Vancouver is winning a lot of awards nowadays… sure the taxes are a little higher, but income tax has been going lower, which is very good. Sure, it is relatively small compared to other major cities, and after awhile there seems to be little things to do, BUT that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do, it depends if you want to do it or not. Vancouver has so many activities that a person can do and the most important thing is it is close by. Besides, if you want something different to do then just take a vacation! But at least when it comes to going home, you would want a home in Vancouver. (If you can afford it! ^_^)
I have lived in Vancouver for over 19 years now, and my family has also lived in Singapore, another nice country for many years as well as Taiwan and spending lots of time in Indonesia.
Over the years I have travelled to quite a lot of countries, and there is no other place like Vancouver. Nothing is perfect, but in terms of living and lifestyle, it is very difficult to beat Vancouver.
The only other place where I can see myself living is Tokyo. But then, I cannot imagine myself living there forever. I’ve always told Miyuki that when I retire, I would like to own a residence in Tokyo and spend half of the year in Tokyo and half in Vancouver. That is still one of my goals in life and what I am working for. (Have to make more money! >_<)
Tokyo is very nice, awesome! You will never get bored or run out of things to do. But in terms of total quality of life, it is too crowded, the air quality is poor compared to Vancouver, there are hardly any trees or gardens, there are no beaches (except maybe Yokohama, but then it’s not really a “beach”), and there are no mountains (Fuji-yama doesn’t really come close to what Vancouver has)… it is also not the best place where you can build a small and loving family.
So yes I really love Tokyo, but in terms of a balanced living lifestyle, Tokyo is only good if you are making a lot of money AND have the time to spend it as a SINGLE person. You can only party and eat outside at nice restaurants for a short time. Sure it’s nice to live in a big city with endless nice restuarants, bars, shopping etc. But after some time, there is no overall balance in living, which is very important. And this becomes more important when we become older.
When you are young, single and have a good job making ok money… Tokyo is a PERFECT HEAVEN place to eat, drink, party and spend all your money on shopping. But nobody stays young forever, nobody can waste money forever and sooner or later you will have to learn to have responsibility to yourself and to others.
In terms of comfortable living, private space, air quality, privacy, outdoor recreation, education, medical facilities, promoting healthy lifestyles and closeness to outdoors, mountains and beaches… you just cannot win Vancouver.
I have not been to Europe in my life, and I am sure it is a beautiful and wonderful place, but again… living there is another thing. Hawaii is another place I wouldn’t mind living, but again. Hawaii (Oahu) is a tourist place. In terms of overall balanced quality of life… not bad, but Vancouver is better.
That is why I’ve been in Canada for over 19 years and I have never even been to Toronto or other big cities. Vancouver is simply the best for balanced life!
2010 Rankings – Vancouver wins best livable city in the world 2010
Vancouver wins 2010 Gold – Best Chinese Food in the WORLD. (Yes even better than Hong Kong, China and Taiwan)
Here is the article from Conde Nast http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/502251
1 more day and it’s Friday! Tomorrow, as reported before in my earlier post, I will take my DSLR camera around downtown after work and take photos of the Olympic decorations! Hopefully it doesn’t rain!
Recent Comments