HIGH LIFE : Where to Live? Australia, California Are Big Winners

As our knowledge of the world increases, our physical world seems to get smaller. Thanks in large part to the media, we no longer have to wait for summer vacations to catch a glimpse of life in other parts of our planet.

With all this information about distant places and the opportunity to make a choice, Hot Topics wonders: “If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?”

“Australia--it is different there, plus there is nice weather all year long.”

Amy Sisco, 15, sophomore, Brea-Olinda

“Scotland--it is green, pretty, nice and cool. Also there is not really a whole ton of people to bug you.”

Carrie Anne Combs, 15, junior, Brea-Olinda

“Switzerland because it is so pretty there.”

Jenine Bobst, 15, sophomore, Brea-Olinda

“California--it is nice here, and I like having beaches.”

Holly Dawson, 14, freshman, Brea-Olinda

“Some place where there is not a lot of people--like the mountains. I don’t like crowds.”

Alia Fowler, 16, sophomore, Brea-Olinda

“A land where there’s peace and happiness, and I’m still looking for that place.”

Eugene Csai, 17, senior, Cypress

“Australia, so I won’t get nuked.”

Otto Leall, 17, senior, Cypress

“Paris because the whole city has the effect of history behind it, and it’s a romantic place.”

Sharon Kern, 17, senior, Cypress

“Paradise.”

Kindra Larson, 17, senior, Dana Hills

“Underground; I like dark places.”

Chris Oprison, 18, senior, Dana Hills

“The first thing I think of is downtown Paris, and the second thing I think of is an island away from everything.”

Heather Green, 17, senior, Dana Hills

“I like Hawaii, and I would have a long time to see everything if I lived there.”

Michelle King, 16, junior, Esperanza

“On an island that is civilized and modern yet without crime and murderers and pollution. One that has an attitude of a small town without the gossip.”

Alyse Carpenter, 16, junior, Esperanza

“Canada because I like to go fishing, skiing, hunting and hiking.

Jason Shield, 16, junior, Esperanza

“Colorado because there is clean air, snow for skiing and a lower population, so I could get away from crowds. It is also a lot prettier.”

Ken Navidi, 17, senior, Esperanza

“California because my girlfriend is here and I love the area. There’s no place quite like California.”

Matt Leavy, 17, senior, Esperanza

“Switzerland because when I was there this summer, I thought the people were really nice.”

Arielle Lynne, 14, freshman, Fullerton

“On a boat, so I could go anywhere at any time.”

Heather Medina, 17, junior, Fullerton

“Brazil because I spent the summer there and it’s awesome.”

Bryan Carey, 17, senior, Fullerton

“I have a lot of friends in Israel, and I would like to spend a lot of time with them.”

Nomi Shichor, 17, senior, Fullerton

“Japan because its economy is booming so I’d be financially secure. Also New York because it’s exciting.”

Cathy Rhee, 17, senior, Kennedy

“A boat because I could go anywhere I wanted and I wouldn’t have any worries.”

Gina Corigliano, 17, senior, Laguna Hills

“Australia because it sounds like such an interesting place. Adventurous!”

Marrianne Marshall, 15, sophomore, Laguna Hills

“In orbit around the Earth because no one has ever lived there permanently before.”

Adi-Kent Delfin, 16, junior, Laguna Hills

“I would like to live in a society where people were themselves.”

Jim Cox, 17, senior, Laguna Hills

“In the heart of Westwood, so I can be with all the true and dedicated Bruin fans.”

Katie Parker, 17, senior, Laguna Hills

“Ireland because my grandpa was born there.”

Arin Whelan, 14, freshman, Mission Viejo

“Hawaii--nice weather and lots of activities.”

Scott Yotka, 14, freshman, Mission Viejo

“In my dreams, my ideal place is a castle on a big, gray, fluffy cloud, but in reality, a place I would want to live is anywhere I’m happy.”

Misty Rhodes, 16, sophomore, Mission Viejo

“Somewhere in the mountains in Switzerland and be at one with nature.”

Beau LeBreton, 15, sophomore, Mission Viejo

“Tahiti because it would be really peaceful and relaxing. I would surf every day and be alone with my thoughts.”

Greg Dutton, 16, sophomore, Mission Viejo

“Australia because the weather is nice, the people are nice and I like to camp.”

Patti Aldrich, 18, senior, Orange

“Southern California because I’ve always lived here and I like living here. I’d live in Australia, but it is too far away.”

Noah Mueller, 17, senior, Orange

“There are a lot of places I would like to visit, but I like living here in California.”

Heidi Brienza, 16, junior, Orange

“China--I think it’s the closest any government has come to a perfect society. Above all, I believe wholeheartedly in the Marxist doctrine. I’m not basing it on landscape, beauty or (cost of living), but on the culture, society and the principles under which the government operates.”

Ryan Byrne, 16, sophomore, Orange

“Costa Rica because I like the climate and it sounds like an interesting place to live.”

Chris Williams, 15, sophomore, Orange

“Right here in Southern California.”

Bill Peters, 16, junior, Southern California Christian

“Hawaii during the summer and Colorado for the winter.”

Shelly Benson, 18, senior, Southern California Christian

“England, so I could soak up the culture and become rich and famous and dine with the queen.”

Natalie Carter, 15, freshman, Southern California Christian

“Ludlow Town, Calif.”

Chris Ludlow, 15, sophomore, Southern California Christian

“Right here in Southern California.”

Bill Peters, 16, junior, Southern California Christian

“Jamaica because I love the beach and the people there are very friendly.”

Ana Carrera, 15, sophomore, Western

“I love Southern California! Staying in a nice four-bedroom house is just great for me.”

Kimberly Martindale, 15, sophomore, Western

“Alaska mostly because of their great fishing.”

Ray Ruiz, 17, junior, Western

“England because my relatives live there.”

Manisha Dudheker, 16, sophomore, Western

“In a mansion in Hawaii with an indoor basketball court, so I could play all day long.”

Marisa Cadena, 15, sophomore, Western

Next Week’s Hot Topic: How do you feel about interracial dating?

Hot Topic responses gathered by Chris Bergerud, Angela Conner, Melanie Fowler, Lynda Kim, Stacey Kinsey, Joo Young Lee, Stefan Lee, Jason Loeb, Monica Neal, Heather Orey and Janet Stouder.