6/28/10
I wonder what it's like to live in one of the most expensive cities in the world. It would be so ambitious and glamorous to live in one of these. So why are they dubbed the most expensive cities in the world? What makes them expensive?
Source: "ECA International"
1. Tokyo, Japan
(This is one of the cities that I dream of going to...gahh...*.*)
The strength of the yen has brought Tokyo back to the No. 1 spot on ECA International's ranking for the first time since 2005. In addition to the costs above, rent for a two-bedroom apartment for expats is typically more than $5,000 per month in Tokyo, according to data from EuroCost International. While visitors need more pocket money here than in any other city, the monthly consumer price index in Tokyo's wards has actually dropped year-on-year for 14 straight months as of May 2010, based on figures from Japan's statistics bureau.
2. Oslo, Norway
(europe...europe...when will I ever smell your air? =D)
Oslo rose above Copenhagen as the most expensive city in Europe when the kroner strengthened against other currencies. ECA International says an upward trend in oil prices, a short recession, and Norway's reputation as a safe haven for investors contributed to the kroner's rise.
3. Luanda, Angola
Angola's capital slipped to third place this year as the kwanza depreciated. Prices in Luanda have actually increased in the past year, but currency changes offset any inflation, according to ECA International. In addition to everyday goods, EuroCost International estimates that the average expat pays more than $3,500 per month for a two-bedroom flat in Luanda.
4. Nagoya, Japan
(when will these pictures become real?!...bitter... O.o)
4. Nagoya, Japan
(when will these pictures become real?!...bitter... O.o)
Japan's fourth most populous city, Nagoya is also among the country's most expensive. The city ranks No. 1 for the cost of rice: $9.14 per kilogram, according to ECA International data. As Japan's auto hub, the Nagoya area is an important center of business: about 44 percent of automobiles produced in Japan are made here, according to the Greater Nagoya Initiative Center. Such companies as Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, and General Motors have headquarters, manufacturing operations, or distribution points in the Nagoya region.
5. Yokohama, Japan
5. Yokohama, Japan
About half an hour by commuter train from Tokyo, this port city has active shipping, biotechnology, and semiconductor industries. Yokohama is one of the world's most expensive cities, but companies here enjoy lower operating costs compared with the nearby capital. Nissan opened a new headquarters in Yokohama this year and reportedly will sell its office in Tokyo to cut costs.
6. Stavanger, Norway
6. Stavanger, Norway
This small seaside city earned its riches from oil in the North Sea and has become known as Norway's petroleum capital. Stavangerexpats.com says food expenses in Norway are about 50 percent higher than the EU average: A can of soda is about $2.80, and a beer at a bar can be $12.
7. Kobe, Japan
The city has one of Japan's largest ports and has become home to many heavy machinery, iron and steel, and food product companies. According to the Japan External Trade Organization, 117 foreign and foreign-affiliated companies have offices in Kobe. As the price of Kobe beef, the style of high-grade meat named after the city, suggests, food is costly here, as are other living expenses.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
A 2009 "survey" of 73 international cities by UBS found that employees in Copenhagen have the highest income. Places with higher salaries often have higher prices, but residents here enjoy good living standards overall. Some examples of the cost of living: Renting a DVD costs about $8 per night, a pair of women's jeans is more than $150, and a one-way ticket on public transport costs about $3.70.
9. Geneva, Switzerland
9. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva, home to many companies and U.N. organizations, is one of the most expensive cities for food and household appliances. Food prices in Switzerland are 45 percent more expensive than in the rest of Western Europe, and the cost of electronics and appliances in Geneva is among the highest worldwide, according to a 2009 UBS report.
10. Zurich, Switzerland
(isn't it pretty? :)
10. Zurich, Switzerland
(isn't it pretty? :)
Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, is the country's main business center and the headquarters city for many financial companies, including UBS and Credit Suisse. Although Zurich had the greatest number of company bankruptcies in Switzerland last year, according to Dun & Bradstreet, the inflation rate started to increase again this year after falling in 2009.
Sources:
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/109909/the-worlds-most-expensive-cities-2010
http://orchideesblancs.deviantart.com/art/Tokyo-71174469?q=1&qo=1
http://o-yama89.deviantart.com/art/Oslo-75194428?q=1&qo=1
http://digaas.deviantart.com/art/Luanda-74286893?q=1&qo=1
http://jyoujo.deviantart.com/art/Nagoya-castle-111545813?q=1&qo=1
http://h1lle.deviantart.com/art/Stavanger-at-Night-72128585?q=1&qo=1
http://denkyo.deviantart.com/art/Yokohama-Bayside-153701723?q=1&qo=1
http://strikethecamera.deviantart.com/art/Kobe-149573554?q=1&qo=1
http://artisthepassion.deviantart.com/art/Copenhagen-I-153258111?q=1&qo=1
http://drinkandwater.deviantart.com/art/Geneva-157457655?q=1&qo=1
Sources:
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/109909/the-worlds-most-expensive-cities-2010
http://orchideesblancs.deviantart.com/art/Tokyo-71174469?q=1&qo=1
http://o-yama89.deviantart.com/art/Oslo-75194428?q=1&qo=1
http://digaas.deviantart.com/art/Luanda-74286893?q=1&qo=1
http://jyoujo.deviantart.com/art/Nagoya-castle-111545813?q=1&qo=1
http://h1lle.deviantart.com/art/Stavanger-at-Night-72128585?q=1&qo=1
http://denkyo.deviantart.com/art/Yokohama-Bayside-153701723?q=1&qo=1
http://strikethecamera.deviantart.com/art/Kobe-149573554?q=1&qo=1
http://artisthepassion.deviantart.com/art/Copenhagen-I-153258111?q=1&qo=1
http://drinkandwater.deviantart.com/art/Geneva-157457655?q=1&qo=1
3/17/10
:)
this is like a dream
in a stream
full of wonder and gleam
it's the perfect timing
the one i'm wishing
got me to thinking
it completes the vow
and take a bow
it's here and now
it's like an illusion
a big delusion
into confusion
if this is all a dream
i never want to wake up
don't wake me up
i'll forever slumber and sleep.
2/5/10
This is what I badly need right now... ^_^
and I hope you too! :)
Got this from an e-mail forwarded to me by my big sis! Thanx! :D
"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many kernels--a plentiful harvest of new lives."
-John 12:24
It's good to be passionate about your dreams, but did you know a dream can become an idol? If that's all you think about and you're not going to be happy unless it happens your way, that's out of balance. The fact is, sometimes you have to put that dream on the altar.
Are you frustrated because you're trying to force things to happen on your timetable? Sometimes we hold on to things so tightly, but actually, when we let them go, that's when God can bring them to pass. If you'll release that frustration and not let it become the center of your attention, but instead use that same time and energy to thank God that He's directing your steps, you open the door for God to give you the desires of your heart.
We have to remember, God already knows what we want and what we are in need of. He's the One who put those desires in us. We shouldn't be consumed by trying to make things happen. Instead, a greater act of faith is to be happy right where you are; to stay open and trust God because He has good plans in store for your future!
Here is a small prayer which you can say in accordance to this:
'Father God, today I release my dreams, my desires, my "wants" like a seed falling to the ground. I know that You have a good plan for my future, and I trust You to bring it to pass in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.'
INSIGHT: Just like everyone else, I have my frustrations. And sometimes, they consume all of me and I end up depress. I've been trying so hard to reach them, but then again, I know I have to let them go and give them to the One who has power over everything. I've been clinging to them for so long that I failed to realize only God can make everything right. All I have to do is to trust Him my dreams, my goals, my desires. Then I can be truly happy. :)
NOTE: I will be writing and dealing more about my faith and about God because this is one aspect of my life that is very very important to me. And just to let you know, I'm no saint and yes I have lots of flaws and frailties and mistakes and contradictions. But at least I'm trying. So uh...no offense to non-Christians who may come across this blog and who may get offended in one way or another. Peace y'all! ^_^v
Here is a small prayer which you can say in accordance to this:
'Father God, today I release my dreams, my desires, my "wants" like a seed falling to the ground. I know that You have a good plan for my future, and I trust You to bring it to pass in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.'
INSIGHT: Just like everyone else, I have my frustrations. And sometimes, they consume all of me and I end up depress. I've been trying so hard to reach them, but then again, I know I have to let them go and give them to the One who has power over everything. I've been clinging to them for so long that I failed to realize only God can make everything right. All I have to do is to trust Him my dreams, my goals, my desires. Then I can be truly happy. :)
NOTE: I will be writing and dealing more about my faith and about God because this is one aspect of my life that is very very important to me. And just to let you know, I'm no saint and yes I have lots of flaws and frailties and mistakes and contradictions. But at least I'm trying. So uh...no offense to non-Christians who may come across this blog and who may get offended in one way or another. Peace y'all! ^_^v
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