Auckland the 5th Best City in the World For Quality of Life?

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Interesting story in today's paper. Auckland ranked 5th on a list of top cities to live in the world. Vancouver BC (4th), San Francisco (29th), Portland (48th), New York (49th) and Seattle (50th). I'd have to disagree with the ranking - Auckland is great and all, but only if you live downtown (area where I live) and you have plenty of money (me for only the first week after payday the other three weeks are not so good :-). You can see the story here:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10515623
and here
http://www.citymayors.com/features/quality_survey.html

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Comments

[Jeanette]

Great quote
Son- I am so proud of you in that you have taken the risks you have in order to see the other side of the mountains, the other side of the seas. You have gained a perspective most never realize in their entire life. Yes, it has brought a financial cost you did not expect, but.....when you look deeper you see the richness traveling and working in foreign countries has brought to your life. This very well could pay off financially in time but do not focus on that. Note this quote by Thoreau I found just for you: "Our houses are such unwieldy property that we are often imprisoned rather than housed by them." You may not be able to afford to purchase a home right now because of the high cost of living in NZ but you have gained life experience that many home owners do not have. The time will come when where ever you decide to settle down and make home all will come together and you will feel a deeper sence of peace. Just give yourself that time and do not torment yourself for not living the "normal life". There is none! And if we settle for that how bored and boring we would be. Do not settle for what many of us have! Love, Mom

[Call 2 Adventure]

Finances
Hi mom. Thanks for that. My comment on money was said more in jest rather than in seriousness... see the smiley face. I manage my finaces well and get to do a number of crazy things during the month and there's still cash at the end of the month. Thanks for the inspiration. much love- d