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The best place to live in

I have been seeing quite a few lists of places that are ranked the best to live in. Typically Canada, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand tend to crowd the top of the list. And surprisingly I don’t see the popular cities like New York, Paris, London, Tokyo etc. on the list.  Fortunately, I have been to all these places but I spent most time in Dubai, and that does not figure anywhere near the top either. Right now, I am trying to get my head around these rankings and what it means to me.

Mercer looks at Quality of living and others consider similar important criteria. It’s all important but clearly while city infrastructure carries more weight for some, the arts scene is a must have for others, schools and education, sports, social and cultural expressions, safety, affordability, health care and even weather has significance.

Wouldn’t it be great to just go live in the best place? Perhaps, the new generation of young successful professionals and entrepreneurs could do that as they are more mobile than ever. I dare say they are better equipped to handle the loosening shackles of family and traditions and it’s a matter of pride to some to see their kids leave the nest in style.   Once kids are added to the mix, we suddenly have some complications and this is turning to be the transition stage that’s almost a make or break or at least a brake on the earlier momentum.

So, I was asking my daughter the best place to live and she picked Dubai.  And her reasons – the cleanliness (compared to where we are now), the hypermarket next door, the kid’s menu in the restaurants, fun play areas and her favorite aunt.

The musing can go in a hundred ways, but I am just stuck on this thought how can I make my place the best place to live in.  Suddenly, I realize, it’s now largely up to me, I must take some effort, think, plan.  It doesn’t just happen, but its far far easier when you can do this in a nuclear manner rather than in a patriarchal joint family setting.  My view is now if I can get a balance on safety, academics, talent development, channels for indulging interests and fun, value building, spiritual awareness, play and sports, family and friends, travel – then I am sorted and we live in the best place in the world. J

written from
Palarivattom, Ernakulam
Cochin - India





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