My most favourite city...so far

(Pics courtesy of Steiner)

My most favourite city...so far
As much as I love visiting new places, be it Bengkulu or New York, some cities left deep impressions that makes me want to go there again and again (note: want and can are two very different things though...).

There are different reasons why some cities, despite its world-famous status, failed to make the list.
Namely because I'm inexperienced writer and want to limit the list short, considering I have posted long blogs in the past week.

But most importantly, the city must be English speaking (which eliminates Shenzhen), it must be clean and doesn't smell funny (crosses New York out), it must be friendly (which definately detonates Lahat out of the picture), and it must have some degree of entertainment, such as decent book store, sight seeing, weather wise, etc (which causes Washington D.C just slipped out of the list).

I know that some people would object to it, and I don't mind. Well, okay, actually I do. Because I see it from a fund-limited, time constraint, and the things that I value which may not be the case with everybody else under that particular circumstances.

Without further ado, I am pleased to introduce you to the cities in my Hall of Fame list (in alphabetical order):

Boston, United States.
Condition: Anytime BUT winter.

A charming town indeed. A home for Harvard University and MIT. Where else would you find university students fully dressed in gown and tux and played violin and celo beautifully on the corner of the street entertaining patrons of cafes that lined the street?.

On a budget? Stayed in plenty hostels in the city, and enjoy following the Freedom trail that marked Boston. It's free! It takes you to Paul Revere house, to the copps hill burrying ground, to the Bunker Hill monument. In short, it takes you to places that makes Boston, well, Boston


Dubai, United Arab Emirates.


Condition: provided it's winter there.

The food is great, the malls are huge, the souk is clean and accessible for foreigners, people speak english,and they (despite the appearance: loud voice, rough beards, etc.) are actually very friendly.

Though you have to be culturally sensitive; while short skirts are allowed, sometimes some men do not shake hands with women, only slightly bow with his right hand cross on his chest (I have to find out the hard way, quite humiliating how ignorant I am. He works for my customer and drove us to the airport, he's Lebanese. Though My customer is Iranian, and did shake hands with us, come to think of it, there's this one time when he met his friends' mum and he instead gave that light bow and hand crossed. Must make mental note).

Plus, they are building Metro that's to be completed this year, which will make travelling easier without car.

The city itself? Dubai is the "IT" city of the new Millenia. It's the new destination that offers equality for all, regardless of your race, religion, and even gender. It's the new New York.


Hong Kong, S.A.R China.


Condition: don't go wandering on Sunday, when all domestic workers from Indonesia and Philippines spilled out in the streets and filled Victoria park; they even sold Nyata! the latest edition!!.

In the past decade, Hong Kong finally accepted the undeniable fact: that they were rude and obnoxious. And so, I heard they put up this campaign to make the city more bearable and civil towards foreigners. I guess that works, since when I first visit the city in 2005, the people in the store greeted me with a smile, they don't mind me trying out things and eventually not buying them (or at least they succeeded in swearing behind my back instead. who cares)

The vast subway system and connecting busses seem to make it possible for anyone new in town to explore the city with minimum helps. Which is great of course. Hong Kong is like one huge mall that's connected with one another and yet, they boast an equally rich cultural experience, if you still have time left (though I highly doubt it).

Its glittering light and density makes the city actually welcoming, like snuggling with your family in front of the fireplace on a cold, Christmas morning, sipping coffee. Yes, that's how I would describe Hong Kong.

Warning, I found that people who loves Singapore, most of them despise Hong Kong, while people who's a HongKy at heart, absolutely loathe Singapore.


Osaka, Japan


Condition: Must have a guide.

Okay, so the city does not really speak English, but if you have a guide, it's absolutely worth it to hire one and made your visit unforgettable.

The city has all the Japanese Culture 101 required (It's quite near Kyoto, where you can visit the famous temple), it's not as expensive as Tokyo, everywhere important in the city is within walking distance, the food offered is quite variable enough for someone who can't swallow sashimi (Who could ever forget that ramen in Kyoto??), they have beautiful, long stretch of streets that are filled with stores from vintage shops to Daimaru shopping centre to branded name to 100 yen stores called Shinsaibashi that is a must visit place.

The charming hotel we stayed in, Trusty Hotel, is really trustworthy in terms of cleanliness and comfort and room size.

One important note though, whenever a Japanese ask you which one is better, their (any) city, big or small, compare to (any) Korean city, answer with enthusiast nodds that, of course, the Japanese city is much more advance/beautiful/bigger than that of Korean. And you will instantly win a friend or perhaps a free drink of sake. Do the opposite when a Korean ask.


Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA


Condition: Non Applicable.

The city is awesome all year round, and provide plenty of options for any activities you can think of. The scene is marvelous, the food ranges from European to Far Eastern, the weather is perfect (yes, despite the rains)

What would you like to do during winter? Ski? Snowboarding? Welcome to Whistler, where 2010 Winter Olympic will be held, and where Prince William and Prince Harry and Prince Charles vacationed.
Shopping? rush for Boxing Day when almost everything is 50 % off!

What about during spring? Rollerblading in Yaletown? Kayaking? Visiting Granville Island (which is not really an island, but a world class farmer market)? shopping at high end department store Holt Renfrew? a trip to Museum of Anthropology? Taking a peek of the vast sky in the Planetarium?

Or how about strolling around in English Bay on a hot summer day while enjoying gelato and French Fries covered with Gravy and mozarella cheese? perhaps a thorough exploration of Robson street will be able to satisfy your lust of spending spree. Or just enjoying starbucks inside Chapter bookstores. Also, consider yourself invited to the annual international fireworks competition that’s held the end of August.

A trip to nearby Butchard Garden in Victoria in Fall is a must. Biking across Stanley Park on the last warm days for months is highly recommended.

In short, the city has everything, for everyone, young and old, man and woman, book nerds and adventurer.

In short, though it's the last on the list, it's actually my number one favourite...


So there you go. My most favourite cities.

Of course, having never been to Europe, I'm pretty sure the list would change one day.

Perhaps any of you would like to add other cities to be considered?