to live there now. Someday I DO hope to live in a warmer location, someplace with a beach. In the coming year I hope to visit the south of China in search of a warm place near the beach where I can live in the future. But for me, right now, Beijing is the best place to live.
How about you? What do you think is the best city to live in? Write your opinion in the comment box below. I’m looking foward to reading your thoughts!
Nafis Said,
October 6, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
I think the best place for everyone varies from one person to another because of different needs and attitudes. Generally speaking, the best place to live in where one feel comfortable, secure, closing to shopping areas, not having traffic jam, having wide roads and free parking areas and etc. But most important factors plus prementioned for me are air quality without any pollution, sunlight and nature.
I do not also like to live in a city whose weather is cloudy or rainy most days of a year. It really affects human’s mood. I really enjoy seeing the sun. In Oakville where I live there is a harsh weather in winter. But even in winter with -20 centegrade (or below), We have sun.
Connecting with the nature is important for me as well. I feel fresh and sharp while looking at a farm or a garden and etc. There are a lot of corn’s farms in our home nearby and a little swamp. That is why I do not like to live in big cities or metropolitans.
I really enjoy the place I live in. I hope I can be here for a long long time. It has everything that I want, silence, sunlight, beautiful landscapes, friendly people and good access to shopping areas.
Regards,
3p3t Said,
October 9, 2008 @ 4:58 am
I agreed with Nafis when he said that the best place for everyone varies from one person to another because of different needs and attitudes. Some may prefer living in a 4 seasons city. While some others prefer living in a hot city. Frankly speaking, I prefer living in a place sorrounded by mountains. I am kind of person who enjoy camping. By the time I’m leaving my comment, I’m staying with my cousin near to my campus. The great thing about my campus is that it’s surrounded by two mountains, namely Mt. Burang-burang and Tangkuban Perahu. Mt. Tangkuban perahu is a tourist destination.
I’ve been to its top once during the orientation program last June of 2007. Besides Mt. Tangkuban perahu, I also have been stepped on the top of Mt. Burang-burang. I been there with my group. We arrived at the top a few minutes before the sun rises. We had a chance of enjoying the morning view.
hanane Said,
October 10, 2008 @ 11:58 am
Hello Dear Teacher,
As far as I am concerned, I prefer living close to nature where i can take care of some of its components: animals, birds, flowers and trees…and at the same time close to the warmth of the sun, to the moonlight as weel as rainy days. whithin nature I feel very free, free from city life mainly time that makes me feel having a slavelike life. Cold and windy places are what i dislike most, they made me feel sick.
hanane Said,
October 10, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
I forget to invite you to pay a visit to Morocco since you are looking for a worm place where to have some rest.
teacherjoe Said,
October 11, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
Okay, it seems the best city to live in might be no city! So, where are the best beaches in the world? Hanane might say Morocco. In Asia, people might say Thailand. What do you say?
Nafis Said,
October 14, 2008 @ 7:28 pm
I have visited some beautiful beaches in my lifetime. One of them was in my home country, Iran. In the south part of Iran, in the middle of Persian Gulf, there is an island named Kish. Kish Island is really really beautiful specially the beaches. Sand beaches are in cream color and sea water is like a crystal. There are many corals beneath the water and it is easy to see them because of clear water.
many many years ago, I do not know the exact date but may be in world war II, one ship came and because of the harsh weather, she could not continue her trip so , she is still there, near the beach. It is one of the tourist attraction places to visit.
Another beaches that I really like and I think they are really wonderful is Vancouver beaches. Pacific Ocean waves come to seashores and the beaches are surrounded by mountains. The mountains are also covered by really green tall trees. Water is in dark blue and really calm. If you have a chance and see the sun, the beauty of scenery enhances two times than a cloudy day. The breez makes soul fresh and I think I become 20 years younger than I am.
I have also found the most beautiful beaches in the world and if you like you can check this website out.
http://perso.inooi.com/v2/en/plages/plages.php
Regards,
teacherjoe Said,
October 15, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
Thanks for the link, Nafis. Now I want to find my way to a beach more than ever! I am starting to plan my next holiday right now… (^_^)
Nafis Said,
October 16, 2008 @ 11:43 am
Dear teacher Joe,
I am really really happy to help you a little to find your dream beach. Where have you decided to go?
teacherjoe Said,
October 18, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
I haven’t made a decision. At first, I might visit a couple of Chinese beaches, the first in a small city called Xiamen. The other one is in Sanya, on the southern island of Haikou, maybe in February. Perhaps I can work in one of those cities in the future, then I’ll be able to fulfill my dream of being able to “teach from the beach”!
Nafis Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 1:34 am
Dear teacher Joe,
I think teaching from the beach is a fantastic idea! what a nice class!
Best regards,