Australia

If someone asked me, “After living in Australia for more than two years, which place did you like best?” I could answer “Melbourne” without a second thought. That’s why I ended up visiting Melbourne twice and spending nearly a year there altogether. It isn’t the most beautiful place in my personal ranking of Australia, nor does it have the most distinctive scenery. After all, it is Australia’s second-largest city, packed with buildings. What made it unforgettable for me, however, was its unique cultural atmosphere and vibrant streets. Thanks to the influence of British colonisation, European-style train stations and buildings are everywhere. Just around the corner, you can sit down with a cup of coffee while enjoying a street performance. Then, when you wander into the laneways, wall after wall of colourful street art sparks your visual creativity. Not to mention, the city seems to have something happening every weekend—from the Australian Open, Formula 1 racing and the comedy festival to concerts—as well as neighbourhoods and beaches you can explore within an hour. The only thing you need to worry about here is never having enough time!