NationStates Jolt Archive

I've just had a big big change in my life.

I've upped and off from near London, in England, to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

I left for several reasons. I'm a tax exile (English people suffer way too much tax), the weather (English weather in winter is miserable) and for career prospects.

I've had to sacrifice a lot. Political freedom - I'm now subject to severe censorship. Being near my friends. Being near my family. My old job, which I enjoyed. My old colleagues of who I was very proud. And the general English way of life.

So, where are you now? Would you leave? Why? Where would you go? What would you sacrifice?

I guess I would.

Theoretically, I always wanted to, always wanted to have all kinds of adventures all over the world. :rolleyes:

Practically, I've lived abroad for a bit over a year once, that was fine. I was very ready to leave my life here back then, too, so that helped.

I've been thinking about emigrating to the US a lot lately and at first I was really cool with it, but then all the things you'd leave behind cross your mind, too. In my case, that would of course be my family (and since my parents are getting on in age, this isn't all that easy a decision even if I'm not much of a "family person" normally and live far away from them) but also things one takes for granted here, like health insurance or unemployment insurance or welfare. I mean, I have never been without health insurance in my life, nor has anybody else I know simply because there is no way anybody is ever without health insurance here. And it's a hell of a difference if I'm not seeing a dentist because I'm scared and stupid but still know that if it got really bad, I could just go see one without having to worry about money, or if my choice is between being in pain or being in debt.
And what about if one gets older and, I don't know, gets cancer or some chronic disease or needs expensive surgeries? That's bad enough in and of itself but at least here it won't send you hundreds of thousands of dollars into debt on top of it.

So yeah, I always used to laugh off things like that but when you consider the possibility of actually going, it gets a lot more real.

I would not move permanently to a foreign land. I have lived in the UK and spent a year and a half in the Middle East. I also spend a considerable amount of time in Morocco. I enjoy living in the US to much to actually forsake it.

My friend is thinking of emigrating to New Zealand, and I can't blame him. The UK is going to hell in a handbasket, and I'd quite like to leave before it gets out of hand. However. Where to go? There's not much else in the world that's really tempting.

I would be willing to emigrate off-planet.

I like where I live, and I like my friends and family. I would consider emigrating on a temporary basis if it paid well and furthered my career. That being said, if I were in dire economic circumstances then naturally I would consider emigrating (like most of my great grandparents did.) I have nothing but respect for people who are willing to uproot their lives and everything they know for a chance at a new life somewhere else.

Possibly, although the number of countries I'd want to live in is quite low. In fact, unless it's Australia or Ireland, I wouldn't move.

If things got really bad here, yeah, I'd leave. They aren't yet, and I don't expect them to ever get that way during my life. Elsewise, I love the Pacific Northwest too much to leave.

I would be willing to emigrate off-planet.

To which planet?

I'm in the USA. I'm happy here.

Oddly enough, when emigration was rife here, I was one of the ones who stayed. Now over 20 years later, the people here have changed to the extent I have started considering going.

To which planet?

Well, it depends on my choices, neh? Closest, therefore most likely, is the Moon (we're more of a binary planet than planet-and-moon). Anywhere in the solar system? One of the moons of Jupiter could be nice. Maybe just a colonist in a starship, headed for a system I wouldn't live to see, but my descendants would. That could be cool, too.

I emigrated to the UK from the US when I was 15 in 1983...best decision I made.

To the USA or Australia, yes.

Oddly enough, when emigration was rife here, I was one of the ones who stayed. Now over 20 years later, the people here have changed to the extent I have started considering going.Where do you live?

Where do you live?

Ireland.

I could quite happily live in Australia.

I've considered it, vaguely, but I can't possibly afford it. Even if I could, where would I go? Canada or New Zealand, maybe... The US is out, mostly for the reasons WYTYG listed. Anywhere "foreign" is out because I'm completely incapable of learning other languages.
And then there's leaving behind all my friends. Although considering how often I get to see them, that might not make much difference ;)
And all the upheaval and effort, and I'm really lazy.
And the sure and certain knowledge that it would all go wrong and I'd wind up in a terrible pickle.
And the sneaking suspicion that, after journeying halfway around the world with my possessions in a knapsack, finding employment in a weird foreign land, and avoiding whatever mishaps Fate would throw at me for a giggle, I'd discover it wasn't actually any different to here after all.

So maybe I'll just stay in my little flat in the Midlands, and grumble on the internet. That sounds easier.

And all the upheaval and effort, and I'm really lazy.
Oh, yeah, then there's that as well. It'd almost certainly not be worth the bother. I'd pretty much have to be fleeing for my life to move to another country.

I'd move to another state (which, in one sense, I've already done, as I'm now attending college in Washington state), but I'd never move outside of the US.

I've thought about it, and it's sometimes tempting, but I doubt I'd ever actually do it. I know that there would be a thousand little things that I missed as soon as I left, things I don't even notice now. I think it's easy to underestimate just how hard it is to leave 'home'.

You know, I've thought about this a lot, and I would. I'd give up a lot, but I would leave if I had the ability. I live in the US right now, but I aspire to move to Australia some day. But thinking about this as much as I have and coming to that decision... I realized that if I could be truly happy, have good job prospects and live in a good country, I'd give up a lot for it. My girlfriend however, she doesn't understand or maybe she does but isn't willing to go as far as I am or do what I would do. We've gotten into a few fights over this.

It really comes down to the fact that I would give up my friends, my family, everything I have now if I could improve my life by it. She asked if I'd leave her and her family... I couldn't anwser her then. Because I would have said yes, I would. I'm sure I'd regret it for a while, and I'm sure for years it'd feel like something was missing. But if I could genuinely improve my life and live somewhere I enjoyed more...

Well, I already emigrated, so from here it's gonna be even easier. Basically, my plan for my life includes going wherever a good job is. I'm not particularly picky.

I´d gladly move to one of the the super-civilized countries of Central Europe -Germany, Switzerland, Austria..

Ditch Canada? Perhaps.

To where? Scandinavia, possibly France if I can get them to speak a different language.

Interesting. Australia seems to be quite the pick. I wonder why?

Anyhow, already living in Australia, I suppose I would have to pick elsewhere. I could deal with anywhere in SE-Asia. Purely for the food and cheapness of everything. In fact, if things don't go too well by the time I am 40 or so, I will cash in all of my chips and live like a king for the rest of my days in Malaysia, Indonesia, or Thailand.

So, where are you now? Would you leave? Why? Where would you go? What would you sacrifice?
Here. No. Because. Nowhere. Nothing.

Only total devastation would make me leave here. And probably return later, if possible.

I've just had a big big change in my life.

I've upped and off from near London, in England, to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

I left for several reasons. I'm a tax exile (English people suffer way too much tax), the weather (English weather in winter is miserable) and for career prospects.

I've had to sacrifice a lot. Political freedom - I'm now subject to severe censorship. Being near my friends. Being near my family. My old job, which I enjoyed. My old colleagues of who I was very proud. And the general English way of life.

So, where are you now? Would you leave? Why? Where would you go? What would you sacrifice?
I'm Curious... are you happy? is what you gained worth what you lost?

I have a very specific set of legal/Constitutional things that have to happen for me to emigrate from the US. The US is teetering on the brink of several of those things right now, so I've been thinking about the practicalities of emigrating quite a bit, just in case the worst happens. I'm trying to arrange my finances and business to make it easier, and I'm researching various countries. I suppose an English-speaking country would be the most practical choice, and Canada seems the best bet, as it is closest and hence, cheapest to actually make the physical move. Otherwise, I'm not sure. It would have to be a country with tons of political freedom and relative religious liberty, very good food and coffee and cities with good public transit.

But one thing I cannot imagine is moving to a country with LESS freedom, as the OP did.

EDIT: One place I definitely would not mind being a citizen of, or at least qualifying for, would be Monaco.

I wouldn't mind living in Paraguay, if I spoke Spanish and/or Guaraní.

I'd like to emigrate to Canada or Britain. Finland is a possibility, but I have never been there and I have no idea how to speak the language, so I don't know.

Realistically, I'll probably stay right here in Baltimore. It's not half bad.

I have a very specific set of legal/Constitutional things that have to happen for me to emigrate from the US. The US is teetering on the brink of several of those things right now, so I've been thinking about the practicalities of emigrating quite a bit, just in case the worst happens. I'm trying to arrange my finances and business to make it easier, and I'm researching various countries. I suppose an English-speaking country would be the most practical choice, and Canada seems the best bet, as it is closest and hence, cheapest to actually make the physical move. Otherwise, I'm not sure. It would have to be a country with tons of political freedom and relative religious liberty, very good food and coffee and cities with good public transit.

But one thing I cannot imagine is moving to a country with LESS freedom, as the OP did.

EDIT: One place I definitely would not mind being a citizen of, or at least qualifying for, would be Monaco.because Freedom can be a scary thing to some people (not pointing fingers at anyone.) some people want the security and the chains of laws. some want to be told what to do, and what to watch/say/live.

Same as those who don't want anyform of control... even laws meant to protect someone is too much.

I have already immigrated to Canada from Germany (well we had lived in Austria for six months prior to moving, but I was born in Germany and spent the better part of three years there). To be honest, I do consider moving back when I am older, or maybe to Australia or Japan.

To the person who said the UK is going to hell in a hand basket...how so?

Dubai?

I hope you enjoy living in luxury in the world's most extensive slave economy.

I hope you die, you fucking bastard.

If things got really bad here, yeah, I'd leave. They aren't yet, and I don't expect them to ever get that way during my life. Elsewise, I love the Pacific Northwest too much to leave.

The nice thing is that BC is right there. If things got bad here, I'd definitely consider heading into the Okanagon or Vancouver Island

because Freedom can be a scary thing to some people (not pointing fingers at anyone.) some people want the security and the chains of laws. some want to be told what to do, and what to watch/say/live.
True. I do not and will not pretend to understand such people, but I know they exist. Recent US politics (and other countries, too) is evidence of this.

Same as those who don't want anyform of control... even laws meant to protect someone is too much.
You know, I've always suspected that people who claim the most extreme such views are liars because I've noticed that they denounce most strongly protective regulations that they have never needed to invoke for themselves. Easy enough to claim that regulations against, say, asbestos are bad for society, until you (rhetorical) get diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer.

True. I do not and will not pretend to understand such people, but I know they exist. Recent US politics (and other countries, too) is evidence of this.the good thing about US politics is that it will swing back to the center. it just takes time.


You know, I've always suspected that people who claim the most extreme such views are liars because I've noticed that they denounce most strongly protective regulations that they have never needed to invoke for themselves. Easy enough to claim that regulations against, say, asbestos are bad for society, until you (rhetorical) get diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer.not liars. they just don't see things from the other's point of view.

The US is rather nice and I intend to live here for some time to come, but I wouldn't be above relocating to Australia or New Zealand.

I'd like to spend some time with different constellations.

Why the hell does everyone want to move to Australia?

Why the hell does everyone want to move to Australia?

Because Australians kick ass?

Why the hell does everyone want to move to Australia?

Sparsely populated, different constellations, won't get nuked when the big war comes.

Big win.

Oh. Kangaroos and Koala Bears too.

Interesting. Australia seems to be quite the pick. I wonder why?

Why the hell does everyone want to move to Australia?
Because - like me until I learned differently on this forum - most people have a very positive picture of Australia. Go figure.

My father moved from Japan to America when he was 20 without possessing any passable English skills... I have a feeling I'll live in at least a few other countries over the course of my life, I'm already looking and hoping to move far away as soon as I realistically can.

Sparsely populated, different constellations, won't get nuked when the big war comes.

Big win.

Oh. Kangaroos and Koala Bears too.

^ What he said. ^

Because Australians kick ass?

If your definition of "kicking ass" includes being among the most ignorant, xenophobic and apathetic people on the face of the planet whilst prizing the opinions of athletes and celebrities far above those of intellectuals, then I guess you're right.

EDIT - I just hunted for this post of mine that goes into more detail. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11990817&postcount=3) I could, however, make other points if I desired to.


Sparsely populated, different constellations, won't get nuked when the big war comes.

Big win.

Oh. Kangaroos and Koala Bears too.

It's not that sparsely populated. The reason nobody lives in the bits that are currently near empty is because they're shitty wasteland and inaccessible. Over half of the population is confined to the south-eastern part .

Because - like me until I learned differently on this forum - most people have a very positive picture of Australia. Go figure.

Well, don't take it from me, i'm just an angsty naive adolescent traitor anyway, apparently - the vast majority of the population would jump on me for making such commentary.

Heh. But seriously, having never been overseas, it might not be all that bad in comparison. But it's not like i've never heard any foreign visitors comment on its flaws...

I'm actually thinking of emigrating from the USA to Dubai before things in the former can get any worse (which they will.) It sounds like a nice place to live, and it's more in line with my Hopperite ideals than what the US is and is turning into.

If your definition of "kicking ass" includes being among the most ignorant, xenophobic and apathetic people on the face of the planet whilst prizing the opinions of athletes and celebrities far above those of intellectuals, then I guess you're right.

Oh, you're American. Funny, I thought you were Australian. :p



j/k

I'm actually thinking of emigrating from the USA to Dubai before things in the former can get any worse (which they will.) It sounds like a nice place to live, and it's more in line with my Hopperite ideals than what the US is and is turning into.

I agree. The fact some federal laws has been written into effect and are unconstitutional and regularly enforced scares the crap outa me. I'm betting there will not be another election year and Bush will be running for a third and lifelong term. Is there any chance any European countries will accept a US citizen with truck driving as a skill?

As for emigrating away from the UK in the land of Saudi, maybe it be best to keep your UK citizenship. You are a tax exile and keeping the money you make. Plus you can use it to get the hell outa there in case the US decided to invade or civil war erupts.

Maybe it be a good idea to try to get a second Identity by having your English name translated into Arabic and get a dual citizenship. One for Arabia and one for the UK. Check if it is possible and a good idea first.

What would be the benefits to being a citizen in Saudi Arabia any ways?

To answer on topic, I suppose I wouldn't mind Japan, as it would certainly be a different experience, but i've no illusions that it's going to be much better than my experience of Australia. France or Scandinavia might also be nice, as they're different cultures, but not so alien that I could not readily adjust to them. However, I would probably find the latter too cold since i've never seen snow in my life.

Practically, however, the only real options are Britain or New Zealand, and i've actually considered both of those as future options.

Oh, you're American. Funny, I thought you were Australian. :p



j/k

lol. :p See my edited post if you want a more in-depth explanation.

Oh, you're American. Funny, I thought you were Australian. :p



j/k

Get out and travel a bit. Try China and or a host of most of the worlds nations. Americans for all the crap they get are actually fairly smart when it comes to the world. When you do travel ask some basic questions about the United States and the world. You may be very suprised at what you hear.

Practically, however, the only real options are Britain or New Zealand, and i've actually considered both of those as future options.
.

I do like the UK and enjoyed the culture while I was there for a year. However it is damn expensive, crowded and cold crappy weather. If you enjoy those things then I would recommend the UK.

I emigrated from the Soviet Union to the US 15 years ago (next Monday is the anniversary) at the age of 25 and with $65 in my pocket.

I do like the UK and enjoyed the culture while I was there for a year. However it is damn expensive, crowded and cold crappy weather. If you enjoy those things then I would recommend the UK.

Those are my concerns. Still, there's always the possibility i'd earn more over there than here....and being an Australian citizen, I believe I get an automatic work visa.

come to Portugal:p

I intend to emigrate as soon as I finish my education...though just where I'll end up is up in the air. I'll probably move to Canada first, just because I think it'll be easier to move from Canada to *insert country* than the U.S. to *insert country* :p

If your definition of "kicking ass" includes being among the most ignorant, xenophobic and apathetic people on the face of the planet whilst prizing the opinions of athletes and celebrities far above those of intellectuals, then I guess you're right.

EDIT - I just hunted for this post of mine that goes into more detail. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11990817&postcount=3) I could, however, make other points if I desired to.

Meh, most of what you said in that post is overstated to make it look worse than it is. And I think you'll find that we are just as racist as most other countries.

Back on topic, I'd love to spend time, preferably working, in some SE Asian countries for a while. To live in maybe one of the Scandinavian countries, but to look at it realistically, Canada since I wouldn't have to learn a new language (I've tried and I've failed).

If for some reason life in the states becomes unbearable for me (which I cannot honestly forsee happening), I would try to emigrate to some other English speaking country. Failing that, I can at any time claim Russian citizenship (as I was born in the Soviet Union) or Israeli citizenship (I'm Jewish), so probably Israel as a backup and Russia as a last resort.

I can't really imagine emigrating. I enjoying visiting foreign countries and seeing more of foreign cultures, but I don't think I'd want to live in a foreign country permanently.

For one thing, I'm used to it here. For another, I wouldn't want to lose our good healthcare system. For a third, I've got a career in the public service, meaning I'm virtually sure to remain employed for the rest of my active life, doing something I find interesting; no way would I want to compromise that.

I lived for a year in Australia, and enjoyed it (Australians tend to be friendly and helplful), but I wouldn't want to move there permanently.

If ever I did emigrate... Despite being half-British, I can't really see myself settling in Britain. If I could learn Dutch or Swedish, maybe one of those two (I've visted both, and I know people here).

Meh, most of what you said in that post is overstated to make it look worse than it is. And I think you'll find that we are just as racist as most other countries.

No, it's not. It's my honest opinion.

i always used to say if the tories got back in power i'd emigrate. but labour's slow slide into tory-ism and the tories slide into the middle ground means there wouldn't be much difference between the two in a practical sense any more (especially since control of the interest rate rests with the bank of england now, unlike the last time the tories were in power, but i'm not gonna hijack this thread... :P)


i would however still like to emigrate on the gounds of the weather in this country being so very depressing. i have something of a depressive personality anyway, am taking meds for depression, and it really, really doesn't help when i look out the window and the whole world is grey, drab, bleached and mind-numbingly horrible. not to mention cold.
i'd like to emigrate somewhere warm and sunny. i really do.
problem is i'm not too good with dealing with change

i would like to leave america because i'm ashaimed of it. i would never leave a country just to dodge taxes, hell i'm below the poverty level here so that's not even an issue, but even if it was, no my only objection to any amount of taxation is what it goes for.

i said i would. if i could even afford the price of transportation. but not to someplace i would be less safe. and that of course is the problem. with america being earth's biggest bully, there probably isn't any place that's safe from it. and won't be until enough of the powerful enough other parts of the planet get togather and take it down a peg or two.

right now it's the tent the biggist power is pissing out of. nothing to be proud of but certainly better then one it is outside of pissing in.

the other problem of course, is even if i had the means to relocate to another country without having to just walk and take nothing more with me then i can carry in my pockets, would be where to move TO.

canada seems to be no longer going unnoticed and left alone. new zealand is maybe one possibility. i like what i see of it for the most part. but really from what i've been able to find out, there really is no place on this planet that quite comes close enough to where and how i'd like to live. not that where i am now does either.

but, other then all that, yes, i have no overwhelming emotional ties to the traitorus and corrupt govenment america, the country i currently live in, has come to possess.

my 'patriotic' loyalties, are to the immaginary one inside my head. not that i'd kill or die for it either, but i damd sure wouldn't willingly for a hierarchy that puts 'continuation of government' ahead of human lives, let alone providing such services and infrastructure as would justify its existence.

=^^=
.../\...

I've been genuinely considering emigrating, and my current semester I'm spending in France is partially a test to see if I'd want to live here. However, other than moving to France I'd greatly prefer to stay in Michigan. Of course, what I want and what will happen rarely seem to coincide.

I am in CA, I would only go up north to washington or Minnesota. I will NEVER emigrate to another country, there is too much work to be done in the USA and ditching it never fixed anything.

I've lived in England for a few years & really enjoyed it, but I wouldn't move there permanently.

I'd like to try living in France, but again, I don't think it would be forever.

I like living in Australia, for all its flaws.

Well, I really would like to migrate. But I´m not stupid, I wouldnt like to work as a bartender in foreign countries. I need a trade and I dont have it yet.

If I had it, I wouldnt mind spending my whole life traveling. Spend a month at each city, travel east and meet new people and cultures. If I found some place good enough, I would stay for more time, like 6 months or 1 year.

Then after I had traveled enough, I would settle down in the place I liked the most.

Of course, things arent as simple, but its just a dream. I wouldnt mind living in Japan (for the wacky factor), Finland (for the hot blonds factor), or Australia (for the alligator, surf and sports factor).

So, where are you now? Would you leave? Why? Where would you go? What would you sacrifice?

My major problem is a singular lack of ability in learning new languages. I've been trying and trying for years and all I can manage is a few words here and there in some languages, occasionally enough to vaguely understand one specific conversation or two. I've several countries I'd consider emigrating to if I could just learn their languages...

So that limits me to English speaking countries, such as the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, India...and...South Africa, but I'd NEVER go there...where else speaks English as a primary language...?

To the USA or Australia, yes.

Australia is the best country in the world.

Australia is the best country in the world.


Nope, The Congo has got you beat!:D

So that limits me to English speaking countries, such as the U.K., Canada, Australia, India...and...South Africa, but I'd NEVER go there...where else speaks English as a primary language...?

India?! :confused:

English is also spoken as a (joint) first language in Hong Kong and Singapore. Pretty sure you can use it at work in Malaysia too. You could also emigrate to live almost anywhere in the Carrabian.

I have no qualms about emigrating - though have the same issue - I suck at languages.

I'd happily live in most places in the English speaking world.

While it is true that you lose some things when you move you also find new ones - it's hard to lose out really.

Australia is the best country in the world.

Agreed :)

Nope, The Congo has got you beat!:D

Um-Bongo, Um-Bongo, they drink it in the Congo...

Agreed :)
Australia is the best country in the world.


Gotta love Jingoism!

India?! :confused:

English is also spoken as a (joint) first language in Hong Kong and Singapore. Pretty sure you can use it at work in Malaysia too. You could also emigrate to live almost anywhere in the Carrabian.

I have no qualms about emigrating - though have the same issue - I suck at languages.

I'd happily live in most places in the English speaking world.

While it is true that you lose some things when you move you also find new ones - it's hard to lose out really.

After the horror stories I've heard from Demented Hamsters about Hong Kong, I've no wish to move there. Same thing for Singapore.

I can't move to a tropical island because any climate with excessive humidity seriously harms both my skin and my breathing. I've got to live a drier climate, like here in Colorado.

Oh, to hell with emigrating. I'll just force the changes I want in America through the government and not have to move anywhere at all. About the only thing interesting me in places like France and Germany is the free health insurance anyway.

Gotta love Jingoism!

Jealousy is a terrible thing.

So that limits me to English speaking countries, such as the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, India...and...South Africa, but I'd NEVER go there...where else speaks English as a primary language...?

Pakistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Liberia, Jamaica, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Gambia, Mauritius, Swaziland, Trinidad & Tobago, Fiji, Guyana, Solomon Islands, Malta, Bahamas, Belize, Barbados, Vanuatu, Saint Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Micronesia, Kiribati, Grenada, Seychelles, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda... and several others, plus non-sovereign territories, all the way down to tiny Pitcairn.

So sayeth Wikipedia.

Nope, The Congo has got you beat!:D

Which Congo? There are two. ;)

Jealousy is a terrible thing.



braggadocio is too.


Australia is the last place I would go, I hate the heat. I like it cold.

Which Congo? There are two. ;)



Democratic Republic Of!

Pakistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Liberia, Jamaica, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Gambia, Mauritius, Swaziland, Trinidad & Tobago, Fiji, Guyana, Solomon Islands, Malta, Bahamas, Belize, Barbados, Vanuatu, Saint Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Micronesia, Kiribati, Grenada, Seychelles, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda... and several others, plus non-sovereign territories, all the way down to tiny Pitcairn.

So sayeth Wikipedia.

Merci.

But...most of those are not places I'd like to visit, let alone emigrate to...though I wouldn't mind visiting the Phillipines...and maybe Fiji. No Bahamas though...they're overrated.

Anyway...Shx, UnHoly Smite, neither one of you have a right to complain about the other's excessive patriotism unless you want to sound like a hypocrite.

Anyway...Shx, UnHoly Smite, neither one of you have a right to complain about the other's excessive patriotism unless you want to sound like a hypocrite.



somebody is feeling high and mighty today.:p

braggadocio is too.


Australia is the last place I would go, I hate the heat. I like it cold.

Move to Tasmania then.

Move to Tasmania then.



.....................................When I said cold I meant sub arctic.:D

braggadocio is too.

Australia is the last place I would go, I hate the heat. I like it cold.

There's a mountain hut in Tasmania waiting for you.


Ohh - Malta is beautiful. Good suggestion Ariddia :)

.....................................When I said cold I meant sub arctic.:D

Australian Antartic Territory good enough for you?

There's a mountain hut in Tasmania waiting for you.


Ohh - Malta is beautiful. Good suggestion Ariddia :)


http://www.alaska.com/ips_rich_content/315-arctic-to-indian-ER.jpg



ARCTIC! Snow and frostbite!:cool:

Australian Antartic Territory good enough for you?



More like Santa Claus! I wanna freeze my ass off!;)

Merci.

But...most of those are not places I'd like to visit, let alone emigrate to...though I wouldn't mind visiting the Phillipines...and maybe Fiji.

I spent a week in Fiji once. Nice place. Slightly unstable, politically...

Not many people immigrate there now, although it's a very multi-ethnic society, with indigenous Fijians, Indians, a small number of Europeans, Chinese and various Pacific Islanders.

If I could afford to get an apartment in America, I'd pck up and cross the border right now.
I'm in Mexico, I have no friends, a dead-end job, and no family besides my drugged-out mom who half the time has no idea who I am.

I've just had a big big change in my life.

I've upped and off from near London, in England, to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

I left for several reasons. I'm a tax exile (English people suffer way too much tax), the weather (English weather in winter is miserable) and for career prospects.

I've had to sacrifice a lot. Political freedom - I'm now subject to severe censorship. Being near my friends. Being near my family. My old job, which I enjoyed. My old colleagues of who I was very proud. And the general English way of life.

So, where are you now? Would you leave? Why? Where would you go? What would you sacrifice?

Well, I have already emigrated myself as well. I have lived abroad for the bulk of the last 5 1/2 years, mostly in the UK. At the moment, I am moving around a lot, I am doing a PhD in Wales that requires field work in France, and my husband lives in Germany. I will end up in Germany after I am done with that though.

I like life more here in Europe, I don't really have any regrets about the whole thing. The only things I miss is my family and some foods, though I have even learnt to make some of those things by hand now that I would just normal buy a packet to make it or go to a restaurant to have.

If my parents moved here to Europe, I wouldn't go back again to the country that I was born in. It is sad to lose friends in your old country but you make new friends so after time you don't really miss most of the old ones and the ones you do miss, you usually stay friends by chatting on the phone and emailing. Sure, it isn't the same as a face to face chat but you have new friends do that with.

It is a bit tough in Germany for me, my German is very bad, I manage because most people understand English, and usually after butchering some German they request that I do speak English. It is a bit rough being reliant on people, for example, not being 100% sure what things in the supermarket are because I can't read the packaging. I always end up making a list with a translation written on it if I have to go by myself, and if I forget something on the list, I sometimes can't get it because I am not sure what I should be looking for. I find a bit easier to go to Aldi or Lidl because usually the package has either French or English on it as well. I like as well the supermarket that isn't too far from where we live that is run by Turkish people, most of the packaging in English as well, and they are more patient with my bad German than the Germans are sometimes. I think that language problem will disappear with time as well. French isn't my native tongue but can manage in France, even have complex conversations despite not speaking perfect French, so I will probably pick up German eventually too.

My major problem is a singular lack of ability in learning new languages. I've been trying and trying for years and all I can manage is a few words here and there in some languages, occasionally enough to vaguely understand one specific conversation or two. I've several countries I'd consider emigrating to if I could just learn their languages...

So that limits me to English speaking countries, such as the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, India...and...South Africa, but I'd NEVER go there...where else speaks English as a primary language...?

When you get to the place, you learn much faster, and much easier. Learning from books, cds and teachers is really lame when compared to the real deal. In about 6 to 1 year I think you can learn even the basic of the most hard languages out there (like german, japanese, mandarin etc).

But, well I can be biased, because I speak portuguese, which is a bit more complex and harder than english and spanish.

Anyway, nowadays you can live anywhere if you speak english. Even in Africa.

Hey I have a question for the mods.

Is it against the rules to ask for e-pen pals on the forum?
:D

When you get to the place, you learn much faster, and much easier. Learning from books, cds and teachers is really lame when compared to the real deal. In about 6 to 1 year I think you can learn even the basic of the most hard languages out there (like german, japanese, mandarin etc).

But, well I can be biased, because I speak portuguese, which is a bit more complex and harder than english and spanish.

Anyway, nowadays you can live anywhere if you speak english. Even in Africa.

I have a natural gift with language, but I didn't gt much opportunity to learn any beause I never went to high school. I didn't know Portuguese was harder than Spanish. How is it different?

I have a natural gift with language, but I didn't gt much opportunity to learn any beause I never went to high school. I didn't know Portuguese was harder than Spanish. How is it different?

Well, if you have a natural thing for it, it will remain with you until you cant learn anything else. So dont worry about it.

Portuguese is a bit more complex than spanish. Specially Brazilian Portuguese. I like to think it came from the east: Rome (Latin)-> Spain (Spanish)-> Portugal (Portuguese)-> Brazil (Brazilian Portuguese).

Portuguese is harder than spanish because it came from it and became more complex. You pronounce the letters in a diferent way, and sometimes you can say a letter in 3 diferent ways. "O", "Ó" and "Ô" are spoken in diferent ways, and sometimes a word is diferent from another just because of that. "Vovó" means grandmother, while "Vovô" means grandfather. Its worst when "Coco" means coconut and "Cocô" means poop :D . That is why usually brazilians can understand spanish, but spanish speakers cant understand portuguese. Portuguese has diferent phonetics, while spanish only has one way of saying a letter.

Also, portuguese has like 12 diferent verb times. Past, Future, Perfect Future, Past of the Future are some of those. Also, we had a lot of slavery in brazil, meaning a lot of words has african origins, diferent from the portugal portuguese ones.

Well, if you have a natural thing for it, it will remain with you until you cant learn anything else. So dont worry about it.

Portuguese is a bit more complex than spanish. Specially Brazilian Portuguese. I like to think it came from the east: Rome (Latin)-> Spain (Spanish)-> Portugal (Portuguese)-> Brazil (Brazilian Portuguese).

Portuguese is harder than spanish because it came from it and became more complex. You pronounce the letters in a diferent way, and sometimes you can say a letter in 3 diferent ways. "O", "Ó" and "Ô" are spoken in diferent ways, and sometimes a word is diferent from another just because of that. "Vovó" means grandmother, while "Vovô" means grandfather. Its worst when "Coco" means coconut and "Cocô" means poop :D . That is why usually brazilians can understand spanish, but spanish speakers cant understand portuguese. Portuguese has diferent phonetics, while spanish only has one way of saying a letter.

Also, portuguese has like 12 diferent verb times. Past, Future, Perfect Future, Past of the Future are some of those. Also, we had a lot of slavery in brazil, meaning a lot of words has african origins, diferent from the portugal portuguese ones.
:eek: That must be frustrating. I think I'll stick with the ol' Spanish-English combo everyone uses here in northrn Mexico.

:eek: That must be frustrating. I think I'll stick with the ol' Spanish-English combo everyone uses here in northrn Mexico.

Learning portuguese can be very frustrating and hard. Its considered a mid to hard language. Many foreigners who settle here never lose their accent, and may never learn how to properly pronounce the words.

I dont think its worth learning portuguese for pure pleasure. Its only really important in Brazil and Portugal. Spanish is much more usefull.

Learning portuguese can be very frustrating and hard. Its considered a mid to hard language. Many foreigners who settle here never lose their accent, and may never learn how to properly pronounce the words.

I dont think its worth learning portuguese for pure pleasure. Its only really important in Brazil and Portugal. Spanish is much more usefull.
I like you, but I can't think of nything on-topic to say. Sorry.:(

EDIT - I just hunted for this post of mine that goes into more detail. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11990817&postcount=3) I could, however, make other points if I desired to.

dude, thats quite a rant. but i can say, from my own perspecive, you could be describing the UK for 99% of what you said. really.

except for this bit of course:

As for the geography, it's great. I love the diversity in the landscapes and our varied wildlife. The weather is probably better than i'm likely to experience anywhere else...

:P

Australia is the best country in the world.
Well given my phobia of arachnids, I'd probably live in perpetual fear in such a country. But then again its positive traits by far outweigh its negatives. I like Britain, but there is just so much I am dissatisfied with over here. Australia is still vibrant and is also in many ways similar to South Africa, so it's my first choice right now. That, and the USA.

I would, and will, emigrate, at the earliest possible oppurtunity after university. As to where, I must concede Australia is a little too superficial, un-intellectual, ugly and phallocratic for my tastes, hence the Republic of Ireland, or Canadam would be my new homes.

I would, and will, emigrate, at the earliest possible oppurtunity after university. As to where, I must concede Australia is a little too superficial, un-intellectual, ugly and phallocratic for my tastes, hence the Republic of Ireland, or Canadam would be my new homes.
Of all places, why Ireland? I'd even prefer France to it.

I would, and will, emigrate, at the earliest possible oppurtunity after university. As to where, I must concede Australia is a little too superficial, un-intellectual, ugly and phallocratic for my tastes, hence the Republic of Ireland, or Canadam would be my new homes.

Why wait until after university? I took the opportunity to a year abroad during my undergraduate studies, and it confirmed for me that I was making the right decision to leave. I don't know I would have had the nerve to do it without seeing what life was like somewhere else without the trial period I got from my studies abroad. As well, it looks better if you looking for work because you have some sort of previous experience in the country.

My major problem is a singular lack of ability in learning new languages. I've been trying and trying for years and all I can manage is a few words here and there in some languages, occasionally enough to vaguely understand one specific conversation or two. I've several countries I'd consider emigrating to if I could just learn their languages...

So that limits me to English speaking countries, such as the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, India...and...South Africa, but I'd NEVER go there...where else speaks English as a primary language...?

The Philippines and Singapore do.

Pakistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Liberia, Jamaica, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Gambia, Mauritius, Swaziland, Trinidad & Tobago, Fiji, Guyana, Solomon Islands, Malta, Bahamas, Belize, Barbados, Vanuatu, Saint Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Micronesia, Kiribati, Grenada, Seychelles, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda... and several others, plus non-sovereign territories, all the way down to tiny Pitcairn.

In some of those countries (namely Sierra Leone and Namibia) only a few people speak English; in Liberia, only about 20% speak it.

Which Congo? There are two. ;)

Beat me to it. :D

Of all places, why Ireland? I'd even prefer France to it.

Freest press in the world.

4th highest GDP per capita.

4th highest HDI.

Low unemployment.

18th least corrupt.

3rd highest in economic freedom.

Freest press in the world.

4th highest GDP per capita.

4th highest HDI.

Low unemployment.

18th least corrupt.

3rd highest in economic freedom.
Economic indices alone are not sufficient for me. :p Australia does well on those too anyway.

Economic indices alone are not sufficient for me. :p Australia does well on those too anyway.

What indices are sufficient?

What indices are sufficient?
None. I simply am not fond of the people in general or the country. Australians I am used to, and plus I like the country itself. Naturally I'd prefer staying in England, but I see little reason to at this point.

Naturally I'd prefer staying in England, but I see little reason to at this point.

Especially with that fascist bastard Blair in charge.

Especially with that fascist bastard Blair in charge.
And I imagine it'll get worse if Gordon "The Taxman" Brown comes into power. Thankfully I'll be near to completing my degree by then. And should I desire to head for the US, Bush will be a long-gone memory. :D

Britain isn't bad really when you think about it. It's not like its north korea or Iraq. Nothing really really bad has happened here for a while, making it a pretty decent place to live. I can guarantee which ever politician is in power in the UK there won't really be any changes, all the three major parties are similar and it's a pretty good thing the radical ones aren't in power like the BNP.

Britain isn't bad really when you think about it. It's not like its north korea or Iraq. Nothing really really bad has happened here for a while, making it a pretty decent place to live. I can guarantee which ever politician is in power in the UK there won't really be any changes, all the three major parties are similar and it's a pretty good thing the radical ones aren't in power like the BNP.

You should work for the Tourist Board.

"Come to Britain! It's quite unlike Iraq!"

:D

So, where are you now? Would you leave? Why? Where would you go? What would you sacrifice?

I'm in USA, yes I would leave, because Canada is better, I'd sacrifice a human.

I already have.
I left Germany to live in Ireland. Mostly in order to find a job, which I wouldn't have been able to in Germany for at least another decade, possibly longer.

I found I do like the place a lot, it always has a bit of an out-of-the-way feeling to it, it's nowhere near as serious as Germany is. It's a lot more relaxed (which, admittedly, can drive you up the wall now and then), and the overall attitude is a lot more positive.

I'd do it again anytime. I like living here.

I'm in USA, yes I would leave, because Canada is better, I'd sacrifice a human.

Got any specific human in mind? ;)

I've just had a big big change in my life.

I've upped and off from near London, in England, to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

I left for several reasons. I'm a tax exile (English people suffer way too much tax), the weather (English weather in winter is miserable) and for career prospects.

I've had to sacrifice a lot. Political freedom - I'm now subject to severe censorship. Being near my friends. Being near my family. My old job, which I enjoyed. My old colleagues of who I was very proud. And the general English way of life.

So, where are you now? Would you leave? Why? Where would you go? What would you sacrifice?

Nah. I like it here.

Got any specific human in mind? ;)

A child, perhaps.

A child, perhaps.

:eek:

:eek:

:confused: