In Reply to: is now a bad time to move to europe?, rob [Profile/Gallery] , Sat, 18 Dec 2004 19:08:49

I recently returned from 2 months in Europe and Scandinavia - I actually visited 9 countries: UK, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, and Italy. The UK was my 'base' as I had visited there countless times before and have very good friends that live in London and Brighton. In my two months of travelling, I never once encountered any anti-American sentiment. Even in France, where the US government went out of their way to incite anti-US feelings, I found people very friendly, hospitable, and easy to get along with - even in spite of my lack of command of the French language. Even in Italy, people would apologize to me that their English wasn't great (my Italian is atrocious!). The Scandinavian countries are no problem because everyone, even little children, can speak at least 4 or 5 different languages.
In general, the only thing I missed while travelling were my close friends.
In every other respect, these countries are far more advanced than the US: the food is better, the standard of living is better (less stressful, more relaxed, better pay-rates, better infrastructure, roads, buildings, etc. , etc.). At the risk of becoming completely engulfed in flames, I found it a more humane place to be. In the US, where corporate ethics go unquestioned, people seem to have less expectations for themselves and others. Whereas in Europe and Scandinavia, there's a much broader concern with human values, probably related to socialist and trade unionist histories. For example, the credo "From each according to his abilities, to each according his needs" comes closest to being realized in Sweden and Denmark. You don't see billionaires there because those that have the ability to pay a higher tax rate, do - you also see the other side: people being paid to earn PhD's because education is seen as important, both to them, and to society in general.
No Rob, in all honesty, I can safely say that once you go, and if you stay for a few months, you'll probably start asking yourself "why should I go back?" If it weren't for a few friends and family, I'd be asking myself the same question.....let the flames begin!

posted by 24.91.254...

• is now a bad time to move to europe?, rob , Sat, 18 Dec 2004 19:08:49
  • Re: is now a bad time to move to europe?, Slaab , Mon, 20 Dec 2004 15:56:40
  • Well... Re: is now a bad time to move to europe?, Rafe, Mon, 20 Dec 2004 14:51:48
  • Re: is now a bad time to move to europe?, Ken , Mon, 20 Dec 2004 13:11:59
  • hard to get a job in the EU, Trev, Sun, 19 Dec 2004 10:06:57
    • Re: hard to get a job in the EU, 93Gator, Sun, 19 Dec 2004 19:31:52
  • As an American who lives in Europe..., Street, Sun, 19 Dec 2004 09:47:38
    • Yes, I'd heard the same things about..., zeke, Mon, 20 Dec 2004 04:57:03
      • Northern Spain was fabulous June 03...., Mike Lynch , Mon, 20 Dec 2004 17:12:35
    • Great points..., Noel, Sun, 19 Dec 2004 11:09:47
  • Re: is now a bad time to move to europe?, Jonathan, Sun, 19 Dec 2004 08:06:06
  • Now's a great time to move to europe...., zeke, Sun, 19 Dec 2004 06:34:46 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Different perspective - European living in US, Rod M, Mon, 20 Dec 2004 09:07:50
      • I was going to feed the fire.., Yaofeng, Mon, 20 Dec 2004 18:08:30
  • i would be more worried about the euro, tomg, Sun, 19 Dec 2004 01:15:13
  • Re: is now a bad time to move to europe?, Daanimal900, Sat, 18 Dec 2004 22:05:58
  • No different now than it's always been >, ChipJ, Sat, 18 Dec 2004 21:58:49
    • Re: No different now than it's always been >, Spiros Trianta, Sun, 19 Dec 2004 13:34:56
  • Re: is now a bad time to move to europe?, NDGSAAB, Sat, 18 Dec 2004 20:01:40

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