In a travel memoir I read several months ago, the author had compared some of her favourite cities to men. It’s an interesting comparison and, emulating her, I will attempt to do the same for three of my favourite cities.

Singapore

This being the city that I was born and bred in and where my family and most of my close friends are, it’s the place I know I can depend on and can always return to. Singapore is like the boy-next-door – dependable, plays by the rules, and steadfast. Someone my parents would approve of.

Hong Kong

This “fragrant harbour” (the literal translation of its Chinese name) would be the busy banker who works in Central and heads to Lan Kwai Fong or the Soho for drinks after work. I would never have the chance to date this guy because he is either too busy working or networking and wouldn’t have the time nor interest to join me on my hikes. After he’s done working and/or socialising, he’ll head back to his posh flat in the Mid-levels to snooze away his fatigue.

Sydney

The surf’s always up in this city and if it were a guy, Sydney would be someone who works a 9-5 job somewhere in the Circular Quay / George Street from Mondays to Fridays, and on the weekends he’d transform into a surfer dude. One might find it difficult keeping up with his slew of outdoor interests! Compared to Singapore or Hong Kong, Sydney would be a person who is more chill and relaxed.