What's the best country in the world?
Discussion
Thailand for me.
I live in "supposedly" one of the worlds most "liveable cities"...Melbourne. And it is a great city even if the weather sucks. But really, Australia is a) expensive and b) becoming the world's worst nanny state. You need to be rich to live in the best parts of it, and it's not as much fun as it used to be.
I live in "supposedly" one of the worlds most "liveable cities"...Melbourne. And it is a great city even if the weather sucks. But really, Australia is a) expensive and b) becoming the world's worst nanny state. You need to be rich to live in the best parts of it, and it's not as much fun as it used to be.
France.
It is simply the best place on Earth for human life. Every imaginable climate, topography and soil for supporting human life and all its needs. Think about it. There is no type of food and drink which can not be grown in one region or another. Not too hot, not too cold. Mountains for winter sports, beaches for summer days, amazing countryside for everything in between, cities and towns bursting with places to eat and drink. Superlative local produce in the shops/markets. Cheap, cheap property. Renault 25s still available.
Once my children are out of their school years, I'm there. The only thing I regret is not doing it when they were young enough to go to school there as 5 year olds and learn the language properly. Entering their teen years now it's too late to do it.
Nowhere else compares. And I also don't buy the "but it's full of French people" argument which the English trot out endlessly. They are neither any better nor any worse than any other people on Earth. And there's loads of elbow room in the place anyway if you're in a misanthropic mood.
No contest for me.
It is simply the best place on Earth for human life. Every imaginable climate, topography and soil for supporting human life and all its needs. Think about it. There is no type of food and drink which can not be grown in one region or another. Not too hot, not too cold. Mountains for winter sports, beaches for summer days, amazing countryside for everything in between, cities and towns bursting with places to eat and drink. Superlative local produce in the shops/markets. Cheap, cheap property. Renault 25s still available.
Once my children are out of their school years, I'm there. The only thing I regret is not doing it when they were young enough to go to school there as 5 year olds and learn the language properly. Entering their teen years now it's too late to do it.
Nowhere else compares. And I also don't buy the "but it's full of French people" argument which the English trot out endlessly. They are neither any better nor any worse than any other people on Earth. And there's loads of elbow room in the place anyway if you're in a misanthropic mood.
No contest for me.
sinbaddio said:
Another vote for Poland. Their Lakes District - Masurian Lakeland, is a sight to behold. I've been there twice with my family (5 kids ranging from 10-18). I've also been twice to the city of Wroclaw (once work, once pleasure) and it's a fantastic city, steeped in history and culture and also a great night out.
Lastly - it's bloody cheap for everything - accommodation, beer, food, activities.
Not a place to be in during winter...Lastly - it's bloody cheap for everything - accommodation, beer, food, activities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-OSnFmTdq4
SilverSixer said:
France.
It is simply the best place on Earth for human life. Every imaginable climate, topography and soil for supporting human life and all its needs. Think about it. There is no type of food and drink which can not be grown in one region or another. Not too hot, not too cold. Mountains for winter sports, beaches for summer days, amazing countryside for everything in between, cities and towns bursting with places to eat and drink. Superlative local produce in the shops/markets. Cheap, cheap property. Renault 25s still available.
Once my children are out of their school years, I'm there. The only thing I regret is not doing it when they were young enough to go to school there as 5 year olds and learn the language properly. Entering their teen years now it's too late to do it.
Nowhere else compares. And I also don't buy the "but it's full of French people" argument which the English trot out endlessly. They are neither any better nor any worse than any other people on Earth. And there's loads of elbow room in the place anyway if you're in a misanthropic mood.
No contest for me.
You lived there before SS?It is simply the best place on Earth for human life. Every imaginable climate, topography and soil for supporting human life and all its needs. Think about it. There is no type of food and drink which can not be grown in one region or another. Not too hot, not too cold. Mountains for winter sports, beaches for summer days, amazing countryside for everything in between, cities and towns bursting with places to eat and drink. Superlative local produce in the shops/markets. Cheap, cheap property. Renault 25s still available.
Once my children are out of their school years, I'm there. The only thing I regret is not doing it when they were young enough to go to school there as 5 year olds and learn the language properly. Entering their teen years now it's too late to do it.
Nowhere else compares. And I also don't buy the "but it's full of French people" argument which the English trot out endlessly. They are neither any better nor any worse than any other people on Earth. And there's loads of elbow room in the place anyway if you're in a misanthropic mood.
No contest for me.
I have and can back up the claims that the only problem with the country is indeed, for the most part, the French. I class myself as a friendly outgoing person and learned the basic lingo. Made no noticeable difference from what I could tell. Yes, there are some nice people but honestly, they are in the minority. Talk about being up their own ar$es.
Also takes an age to get anything done because of all the red tape. Then there is the fact that they look down their noses at anything not french. I love wine but personally don't enjoy a lot of the french wine. Try finding a decent selection of non french wine in their supermarkets and you'll struggle. The food, although initially looks very appealing becomes boring and bland within 3 months. The cakes never become boring though!
I lived in the South in one of the nicest areas and made the most of it the best I could and honestly couldn't wait to drive the length of the country back to blightly at the end of my 1 year contract. MORE than enough for moi!
Holiday destination? Sure. Live there. Never again.
All depends on the criteria that one is applying, and your position i.e. are we talking lottery win, or day-to-day living inc. working?
Japan has been mentioned, but as much as I do like Japan (been 5 times - ex-ex girlfriend lived there), once you scratch the surface, some significant problems arise. Let's start with positives:
- clean and generally safe
- good (but expensive) transportation
- fantastic women (IMO - No.1, even better than Chinese)
- excellent food (although as a vegetarian that doesn't eat fish, I struggle with Japan)
- landscapes and natural beauty
Negatives:
- Govt in cohorts with construction industry i.e. concrete everywhere / uglification
- Education system teaches kids how to be Japanese (crushing university selection system, cram schools, high rates of student suicides)
- Conformist culture i.e. passive aggressive behaviour, social ostracization
- Arguably the worst place to be female in the developed world
- Work culture is based upon seniority rather than ability
- Stupid rental laws (introduction money, key money, etc all before you've even moved in!)
As a young single man, I would seriously think about it; in my mid-40s with a family, nope.
As for China, my partner is mainland Chinese, and there are a couple of significant problems:
- Rule of Law doesn't exist (unless well connected). My partner's family had their old family home seized under a land grab i.e. local government issued Chinese equivalent compulsory purchase order, compensation provided much, much less than home / land worth, land then sold to local development company.
- Pollution
- Food safety standards / contamination
A lot of countries I would instantly cross off because (a) political situation, and (b) social / cultural values. That said, from experience, there is a world of difference between visiting a country as a tourist, and living / working.
Japan has been mentioned, but as much as I do like Japan (been 5 times - ex-ex girlfriend lived there), once you scratch the surface, some significant problems arise. Let's start with positives:
- clean and generally safe
- good (but expensive) transportation
- fantastic women (IMO - No.1, even better than Chinese)
- excellent food (although as a vegetarian that doesn't eat fish, I struggle with Japan)
- landscapes and natural beauty
Negatives:
- Govt in cohorts with construction industry i.e. concrete everywhere / uglification
- Education system teaches kids how to be Japanese (crushing university selection system, cram schools, high rates of student suicides)
- Conformist culture i.e. passive aggressive behaviour, social ostracization
- Arguably the worst place to be female in the developed world
- Work culture is based upon seniority rather than ability
- Stupid rental laws (introduction money, key money, etc all before you've even moved in!)
As a young single man, I would seriously think about it; in my mid-40s with a family, nope.
As for China, my partner is mainland Chinese, and there are a couple of significant problems:
- Rule of Law doesn't exist (unless well connected). My partner's family had their old family home seized under a land grab i.e. local government issued Chinese equivalent compulsory purchase order, compensation provided much, much less than home / land worth, land then sold to local development company.
- Pollution
- Food safety standards / contamination
A lot of countries I would instantly cross off because (a) political situation, and (b) social / cultural values. That said, from experience, there is a world of difference between visiting a country as a tourist, and living / working.
Jarcy said:
vournikas said:
The holiday place would be a Greek island, these days probably Meganissi
Why is this special? I'm off to Nydri / Lefkas in a couple of weeks. Is it worth taking a boat over there?DoubleTime said:
SilverSixer said:
France.
It is simply the best place on Earth for human life. Every imaginable climate, topography and soil for supporting human life and all its needs. Think about it. There is no type of food and drink which can not be grown in one region or another. Not too hot, not too cold. Mountains for winter sports, beaches for summer days, amazing countryside for everything in between, cities and towns bursting with places to eat and drink. Superlative local produce in the shops/markets. Cheap, cheap property. Renault 25s still available.
Once my children are out of their school years, I'm there. The only thing I regret is not doing it when they were young enough to go to school there as 5 year olds and learn the language properly. Entering their teen years now it's too late to do it.
Nowhere else compares. And I also don't buy the "but it's full of French people" argument which the English trot out endlessly. They are neither any better nor any worse than any other people on Earth. And there's loads of elbow room in the place anyway if you're in a misanthropic mood.
No contest for me.
You lived there before SS?It is simply the best place on Earth for human life. Every imaginable climate, topography and soil for supporting human life and all its needs. Think about it. There is no type of food and drink which can not be grown in one region or another. Not too hot, not too cold. Mountains for winter sports, beaches for summer days, amazing countryside for everything in between, cities and towns bursting with places to eat and drink. Superlative local produce in the shops/markets. Cheap, cheap property. Renault 25s still available.
Once my children are out of their school years, I'm there. The only thing I regret is not doing it when they were young enough to go to school there as 5 year olds and learn the language properly. Entering their teen years now it's too late to do it.
Nowhere else compares. And I also don't buy the "but it's full of French people" argument which the English trot out endlessly. They are neither any better nor any worse than any other people on Earth. And there's loads of elbow room in the place anyway if you're in a misanthropic mood.
No contest for me.
I have and can back up the claims that the only problem with the country is indeed, for the most part, the French. I class myself as a friendly outgoing person and learned the basic lingo. Made no noticeable difference from what I could tell. Yes, there are some nice people but honestly, they are in the minority. Talk about being up their own ar$es.
Also takes an age to get anything done because of all the red tape. Then there is the fact that they look down their noses at anything not french. I love wine but personally don't enjoy a lot of the french wine. Try finding a decent selection of non french wine in their supermarkets and you'll struggle. The food, although initially looks very appealing becomes boring and bland within 3 months. The cakes never become boring though!
I lived in the South in one of the nicest areas and made the most of it the best I could and honestly couldn't wait to drive the length of the country back to blightly at the end of my 1 year contract. MORE than enough for moi!
Holiday destination? Sure. Live there. Never again.
I love French wine above all others, really not a fan of New World/South American/Australian stuff. Over strength and over refined. Aside from French I prefer East European/Middle Eastern/Caucasus wines.
I would miss a proper curry and a good cup of tea of course, but my Mum's family spent decades in India and have passed the skillz in curry making down, and I'm sure I can rustle up my own in France easily. Good coffee will have to do in place of tea then.
I don't like the idea of the classic South of France, Cote d'Azure, Provence etc. I can imagine meeting the snottiness there. And too many ex-pats as well. Languedoc would suit, I particularly like their rustic wines.
Commented earlier but having read a few posts I'm thinking ..............
San Francisco.
I know it's not a country but what a fantastic city it is.
A nice family home in Pacific Heights, walk to union square for shops and restaurants, edgy bars in SOMA, turn left for the Pacific Coast Highway, over the Golden Gate and ride into Marin County, Sausolito and back in the ferry.
I even enjoy Castro and Haight Ashbury and the city beaches and parks are great.
The weather isn't too bad either. The downside is cost, it is seriously expensive.
It's always felt really European to me and compact enough to get around on a bike or walk but still with a big city feel.
I would definitely like to live there.
San Francisco.
I know it's not a country but what a fantastic city it is.
A nice family home in Pacific Heights, walk to union square for shops and restaurants, edgy bars in SOMA, turn left for the Pacific Coast Highway, over the Golden Gate and ride into Marin County, Sausolito and back in the ferry.
I even enjoy Castro and Haight Ashbury and the city beaches and parks are great.
The weather isn't too bad either. The downside is cost, it is seriously expensive.
It's always felt really European to me and compact enough to get around on a bike or walk but still with a big city feel.
I would definitely like to live there.
stevesingo said:
Can I offer Estonia?
Low population density
No H&S BS
No Pc BS
Great sense of social responsibility, no litter, chewing gum dog s
t and most involved in some way in defense.
Great public transport
Great social care i.e they don't just give money away, but look after those who need it.
Hot women in surplus to men
Good driving roads (if a little flat in places).
I would have to agree with this, or Finland for a slightly more 'westernised' version. I love a lot of Eastern Europe though, I think their culture and work ethic is far superior to ours, the living costs to wage rates are much better than what we put up with here if you have a marketable trade. Low population density
No H&S BS
No Pc BS
Great sense of social responsibility, no litter, chewing gum dog s
t and most involved in some way in defense.Great public transport
Great social care i.e they don't just give money away, but look after those who need it.
Hot women in surplus to men
Good driving roads (if a little flat in places).
Thankyou4calling said:
Commented earlier but having read a few posts I'm thinking ..............
San Francisco.
I know it's not a country but what a fantastic city it is.
A nice family home in Pacific Heights, walk to union square for shops and restaurants, edgy bars in SOMA, turn left for the Pacific Coast Highway, over the Golden Gate and ride into Marin County, Sausolito and back in the ferry.
I even enjoy Castro and Haight Ashbury and the city beaches and parks are great.
The weather isn't too bad either. The downside is cost, it is seriously expensive.
It's always felt really European to me and compact enough to get around on a bike or walk but still with a big city feel.
I would definitely like to live there.
+1San Francisco.
I know it's not a country but what a fantastic city it is.
A nice family home in Pacific Heights, walk to union square for shops and restaurants, edgy bars in SOMA, turn left for the Pacific Coast Highway, over the Golden Gate and ride into Marin County, Sausolito and back in the ferry.
I even enjoy Castro and Haight Ashbury and the city beaches and parks are great.
The weather isn't too bad either. The downside is cost, it is seriously expensive.
It's always felt really European to me and compact enough to get around on a bike or walk but still with a big city feel.
I would definitely like to live there.
And a 2-3 hr drive to lake Tahoe where i went skiing/boarding. Stunning place.
Norway always comes out in the top 3, and having worked there 20 years ago, and visited there two months ago, I can see why.
Astonishing landscapes, friendly people and very high quality of life, healthcare, education, transportation etc.
It ain't hot, and it ain't sunny, and booze is seriously expensive... but I get why the inhabitants consider themselves the luckiest on earth (2017 survey).
If I had to move from the UK. This is where I'd go.
Near
Astonishing landscapes, friendly people and very high quality of life, healthcare, education, transportation etc.
It ain't hot, and it ain't sunny, and booze is seriously expensive... but I get why the inhabitants consider themselves the luckiest on earth (2017 survey).
If I had to move from the UK. This is where I'd go.
Near
Thankyou4calling said:
Commented earlier but having read a few posts I'm thinking ..............
San Francisco.
I know it's not a country but what a fantastic city it is.
A nice family home in Pacific Heights, walk to union square for shops and restaurants, edgy bars in SOMA, turn left for the Pacific Coast Highway, over the Golden Gate and ride into Marin County, Sausolito and back in the ferry.
I even enjoy Castro and Haight Ashbury and the city beaches and parks are great.
The weather isn't too bad either. The downside is cost, it is seriously expensive.
It's always felt really European to me and compact enough to get around on a bike or walk but still with a big city feel.
I would definitely like to live there.
I spent a few days in SF last year during what a local told me was the best week of weather they'd had all year. There's a lot of nice bars and restaurants and the ride over to Sausalito is a must do if visiting but I didn't really rate the city that highly overall. As you say it's quite expensive and despite that it felt a bit run down to me, roads and pavements all cracked and dirty, a fair few buildings in disrepair and an enormous problem with homelessness. The same things I don't like about London basically! I won't be returning in a hurry but then I'm not a fan of California generally, much prefer the southern states. Horses for courses though.San Francisco.
I know it's not a country but what a fantastic city it is.
A nice family home in Pacific Heights, walk to union square for shops and restaurants, edgy bars in SOMA, turn left for the Pacific Coast Highway, over the Golden Gate and ride into Marin County, Sausolito and back in the ferry.
I even enjoy Castro and Haight Ashbury and the city beaches and parks are great.
The weather isn't too bad either. The downside is cost, it is seriously expensive.
It's always felt really European to me and compact enough to get around on a bike or walk but still with a big city feel.
I would definitely like to live there.
Frougal_Mcdougal said:
toon10 said:
I've been all over Germany and it's a wonderful country. I'll be back in Berlin in October and Luebeck and Hamburg in November. The Netherlands on the other hand is my least favourite place to visit. I'm there every year and don't think I've ever been where it wasn't wet, grey and dull (and I'm from the UK!) The people are more direct and the the I'm yet to find a decent hotel. Rotterdam is OK.
I'll be in Hamburg in November too! Likewise can't get enough of Germany. Have Enjoyed working in Frankfurt, Cologne, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Luebeck, great summers in Baden Baden...I love New Zealand - I went a few times as a kid and spent a few months there recently. On the way home I spent a few weeks in Australia and really fell for Melbourne in a big way - they have the 'big city' lifestyle nailed there!
I reckon I've got a decent deal.
I'm a 40minute bushwalk from here
A 10m drive from places like this
And 10m drive from my fourth closest but favourite beach.
I'd consider the north (not a fan of the SE in particular) but the short days over winter are just not my thing. Too hard to go for a run.
NZ is another good shout, and a friend of mine has moved to Vancouver and loves it to bits.
I'm a 40minute bushwalk from here
A 10m drive from places like this
And 10m drive from my fourth closest but favourite beach.
I'd consider the north (not a fan of the SE in particular) but the short days over winter are just not my thing. Too hard to go for a run.
NZ is another good shout, and a friend of mine has moved to Vancouver and loves it to bits.
Edited by Colonial on Thursday 17th August 03:01
Maybe I've missed it, but I'm amazed there have been 9 pages of posts and no mention of Portugal
Number 3 in the Global Peace Index
Low cost of living (for Europe)
Outrageous weather - in the Algarve you can go literally weeks without seeing a single cloud
Close to everywhere important
Great beaches, restaurants, cities
Amazing diversity from the hilly north, the wild west coast and the hot south
Friendly locals
Stable laws and government
You can buy really good wine for €2
Each to their own but I would take it every time over any of the cold, dark Northern European countries mentioned
This article sums it up quite well
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/portugal-trave...
Number 3 in the Global Peace Index
Low cost of living (for Europe)
Outrageous weather - in the Algarve you can go literally weeks without seeing a single cloud
Close to everywhere important
Great beaches, restaurants, cities
Amazing diversity from the hilly north, the wild west coast and the hot south
Friendly locals
Stable laws and government
You can buy really good wine for €2
Each to their own but I would take it every time over any of the cold, dark Northern European countries mentioned
This article sums it up quite well
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/portugal-trave...
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