patrick.net

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?