Discussion
The crime and punishment thread on here has started me up thinking about moving on to sunnier destinations again. It's always been in the back of my mind, for quite some time.
My Dad gave up the rat race about eight years ago to enjoy a more relaxing life in Belgium (don't laugh). What really appealed to him was more emphesis upon relaxing, socilaising, drinking etc, without the work pressures - overtime is banned there, for one example.
More recently my mate gave up his very good job in London to travel around the world, never to return. I keep in touch via e-mail every now and then, when he's passing through somewhere with an internet cafe. So far he's enjoyed some strange places around Thailand, surfing on small islands, next stop New Zealand very soon.
I may well have a decent job here, enjoying profits from the booming housing market and planning my next sports car, but I can't help thinking I'm really missing out on something better. Something less material, and more rewarding. I will end up moving abroad to satisy this desire, it's just where and when. I agree with sentiments posted on the crime and punishment threads wholeheartedly, so will not miss this place too much.
My main concern is where? My ideal checklist would include somewhere...
1.warmer
2.with athriving industry (I work with computers)
3.friendly and less pressured
4.ideally, with spoken english (I'm lazy)
I think the places most suitable to my list are NZ, Australia, USA. My only slight problem is they are quite some time away on a plane. Not quite as convenient as nipping back to vist relatives etc as from Spain. I know if I were to learn a new language then it opens up many more possiblities for me throughout Europe, as possible destinations. I will be travelling a little after the summer, so hope to come up with a few ideas.
I would be interested to hear any experiences from those that may have already made a leap to somewhere new. How did you get on? Especially as far as decent jobs go and the whole languge thing.
IMO, the problem with Aus, NZ is that from where I'm sat they're run by woolier liberals than exist on the continent of Europe - if there's anything road safety related that amounts to festooning everyone in bubble-wrap, it was likely tried first in Australia...
Also, it's significantly more difficult to earn decnt money down there..
Re. USA, well I just don't like the idea of it.. US seems to be just a more focused model of stupidity than we have in this country..
My thoughts are moving toward France or Spain, which both have more laid back lifestyles than the UK IMO, better weather (Normandy not withstanding) and yet are not too far away from here.
I don't think language is much of a problem - six months of 'in at the deep end' and you'll be a master.. you'd be amazed at how quickly you can become fluent in a language after a few rudimentary lessons and a lot of 'hands on' with native speakers..
Also, it's significantly more difficult to earn decnt money down there..
Re. USA, well I just don't like the idea of it.. US seems to be just a more focused model of stupidity than we have in this country..
My thoughts are moving toward France or Spain, which both have more laid back lifestyles than the UK IMO, better weather (Normandy not withstanding) and yet are not too far away from here.
I don't think language is much of a problem - six months of 'in at the deep end' and you'll be a master.. you'd be amazed at how quickly you can become fluent in a language after a few rudimentary lessons and a lot of 'hands on' with native speakers..
I know what you mean about usa, I know it's not ideal either. As a side point I've heard there's no speed limit in the Northern Territory of Oz. Mind you there's not a lot out there I guess.
A collegue of mine has a load of mates in Spain. A place called Porta Benus (sp?) - the best part I'm told. Sounds very tempting. At least they speak English as a second language too. Would help whilst learning! Obviosly the weather is perfect too. The most likely destination for me, thinking about it.
France looks very convenient with the tunnel etc. Just not sure about getting on with them. Don't know if they would be as patient with the whole language barrier that would exist initially.
Roadrunner,
I cant comment on living in Oz or NZ, or Europe for that matter but I can share with you my experiences of the good ol' US of A.
I spent 18 months there, living first in Seattle then in Atlanta. As I was only in Seattle for 4 months I will concentrate on Atlanta as thats more recent in my memory.
With regards your 4 point checklist:
1) Warmer - oh yes, end of April it hits 100 degs and stays like it 24/7 until mid October.
2) IT Work - Loads, its the gateway for EMEA companies in America, there are loads of IT companies in Atlanta.
3) Friendly - I'll come back to that.
4) English - Yeah of sorts, its easy to get by though.
As for the point about a friendly/less pressured society well. Americans work a lot more hours than us, they really do have the hard work/reward ethos and this is seen all over the US but especially on my visit to San Francisco, a place where 60-70 hour weeks are not at all uncommon. People generally speaking have a greater sense of community than over here but on an individual level are less engaging than Brits. The Americans have customer service deep in their blood, get on a bus or a train and everyone smiles at you, on the surface its a much happier place than the UK!!
As far as down points go, well its so damned big you have to travel for areas of outstanding natural beauty, each state is like a different country, especially when you visit places like Alabama and Lousiana! The tax is a little higher over there, and even higher if you are married. However there is the 93c a gallon gas, cheap cars, food and booze. You get bombarded with religion mind, there were 7 churches between my flat and the pub which was about a mile away (but again this may be the south for you).
On the whole its a different life, not better or worse, just different.
HTH
Matt.
I cant comment on living in Oz or NZ, or Europe for that matter but I can share with you my experiences of the good ol' US of A.
I spent 18 months there, living first in Seattle then in Atlanta. As I was only in Seattle for 4 months I will concentrate on Atlanta as thats more recent in my memory.
With regards your 4 point checklist:
1) Warmer - oh yes, end of April it hits 100 degs and stays like it 24/7 until mid October.
2) IT Work - Loads, its the gateway for EMEA companies in America, there are loads of IT companies in Atlanta.
3) Friendly - I'll come back to that.
4) English - Yeah of sorts, its easy to get by though.
As for the point about a friendly/less pressured society well. Americans work a lot more hours than us, they really do have the hard work/reward ethos and this is seen all over the US but especially on my visit to San Francisco, a place where 60-70 hour weeks are not at all uncommon. People generally speaking have a greater sense of community than over here but on an individual level are less engaging than Brits. The Americans have customer service deep in their blood, get on a bus or a train and everyone smiles at you, on the surface its a much happier place than the UK!!
As far as down points go, well its so damned big you have to travel for areas of outstanding natural beauty, each state is like a different country, especially when you visit places like Alabama and Lousiana! The tax is a little higher over there, and even higher if you are married. However there is the 93c a gallon gas, cheap cars, food and booze. You get bombarded with religion mind, there were 7 churches between my flat and the pub which was about a mile away (but again this may be the south for you).
On the whole its a different life, not better or worse, just different.
HTH
Matt.
How about Germany? I moved here 27 years ago and only now am i suffering the same numptyness of politicians as BLiar and co: F*cking pinko barstewards...
Language: a lot of germans speak AMerican NOT english you'd probably pick up German fast. it's fairly simple.
Friendliness: in country areas sure, towns just like London uncivil and insulting
Service: doesn't exist, they've never heard of it, but stand up and complain and things get done!
IT work: lots, they're even importing from India with "green cards" as they know F'ckall about computers.... Centres Stuttgart and Hamburg
Food: in SW VERY good, otherplaces not quite as mediocre as France but bearable. Lots of ethnic food Yugo, Eytie, Chinese etc You'll not find Lamb, Branston, pies, brown sauce, baked beans etc you'll have to go home on holiday and stock up...
Beer: well that's why copies are brewed in GB
Wine: also good provided you don't drink the sweetenend sh*t thats sent to GB
Speed limits: most autobahns are still without limits
whopeee........but the pinkos are getting more and more "temporary" limits put in.
Taxes: higher than GB (average 51% total take off incl pension and health) but much more available capital afterwards
Just my 2 cents worth......
Language: a lot of germans speak AMerican NOT english you'd probably pick up German fast. it's fairly simple.
Friendliness: in country areas sure, towns just like London uncivil and insulting
Service: doesn't exist, they've never heard of it, but stand up and complain and things get done!
IT work: lots, they're even importing from India with "green cards" as they know F'ckall about computers.... Centres Stuttgart and Hamburg
Food: in SW VERY good, otherplaces not quite as mediocre as France but bearable. Lots of ethnic food Yugo, Eytie, Chinese etc You'll not find Lamb, Branston, pies, brown sauce, baked beans etc you'll have to go home on holiday and stock up...
Beer: well that's why copies are brewed in GB
Wine: also good provided you don't drink the sweetenend sh*t thats sent to GB
Speed limits: most autobahns are still without limits
whopeee........but the pinkos are getting more and more "temporary" limits put in.
Taxes: higher than GB (average 51% total take off incl pension and health) but much more available capital afterwards
Just my 2 cents worth......
Cheers guys. I get the impression USA isn't much better than the uk in terms of crime etc. Although I guess it varies massively dependant on where you are. Not too sure about working harder than here either. They'd think I was a lazy git sloping off after a 40 hour week!
I know Canada has some amazing scenery, although I don't fancy de-icing my cars break lines with a flame thrower in the winter mornings! I quite fancy somewhere without the cold winters.
I know Canada has some amazing scenery, although I don't fancy de-icing my cars break lines with a flame thrower in the winter mornings! I quite fancy somewhere without the cold winters.
Well, how many times have I heard this before?. 
Ok so the UK has crap weather, high petrol prices, rising crime, and a questionalable working ethic etc etc
I am sure its the same in other countrys and Mr Budd Steele is chatting to his mates down the local bar in down town San Fran saying "gee guys, I really am sick off the crime
and rising fuel prices in the the U S of A, and its so damn hot. Where can I go to live?" 
At the end of the day (I know its a crap saying) you will miss the little things that make Britain, Britain and ultimatley make you British. You will not realise this until you leave, and you will find you become very patriotic all of a sudden.
I lived in Oz, NZ, and the US for 4 years and once you take away the sun and easy life, it does get a bit tedious and you crave some biting British sarcasm and dull weather, honest!
My grandad used to say "Happiness is from within"
Then again, I would go and live somewhere hot for a while, but I wouldnt sell my house and I would want to come back after about a year, or when I craved British beer, Walkers crisps or the cold crisp winter mornings. ahhhh
Ok so the UK has crap weather, high petrol prices, rising crime, and a questionalable working ethic etc etc
I am sure its the same in other countrys and Mr Budd Steele is chatting to his mates down the local bar in down town San Fran saying "gee guys, I really am sick off the crime
and rising fuel prices in the the U S of A, and its so damn hot. Where can I go to live?" At the end of the day (I know its a crap saying) you will miss the little things that make Britain, Britain and ultimatley make you British. You will not realise this until you leave, and you will find you become very patriotic all of a sudden.
I lived in Oz, NZ, and the US for 4 years and once you take away the sun and easy life, it does get a bit tedious and you crave some biting British sarcasm and dull weather, honest!
My grandad used to say "Happiness is from within"
Then again, I would go and live somewhere hot for a while, but I wouldnt sell my house and I would want to come back after about a year, or when I craved British beer, Walkers crisps or the cold crisp winter mornings. ahhhh
The thing that got me back (apart from the girlfriend with no VISA) was the countryside. Nowhere in America do they have the gentle rolling green hills and valleys that we have. It sounds silly I know but after a while I just started to miss them and featured quite highly in my reasons for coming back.
Another one was Comedy, there are only so many ridiculous Friends type shows one can watch, there is no quality comedy out there (Simpsons and Frasier being two notable exceptions) and on the rare occasion they show something funny its usually British and on PBS.
Matt.
Another one was Comedy, there are only so many ridiculous Friends type shows one can watch, there is no quality comedy out there (Simpsons and Frasier being two notable exceptions) and on the rare occasion they show something funny its usually British and on PBS.
Matt.
How about Jersey?
1. Warm(er) than UK
2. Plenty of IT work due to Finance Industry. Overpaid people doing v. little.
3. Friendly with less pressure? The national pastime is drinking, surfing and driving porkers
4. English - oh yes
5. Tax - minimal
6. Petrol 56p/litre
7. Insurance - f.all.
8. MOTs - not required
Downside - official speed limit is 40mph
1. Warm(er) than UK
2. Plenty of IT work due to Finance Industry. Overpaid people doing v. little.
3. Friendly with less pressure? The national pastime is drinking, surfing and driving porkers
4. English - oh yes
5. Tax - minimal
6. Petrol 56p/litre
7. Insurance - f.all.
8. MOTs - not required
Downside - official speed limit is 40mph
I know what your saying. Grass is always greener somewhere else. But anywhere else is better than the uk once our summer has slipped past, faster than a cerbie on slicks, leaving us 8 months of grey cold shite. How depressing. I want to wake up with sun on my face, in winter!
I've notice a lot of ads in the back of the sunday papers for new villas in decent areas of Spain. A nice detatched 3 bed with pool going for 100k. Bargain or what?! I was thinking about buying another place to rent out with my girlfriend next year. Maybe we should buy one of these instead. I could nip over there now and then. Possibly work with my computer and ISDN line out there in a freelance capacity. Would be a way of dipping my toe in the water to see how things pan out. Just one option.
I've notice a lot of ads in the back of the sunday papers for new villas in decent areas of Spain. A nice detatched 3 bed with pool going for 100k. Bargain or what?! I was thinking about buying another place to rent out with my girlfriend next year. Maybe we should buy one of these instead. I could nip over there now and then. Possibly work with my computer and ISDN line out there in a freelance capacity. Would be a way of dipping my toe in the water to see how things pan out. Just one option.
quote:]
I know what your saying. Grass is always greener somewhere else. But anywhere else is better than the uk once our summer has slipped past, faster than a cerbie on slicks, leaving us 8 months of grey cold shite. How depressing. I want to wake up with sun on my face, in winter!
I've notice a lot of ads in the back of the sunday papers for new villas in decent areas of Spain. A nice detatched 3 bed with pool going for 100k. Bargain or what?! I was thinking about buying another place to rent out with my girlfriend next year. Maybe we should buy one of these instead. I could nip over there now and then. Possibly work with my computer and ISDN line out there in a freelance capacity. Would be a way of dipping my toe in the water to see how things pan out. Just one option.
Sounds good to me, when will you sell tickets to PistonHeads for a weekend break?
Have you thought of Eire?
Beautiful countryside, lovely uncrowded beaches, a booming economy and a very high standard of living. Really friendly laid back people who love a drink and a good time!
Amazing cheap fares from Ryanair to nip back home when nec.
>> Edited by CupraBri on Monday 15th April 15:52
Beautiful countryside, lovely uncrowded beaches, a booming economy and a very high standard of living. Really friendly laid back people who love a drink and a good time!
Amazing cheap fares from Ryanair to nip back home when nec.
>> Edited by CupraBri on Monday 15th April 15:52
quote:
Nowhere in America do they have the gentle rolling green hills and valleys that we have. It sounds silly I know but after a while I just started to miss them and featured quite highly in my reasons for coming back.
You want the North Carolina/Virginia/West Virginia area. Very hilly. Quite nice in the summer and still get a bit of snow in the winter. Great back-road driving especially in the Blue Ridge mountain area.
Downside - f
ing NASCAR fans... (NASCAR in a nutshell - go straight, ok left turn - ok, go straight 
) and the fact that most of them think that the WWF is actually a sport quote:
Another one was Comedy, there are only so many ridiculous Friends type shows one can watch, there is no quality comedy out there (Simpsons and Frasier being two notable exceptions) and on the rare occasion they show something funny its usually British and on PBS.
Agreed!
ErnestM
Just a quick note on the Germany thing.
It is 100% more relaxed than the UK and 100% better if you ask me, summers are hotter and they have street parties every week from April until October.
PS and the beers great !
( I know you didn't ask but anyway )
But on the IT work, don't even think about it right now.
The IT recruitment market in Germany is the worst in Europe at the moment. They have extremly high unemployment figures at the mo.
I had made a living finding work for IT guys in the fatherland until last year but now I do it elseware.
It is 100% more relaxed than the UK and 100% better if you ask me, summers are hotter and they have street parties every week from April until October.
PS and the beers great !
( I know you didn't ask but anyway )
But on the IT work, don't even think about it right now.
The IT recruitment market in Germany is the worst in Europe at the moment. They have extremly high unemployment figures at the mo.
I had made a living finding work for IT guys in the fatherland until last year but now I do it elseware.
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