What's the best country in the world?
Discussion
All this negativity about the UK. I think the UK is the best place to live if you have any kind of decent career. Ok if you're a dropout beach bum then maybe other places are nicer. But I've been around a bit (actually a lot). Wife from Philippines, we have a house there, I've lived in the Middle East, ex is from California so virtually lived there too. The Uk is the best balance for sure.
My second choice if Corbyn comes to power? Switzerland. But only because I'm a higher earner who is mobile. But I would miss the UK for sure.
So please experience the world before moaning about the UK!
My second choice if Corbyn comes to power? Switzerland. But only because I'm a higher earner who is mobile. But I would miss the UK for sure.
So please experience the world before moaning about the UK!
Dinlowgoon said:
No mention of Hawaii so far? It's on my bucket list, anyone else been ?
US State - you know, that third world country to the west of the center of the universe - the good old UK. I'm headed over to East Sussex to visit with my aged father in a couple of weeks. I keep trying to get myself positively motivated, but I know it's going to be a bit of a pain in the arse.Matt Harper said:
US State - you know, that third world country to the west of the center of the universe - the good old UK. I'm headed over to East Sussex to visit with my aged father in a couple of weeks. I keep trying to get myself positively motivated, but I know it's going to be a bit of a pain in the arse.
King Herald said:
This is third world, don't see many of these in Wales. 
Do you see it? Flip flops when riding a bike! Utterly unforgivable.
Ohh come on now, i can see at least 2 people wearing crash helmets in that picture ....Do you see it? Flip flops when riding a bike! Utterly unforgivable.
and those Samoan Safety Boots all look up to standard .....
There is even some tread on the edges of that tire ....
XJSJohn said:
Ohh come on now, i can see at least 2 people wearing crash helmets in that picture ....
and those Samoan Safety Boots all look up to standard .....
There is even some tread on the edges of that tire ....
and those Samoan Safety Boots all look up to standard .....
There is even some tread on the edges of that tire ....
Now if they could just convince the people that crash helmets and proper footwear are a fashion accessory, and look so cool, like all purely decorative teeth braces and plain glass spectacles, they would be onto a winner.
Hard to believe millions of girls wear braces and specs that they don't need, when we westerners all hated the bloody things in our school days.
XJSJohn said:
King Herald said:
This is third world, don't see many of these in Wales.
Do you see it? Flip flops when riding a bike! Utterly unforgivable.
Ohh come on now, i can see at least 2 people wearing crash helmets in that picture ....Do you see it? Flip flops when riding a bike! Utterly unforgivable.
and those Samoan Safety Boots all look up to standard .....
There is even some tread on the edges of that tire ....
C70R said:
djc206 said:
GetCarter said:
Tut.
Lots of very, very nice cars and yachts - hardly a shed of a car to be seen, great housing and an airport full of Norwegians travelling abroad. (I was there in May and have worked there in the past).
I think you need to update your knowledge/ideas... it is not as you think.
They do travel a lot (generous leave allowances and lots of money) but they're big bucket and spade fans, the Canary Islands seem to be a big favourite. Not truly well travelled just well rested and tanned!Lots of very, very nice cars and yachts - hardly a shed of a car to be seen, great housing and an airport full of Norwegians travelling abroad. (I was there in May and have worked there in the past).
I think you need to update your knowledge/ideas... it is not as you think.
Don't get me wrong, I definitely don't dislike the place - but it's missing so much to be considered close to 'best' (and happiest populous isn't a reliable proxy).
This is worth a read in terms of accounting for why the Nordic countries often feature so highly on the happiness scales. Makes for some interesting views on the subject IMO. The population as a whole has a very different take on the world compared to others which perhaps accounts for a contentment and the taxation seems to be considered acceptable when the resources are put to what is considered good use in a combined quality of living, strong benefits system, healthcare etc. I think the law of jante seems to still be followed by the most part too
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_Jante
This in itself breeds a degree of contentment from everyone being on a par. Sadly, it means the countries often lose the most ambitious overseas but in turn, with the aspirational gone, it creates a level(ish) society where there are few at the very top and few at the very bottom and no distrust or disdain for the "others".
My Mrs is Danish and I must say you don't often see proper petrolhead cars floating around given the tax payable on them. Shame really as the taxes mean great roads and I am roadtripping to CPH next summer to enjoy the Aston. However, her neighbour doesn't give a toss about the taxes and has good taste in toys..
Dinlowgoon said:
No mention of Hawaii so far? It's on my bucket list, anyone else been ?
As has been said, it's still America.However, as a regular visitor I think Hawaii is a great place. Probably Maui for me. A good friend has recently retired there, they bought a nice 3 bed 'normal size' house in a nice road 100M from the sea for around £800k. Costs are not too bad as long as you have healthcare covered. You will probably need to factor in escaping to a big city once in a while if you get 'island fever'. He says UPS/Amazon deliveries seem to work well so they can get stuff that may not be available locally too.
Also I owned a timeshare on the Big Island for a while, nice place but a bit remote for my liking for long-term living.
Thankyou4calling said:
King Herald said:
Having lived in the third world for much of the last 25 years, all I can say to your comment is
Having a mere 32" flat screen, and only two cars, does NOT mean you are third world.
I thought the same. Wales! Yes it doesn't have many Michelin star restaurants but third world?Having a mere 32" flat screen, and only two cars, does NOT mean you are third world.
Seriously.
mko9 said:
My wife and I spent a week in and around Sydney, and really liked it. But you are REALLY far away from the rest of your family, and there are entirely too many things that can kill or eat you there. ;-)
It isn't common for a Kiwi to defend Aust, however, the chances of being killed & eaten by some animal in Sydney is somewhat less than that of some mad f
k in a van/car/truck running you over in London/Barcelona/Nice/Berlin or parking their plane in your office in NY.The remoteness issue is both a blessing & a pita - cost of taking 4 people to Europe to visit family is significant.
Cheers
mko9 said:
My wife and I spent a week in and around Sydney, and really liked it. But you are REALLY far away from the rest of your family, and there are entirely too many things that can kill or eat you there. ;-)
And that's just the locals!! Friends of friends who have worked there, have said its no different from here really, maybe a bit sunnier!
King Herald said:
Now if they could just convince the people that crash helmets and proper footwear are a fashion accessory, and look so cool, like all purely decorative teeth braces and plain glass spectacles, they would be onto a winner.Hard to believe millions of girls wear braces and specs that they don't need, when we westerners all hated the bloody things in our school days.
oceanview said:
And that's just the locals!!
Friends of friends who have worked there, have said its no different from here really, maybe a bit sunnier!
I think that is true of Australia/NZ/UK/Canada basically. Friends of friends who have worked there, have said its no different from here really, maybe a bit sunnier!
Same basic lifestyle is achievable, it just depends on what weather pattern suits you best.
And honestly I could make a happier, enjoyable life in any one of them. Being born in one of these gives you a significant advantage IMO.
Interesting that a few have mentioned Japan.
I'm in Japan now on my 3rd visit, having previously been here for 3 weeks and then lived in an apartment for 3 months.
Below are my observations, I do love coming here, but I also get a huge sense of relief when I land at Heathrow on the way home.
Pros:
The cultural difference is amazing, interesting and refreshing
The people are polite and crime is low
Everybody takes their job seriously from the cleaners and railway conductors to management
The scenery is phenomenal outside of the cities
The transport network is brilliant
Cons
Living space is tiny in apartments or houses, then the houses and apartment blocks are crammed into tiny spaces
The spoken language isn't so bad to pick up, but the written language is impossible
Very difficult to fully integrate if you're gaijin
The constant noise everywhere is irritating (everything bings, bongs, beeps, makes music)
The pervert culture is weird
The food is interesting but not great if you're not obsessed with fish or any species that lived in the sea
The work ethic is pretty awful if you're an office worker, 9am start, 9-10pm finish most days. It's like a sea of zombies travelling backwards and forwards on the trains/buses
Working parents rarely see children, kids seem to be at school, after school clubs then go to more clubs at weekends rarely spending any time with their parents.
Concrete and neon jungle as far as the eye can see. Very little is designed aesthetically here, function over form and imho it's a great shame as the few buildings that are designed by architects look amazing.
I'm in Japan now on my 3rd visit, having previously been here for 3 weeks and then lived in an apartment for 3 months.
Below are my observations, I do love coming here, but I also get a huge sense of relief when I land at Heathrow on the way home.
Pros:
The cultural difference is amazing, interesting and refreshing
The people are polite and crime is low
Everybody takes their job seriously from the cleaners and railway conductors to management
The scenery is phenomenal outside of the cities
The transport network is brilliant
Cons
Living space is tiny in apartments or houses, then the houses and apartment blocks are crammed into tiny spaces
The spoken language isn't so bad to pick up, but the written language is impossible
Very difficult to fully integrate if you're gaijin
The constant noise everywhere is irritating (everything bings, bongs, beeps, makes music)
The pervert culture is weird
The food is interesting but not great if you're not obsessed with fish or any species that lived in the sea
The work ethic is pretty awful if you're an office worker, 9am start, 9-10pm finish most days. It's like a sea of zombies travelling backwards and forwards on the trains/buses
Working parents rarely see children, kids seem to be at school, after school clubs then go to more clubs at weekends rarely spending any time with their parents.
Concrete and neon jungle as far as the eye can see. Very little is designed aesthetically here, function over form and imho it's a great shame as the few buildings that are designed by architects look amazing.
fttm said:
We were fortunate , lived in the South-West and still have family in Sussex and Kent ,nicer areas compared to Bradford but still the younger family members are upping roots and bailing to pastures new , New Zealand Australia and Canada seem the choice , can't say I blame them either .
Agreed.I have a brother and sister who both moved to New Zealand, and the opportunities they have out there are just far superior to what you get back here.
Its maybe a bit lacking in 'civilised' pursuits (i.e. fine dining, museums etc), but if you just want space, great scenery, easy living and just all round 'pleasantness' then Aus, NZ, Canada etc are unbeatable!
The only thing I really value being back here is the closeness of Europe. Its really nice to know that Rome, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Berlin, Prague, Barcelona etc etc are all just a few hours away on a plane.
In NZ, the closest 'foreign' place for anyone is an 12 hour flight to Bali!
Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff