Mind the Gap: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?
Each week, we present the same question to three people from three very different generations. This week…
Blair Atholl in Scotland has many interesting historical structures.Nicholas Ng, 16, South Island School
I would live in Blair Atholl, a small village in Scotland. The calm and tranquillity of Blair Atholl, which is at total odds with life in Hong Kong, would help me feel less stressed.
The beautiful lakes, fields, and forests there look as if they would make for the perfect environment in which to study, to read, to practise a new skill, or to appreciate nature.
Blair Atholl is steeped in history and culture. For a history nut like me, it is a treasure trove of knowledge that’s just waiting to be discovered. It has ties to both ancient civilisations and modern events. The village’s diverse geographical features and historical structures provide excellent geography and history case studies. I’d love to see it all first-hand.
Finally, Blair appeals to me because of its ease of accessibility. There is a handy bus system, which makes travelling and commuting to nearby villages and cities hassle-free. There are also plenty of nearby shops, which makes buying groceries easy.
For me, it’s the perfect balance between rush and relaxation that makes Blair Atholl the ideal place to live.
Preeti Dayal, 45, English teacher
When you’re constantly rushing about every Monday to Friday, and your weekends are spent taking care of your kids, you begin to dream about moving to a place where life is a little more laid-back. It would probably take some getting used to, but that’s what I would like.
The place of my dreams is somewhere up in the beautiful hills of Palampur, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The hills are green, and there are wild flowers everywhere. It’s stunning and serene, and very peaceful. I’d like to live in a small, red-brick cottage, with wooden floors, dim lights, and a rug by the fireplace. There would also be a small creek nearby, which would lead to a roaring river filled with fish.
I think of Palampur as a place where time can be spent just being, rather than doing. It’s a place where humans don’t interfere with nature – we just live alongside it. The air is fresh and clean, and the only sounds come from the birds, the river, and the trees. It’s a place where the sun is always shining, and where life is quiet and simple.
That’s where I’d want to live, if I could pick anywhere in the world!
Mind the Gap: If you had three wishes, what would you do with them?
Serena Tse, 63, retired
I’m a born and bred Hongkonger, so when it comes to choosing an ideal place to live, I would definitely pick Hong Kong.
I’ve spent my whole life in this city. It’s where I grew up, where I studied, and where I have spent my whole working life. I have made countless memories here. Hong Kong has so much to offer – I have so many options to choose from when it comes to food and entertainment. Most importantly, my family lives here in Hong Kong. If I chose to leave, I wouldn’t be able to see them as easily as I can see them now.
When I was younger, I longed to live overseas. I would wonder what it would be like to move to a place like Canada. Hong Kong is so crowded and hectic, and I admit that I do sometimes long for the slow pace of living that Canadians seem to enjoy – especially now I’m retired.
However, if I moved to Canada, I would have to get used to a new way of living. I'm not sure I could give up living within 10 minutes of the closest supermarket! In a different country, I might have to learn to drive before being able to do a weekly shop.
These are all the reasons why, at this stage in my life, I wouldn’t choose to live anywhere other than Hong Kong.