Write to Win (Round 5): If you could live anywhere for a day, where would it be, and why?
Our writing contest starts with 10 students, who are eliminated one at a time based on your votes and YP editors’ picks.
From La Tomatina to Tokyo Skytree: where would you live for a day? Photo: Shutterstock Read the responses to this week’s Write to Win prompt, and choose the answer you like most.
White: Every year, on a blisteringly hot August day, about 20,000 people from around the world cram themselves into narrow streets, ready for an hour of exuberant fun. The citrusy scent of tomatoes fills the small town of Bunol, Spain, as trucks filled to the brim make their way to the site of the world’s biggest food fight – La Tomatina Festival. If I could live anywhere in the world for one day, I would choose Spain to attend this famous celebration. The idea of La Tomatina has always beguiled me; what began as a spontaneous food fight in 1945 has evolved into a cherished tradition. The unabated joy and smiles on the faces of the attendees are unmistakable. This would be an unforgettable experience, soaking in culture and possibly the lingering scent of tomatoes on my skin for the next few days.
Black: “Santa Claus is coming to town!” See, that man in red with a white beard is riding on the sleigh carrying a dozen gifts. Here’s the Santa Clause Village situated in Lapland, Finland. Stepping into the snowy magical wonderland, just like the backdrop of Frozen and getting a glimpse of the enchanting Northern Lights is an expensive but once-in-a-lifetime experience. Living in the snow-covered, cosy and brightly adorned village, we can visit Santa Claus and the elves with pointy ears and hats and immerse ourselves in fascinating Christmas fairy tales with the wonder of aurora! It would be so exhilarating. How about crossing the magical Arctic Circle and sharing this incredible feat on Instagram, creating a global sensation? But it’s too cold to stay for a long time, so living there for a single day is enough for me.
Red: If I could live anywhere in the world for a day, I would live in an almost utopian place where there would be no stress, no homework, and, most importantly, a world where everyone was selfless and chose peace over violence. In addition to the stress-free, peaceful surroundings, there would be free buffets and gorgeous beaches! It would be an incredibly relaxing day, being able to not think about school, work, conflicts between friends, wars and other things. Instead, I could take in the breathtaking scenery, lie on the cosy warm blanket of fine sand or swim with the colourful fishes. After a swim, I could munch on scrumptious food and pile my plate of desserts since my parents won’t be there. It would be a dream to spend a day at this place.
Write to Win: What historical figure would you choose to be? (Round 4)
Blue: If I could choose any place to live in for one day, it would be London, England. London is known for its iconic landmarks, including the majestic Tower of London, the stunning Buckingham Palace, and the famous Big Ben. The city is a melting pot of cultures, offering a diverse range of cuisines and neighbourhoods, from the trendy shops of Shoreditch to the historic charm of Covent Garden. London is also home to world-class museums, such as the British Museum and the Tate Modern, where visitors can explore art and history for free. The vibrant theatre scene in the West End attracts audiences with spectacular shows and musicals. With beautiful parks like Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, plenty of green spaces exist. Whether you’re riding the famous double-decker buses or enjoying afternoon tea, London offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity that captivates everyone who visits. This is why I would choose to live in London for one day.
Brown: As someone interested in the humanities, I would choose to live in Jerusalem. The influence of Jerusalem on history, religion, and politics has intrigued me greatly, and spending one day in this city would expand my perspective on current events related to Jerusalem. On another note, experiencing the instability of the region that Jerusalem is in would make me a more understanding person, allowing me to briefly step into the shoes of an average citizen of the Middle East, and understand the position that they are in. In an environment as safe and detached from conflicts as Hong Kong, I often struggle to understand the situation of everyday people when looking at conflicts from afar. In a world where the media is constantly cycling in and out, consumers will inevitably get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of news stories at their fingertips, resulting in difficulties in developing an empathetic response.
Pink: “Everybody Rock n’ Roll, lost in Tokyo” – these lyrics from K-pop girl band BabyMonster captured a chaotic neon world. Living in Sumida Aquarium, Tokyo Skytree, human emotions would ripple through its watery depths. Beneath shimmering lights, we glimpse vibrant fish, solitary sharks, and reefs ablaze yet unremarkable – a surreal dance of passion, loneliness, and apathy. We don’t need to fully understand this; we should accept their existence. After all, who even reads the introduction plaques nearby anyway? Tokyo reflects this aquarium – dazzling, stressful maze that can drain one’s sense of authenticity. In this light, Sumida Aquarium becomes a bridge, blending fantasy with reality. Amid Hong Kong’s relentless pace, when we only have one day, it offers a rare opportunity to pause and rediscover oneself. Neither Tokyo nor Sumida Aquarium is about losing yourself. It’s about observing the crowds, and reclaiming “what does it mean to truly find yourself again?” That’s where the song title connects – “Woke Up In Tokyo”.