Top 5 Cities I Want to Live in

Having some random thoughts during shower. If I have to leave London, which places do I want to move on to? Unexpectedly, they are all big cities; ok I admit that the thought of wanting to move back to the village Biberach did appear and I had to quickly force myself to erase the idea of returning there to live. Ok, I think I can survive there another 6 months maximum, of course with internet this time.

(in no order of preference)

1. Berlin



One of the coolest cities in Europe. If London is #1, Berlin is definitely #2. This city is ever-changing. It has the richest history of the WW2, then endured the cold war and segregated into Russian, American and etc territories, isolated from the world by a wall and then this new youthful city has taken a turn from its past to spring into the future with some exciting developments. Can't stop marvelling about the S/U-bahn system, the modern Hauptbahnhof, the checkpoint with the fake guards posing for photos, the old Nazi HQ and many more. I will definitely be back there since I have regrettably left out the Pergamon Museum on my past 3 visits.

2. New York



I know I know, I'm not a fan of the US, but New York has been such a pleasant surprise when I visited last spring. Central Park, MoMA, Metropolitan Museum, Fifth Ave, Times Square, Chinatown, Nolita.... Food is good (not to mention the gigantic portions), shopping is cheap, museums aplenty, Broadway has its share of the theatres, plenty to see and do every week and it's the city that never sleeps. I think it's the London of America, except the streets are in grid. If there is one place in the US that I must choose, I know it's NY even though I have not had the opportunity to explore the other parts of US yet.

3. Munich



Surprising contestant here but I have always been impressed with the German lifestyle. Everything is so systematic and efficient. Coming from Singapore, the German lifestyle makes me feel most at home. Outside Germany, everything is rubbish including UK especially London. Munich is the heart of the Bavarian culture, the countryside not too far away and on a good day, you can have a glimpse of the Alps if you are in a building tall enough. I actually like Viktualienmarkt a lot and during my last visit there with my family, we actually wondered into some really interesting streets and hidden shops in which I have never discovered in all those times when I was visiting from Biberach. Totally different from Berlin. Munich has a richer and glorious past. Berlin feels like it's leaping into the unknown future ahead.

4. Tokyo, then Kyoto



Tokyo is full of gimmicks, the city is restless and has no distiction between day and night, young and old. The ultra kawaii culture not overshadowing traditional cultural heritages. I have to admit, the Japanese are strange people. Living in Tokyo can be fun and convenient, but after one year, I'm bound to be burnt out. Hence Kyoto is my next choice. The peaceful retreat where everywhere in Kyoto looks like remnants of the samurai-era. Everytime I turn into a little street, I'ld expect to meet Kenshin my idol. Kyoto is stylish rustic charm + the efficiecy and convenience of the Japanese lifestyle.

5. London



How can I not stop repeating myself that I still like to live in London and that I'm not sick of it yet. Vibrant music and arts scene, the museums are constantly bringing new stuff and it is never-ending, food is still good especially the dim sums. Although I love London this much, there is an equal amount of reasons that I hate it for. Maybe I will save it for next time.....