In the midst of our hectic daily lives, we occasionally pause to envision a utopia where we can peacefully and joyfully live alongside our loved ones. I’m no exception, as my own life is often consumed by endless chores and tasks. Seeking a break from the busyness, I recently took a belated summer vacation to explore two of Australia’s most iconic cities.
The two cities, Melbourne and Sydney, have long been praised for their outstanding living conditions, leading them to be picked as the most livable cities in the world for several years. According to the 2024 Global Liveability Index, the two Australian cities are ranked fourth and seventh, scoring highly in areas like health care, stability and environment. Beyond these key factors, I’d like to share a few personal experiences that highlight what makes these cities such wonderful places to live.
I was genuinely fascinated by Australian people's deep respect for cultural diversity. I felt valued and considered during my two weeks in the two cities. These cities are celebrated for their multiculturalism, where every nationality is valued and respected, contributing to a vibrant and diverse society. Rather than being a melting pot of ethnicities and classes, the communities in both cities were united by Australia's strong sense of inclusivity and shared identity.
There have been times in other Western cities when I’ve felt unwelcome due to my race and distinct identity. In contrast, during my stay in Australia, I was able to engage in conversations with locals with confidence, thanks to their open-mindedness and genuine embrace of different cultures. While I can't speak for everyone, from my experience, Australians truly value diversity and take pride in cherishing individual identities.
What truly sets these cities apart is the sense of safety they offer. I felt completely at ease visiting supermarkets, no matter the time of day or night, without any hesitation. I actually went to a supermarket twice at 6 a.m. and was not scared or intimidated while walking the streets by myself, since there were already many Australians commuting at that time. Knowing Australians are early risers, I felt secure while venturing out in the city early in the morning. A lack of homelessness and tidy streets may also have increased my sense of safety. A safe environment is a key factor in ensuring a high quality of life.
The facilities in both cities also impressed me. A large playground with equipment for children of all ages was readily available. Of course, playgrounds are easily spotted in Korea, but other facilities provided in the playground captivated my mind. A lot of benches for parents, shaded areas, spotless public toilets and a separately built handwashing zone were some of the remarkable facilities offered in the playground in Australia. I should admit that I would love to let my children spend their whole day in this awesome play area.
The rating was truly reflective of the notable living conditions of the two cities. The pursuit of unity, security and a good social environment contribute enormously to making these places unbeatable cities to live in.
The writer (faith0906@gmail.com) is keen to explore the world outside the office and loves to weave a story of our daily lives.