patrick.net

bob2356 says

The Us will never shake the worldwide believe that the Iraq invasion was an oil grab

So, helping out Libya and not Syria somehow isn't also about oil???

American in Japan says

For those living in the US now, have you considered living in another country? Which one(s)?

I've watched enough episodes of Locked Up Abroad to know better then to leave the country.

American in Japan says

Is anyone living in Argentina?

Favorable exchange rate, although most goods you'd buy here that are name-brand cost similar amounts there. Buenos Aires is a great city though.

edvard2 says

Even though its not technically another country if I had my way I would move to Hawaii.

No way dude, Barack Obama was allegedly born there, and therefore it must be another country. Shrek/Mars told me. :p

edvard2 says

I've lived on the east coast, the west coast, and have traveled extensively throughout the US. The truth of the matter is that the US is like 20 countries rolled into one. The people, geography, weather, food, music, culture, art, and history is so incredibly different from one state or region from another that its amazing.

What's ridiculous is that about 90% of Americans will never see any of it. Instead they'll live squished on the coasts, refer to the vast interior as "Flyoverland" and vacation in France. Its ironic. We live in what is perhaps one of the most diverse countries in the world and the people that live here seldom actually see it but yet are only too willing to fly 12 hours to see a totally different country.

I've been to well over 30 states (and not just airports or something, and not even for business travel), and have lived in other regions too, and there's some good stuff, but a lot of crappy stuff too. I think you're overstereotyping the supposed stereotypers, but not everything sucks in Flyoverland (or Elvis Country, if you watch the Sopranos), sure.

zzyzzx says

I've watched enough episodes of Locked Up Abroad to know better then to leave the country.

No surprised you're closed-minded. Fits with the rest of the stuff you write too.

I came across this one too for what it's worth:

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/06/9248360-brain-drain-reverses-course-flows-away-from-america

bob2356 said

>"I don't travel on my US passport any more other than coming to the US. The attitude toward Americans has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. People around the world really used to like Americans almost everywhere. They would tell you endlessly that they hated our policies, but they really would be friendly. That has changed. The Iraq war badly tarnished America's image around the world.

If you really think the consulate is going to bend over backwards for you then I would highly recommend not getting into trouble overseas. It ain't going to happen the majority of the time. Consulates are dumping grounds for people owed favors by politicians. Their first priority is maintaining their very comfortable expat colonialist lifestyle and not rocking the boat. Just getting to talk to someone at a consulate is usually about like making a state visit to the king of England."

I have to agree with this.

AIJ, long time no see.

Edit: Two dislikes for welcoming AIJ back after an absence? Give me a break.

I am still here... lurking... If I can't take to the time to post something sensible, I usually just read.

American in Japan says

I am still here... lurking... If I can't take to the time to post something sensible, I usually just read.

I was told that it's better to keep silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt - but that doesn't stop me!!!

Ellie's never been out of the country at all.

Has anyone lived in the Netherlands?

Worked in Germany, England, and Kalifornia.

I've lived in California, which qualifies as another country.

wthrfrk80 says

I've lived in California, which qualifies as another country.

Indeed, if you're not American.

ethry says

This has been a long thread but when I read this post, the first country that came to my mind is Paris. Maybe I just like the laid-back culture. Also, it depends on what you are looking for.

Paris is a city. :-D And the French are far from laid-back.

If you want laid-back in France go to Brittany or the Southern Provence regions...not Paris.

I currently live in the Stuttgart, Germany are. I have lived here for nearly ten years and love it. The Germans can be gruff but once you get to know a little of the language there is no problem. Cost of living is a bit higher here compared to parts of the US. Other great places are Padua, Italy...

G'Day, After all the governments just giving $$ to banks, I lost the plot and buggered off to the UAE where I pay NO tax. I've been here since 2009. Everyone has different situations, but I my take-home pay (what I get in my back pocket) quadrupled. Only draw back is the 140 degf temperatures I have to endure right now, but the winters are grand.

I was in the UAE in 2010. They are really building up their infrastructure...petrol profits.

Is anyone living in Thailand?