By: Amanda Örnebring, Sweden.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to live in another country. Don’t get me wrong, I love my city, but sometimes it’s just not enough. Not for the moment. I’m in that time of my life where I want to explore other possibilities to really figure out where the best place to live is. So far I’ve lived in two different cities; my hometown Ystad where I was born and raised, and Santa Barbara where I’m currently studying English. The two cities differs a great deal from each other, and I love them both very much.
LUND, SWEDEN
Not many, apart from people who lives in Sweden, will know about this city. As one of the oldest cities in the country and the highest ranked university, the city is characterized by the many students who lives here. Only one hour by car from the town I’m from, It’s in a perfect location with its proximity to the second biggest city in Sweden, and Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. And also I won’t have any difficulties with visiting my parents often.
I’ve visited Lund a lot of times since I have friends who live there. The city is big with its 80 000 inhabitants, but it feels so much smaller with its narrow cobblestone streets and the many coffeeshops around every block. It’s a very nice city overall, and I think it would be a good city for me to live in since it has a similar feeling to my hometown.
Lund is perfect for anyone who doesn’t like the “big city life”, but still want a nightlife while living in a calm city.
LONDON, UK
As many others, I have always wanted to live in London. My whole life has revolved around London for as long as I can remember. I had paintings of the city hanging on my wall and I made one of my walls to look like a brick wall with an old subway clock hanging on the wall to resemble King’s Cross.
The city has 8.6 millions inhabitants, which is a big increase from the cities I’ve lived in. But I think that it could be a good experience to broaden my horizon and get out of my comfort zone regarding of living in such a busy city.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Four years ago I spent four weeks in Sydney all by myself. More exactly without my family and with classmates, but let’s say for the sake of the argument by myself. I had an internship there and that meant that I had to live there for a month. I was only 16 years old, but it was by far one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life. I grew so much as a person, and I was able to do that because of the beautiful city.
As of 2014, Sydney was ranked as the tenth most liveable city in the world, which I can of personal experience agree with. The city felt so safe, even though it’s over 4.5 million people living there.
The weather is amazing, the people, the beaches, everything. It is just a perfect city, and I would love to live there again.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand has always attracted me ever since I saw the Lord of the Rings movies. The landscape blew my mind with the majestic mountains and the blue sea. I’ve only ever heard of three cities in the country, and that’s Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. I did some research and Auckland was always rated as the best city to live in. Located on the Northern Island, it has the best beaches. I first thought of Christchurch, but when I read about the frequent earthquakes, I changed my mind.
Auckland seems to be a smaller version of Sydney as I understand it, so that’s why i think it would be perfect for me to live there.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
I’ve never thought of Amsterdam before I went to Santa Barbara. During my stay here, I’ve met many wonderful people who came from the Netherlands. All they said was that I would love Amsterdam. What really makes me want to live there is the similarities between Sweden. The standard of living is practically the same, and the city itself seems amazing. The fact that there are more bikes than people also makes me want to move there this instant since I’m always on my bike.
Since I’ve never visited Amsterdam, I don’t have much to go on, but it really seems to be a city I would thrive in.
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