You Have To Leave Your Country

[Strike For The South]

And emigrate, Where do you go?

I've narrowed it down to these 4.

France-My favorite country evar. But I don't speak French

Oz-It's like one big camping trip, a dangerous dangerous camping trip. Plus I like the accent on teh wimmenz

UK-Like America but everyone drives on the left and they have a better sense of humor but exspensive, cold, and cramped. I don't know if I can handle so much dry wit so close

Spain-I speak pretty good Spanish and the people are very laid back

[Jaguara]

Almost anywhere in the EU. I would have to tour around a while to figure out where I would want to settle. Only place I have actually been (in the EU) is the UK, so I cannot say for sure.

[Gregoshi]

Good question.

1) Canada - love the country & the people and can still be relatively close to family and friends.

2) Oz - love the country & the people. Similar to Canada but as far away from family and friend this side of Earth orbit.

3) England - a distant 3rd...for the language, humour and history. Perhaps a little cramped space-wise.

4) Germany - barely on the radar only because I still remember about 10 words of German from high school.

Being able to communicate with people of my new home a key. I like more open spaces too - fields, farms, woods, lakes, etc.

[Louis VI the Fat]

1) Texas - My favourite country evar. But I don't speak Spanish.

2) Belgium - Great food and the entire country is Francophone.

3) Québec - just like France, but without the food, culture, climate, art and history, and with a different language.

4) Anywhere not cold drab northwestern Europe. Why did I not go for a lovely girl from Lisbon? :wall: I could totally live there, sit outside all day, reading my papers and drinking my cafés com leite.

[Rhyfelwyr]

In order of preference...

1) Northern Ireland - I feel like I need a change of scenery and since most of my family live there, they might be able to help out with work etc. Being more realistic than idealistic here.

2) USA - I know its completely divorced from reality, but I like the idea of living the American dream.

3) Spain - Lots of expats, great weather, and a slower and more relaxing pace of life.

4) South Africa - I think I would get on with the Boers and it is a very beautiful country.

[Centurion1]

1. Australia visited a couple times lovely place and the people are pleasant.

2. Japan- i have alot of friends in japan from the navy so it would be like a home away from home and i like the culture

3. Ireland- family mostly similar cultures and language.

4. Italy- preferably a small town in sicily so i can just relax and enjoy myself

[rajpoot]

If I were to ever emigrate it'll be either to Spain or Italy. UK is nice and for a long time I used to dream of owning a small cottage or something in some obscure village...until I realized that there were no villages obscure enough any longer and that the country is very very costly.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Hmm.

1) Canada. More realistic than anything else, as with other #1s on here. Nothing too far north though, I guess I'd do Ontario like everybody else. Probably Ottawa just to avoid the Toronto thing.

2) France, specifically either Provence (Aix maybe?) or Martinique. I figure my rudimentary knowledge of French will allow me to get by in a really beautiful location and eke out a decent living while I enjoy myself.

3) Italy. Never been, always had a thing for the place though. I'd probably spend my first three months touring the country and then realize exactly how much debt I'm in and then work really hard for the rest of my life to get back to normal.

4) Bahamas.

[gaelic cowboy]

No surprises really and also in no particular order.

England

Canada

USA

Austrailia

New Zealand

[Husar]

Bavaria. :creep:

Well, more seriously maybe Austria, Switzerland, UK, USA, don't feel like learning a new language now, except Russian perhaps but countries where that is spoken are too low on the nanny-state scale for my taste. ~;)

[PanzerJaeger]

Kubinka, Russia.

[edyzmedieval]

In no particular order:

Netherlands (laid back)

Switzerland (I've lived there for 3 years, I kinda miss it...)

Luxembourg (beautiful country, small, good for business)

Monaco (idealistic, yes)

[Samurai Waki]

1. UK, I speak the language and have family in Somerset. (Also love the English countryside).
2. Canada; I live within several hours of Vancouver B.C., familiar culture and accent would make it easier to blend in. Probably a more realistic move than the UK.
3. Chile; One of the most well developed, and by far safest countries in South America (natural disasters aside). I always find positions available in my field of work, so that wouldn't be a problem. Downside; I'd have to work on my Spanish a bit, but that wouldn't be terribly difficult to overcome.
4. South Korea; I know the situation is quite tense over there, but if that ever improves I'd definitely consider South Korea as an option. Stable democracy, good economy, excellent food; and much less xenophobic than most other Asian countries.
5. Germany; I've never had as much fun in any one country. Just when you think you've figured Germany out, it surprises you with something new. I also have extended family that lives throughout the country.

[Motep]

Switzerland: Mountains. Gotta love 'em. This place has pretty much everything I love.
UK: They speak english, and I am lazy. Besides, I've always wanted to go there.
Japan: Though they can be standoffish with white people come to stay, I like the culture, the scenery, and I can speak the language (to a point...needs some work.) The disasters right now are disheartening.
Canada: Language, mountains, oceans, forests, and some of the greatest wildernesses. A bit chilly, though that does not do anything to deter.

NO ORDER

[aimlesswanderer]

4. South Korea; I know the situation is quite tense over there, but if that ever improves I'd definitely consider South Korea as an option. Stable democracy, good economy, excellent food; and much less xenophobic than most other Asian countries.

Erm, I have heard that large sections of the population hold some rather less than welcoming attitudes about furriners in SK. Seems like the media there thinks non South Koreans are 99% violent criminals, druggies, and perverts. Not to mention women get a very raw deal.

[PershsNhpios]

I know what the majority of Australians will reply to your ideas of coming here.

The saying goes; "**** off, we're full!"

As for myself, if I had to go somewhere, I would simply head further west, since I am more than 400km inland and still have about 400~500 before the desert begins.

Or... Είς την Ελλαδα!

Edit: Gaelic, God help ye, you're still in Mayo - we should start a situational thread asking what would happen if "You Have To Leave Your County".

[Samurai Waki]

Erm, I have heard that large sections of the population hold some rather less than welcoming attitudes about furriners in SK. Seems like the media there thinks non South Koreans are 99% violent criminals, druggies, and perverts. Not to mention women get a very raw deal.

I guess everyone has a different experience :shrug:

My impression of SK has always been different due to friends serving over there and not wanting to leave after their tour is up.

[lars573]

Erm, I have heard that large sections of the population hold some rather less than welcoming attitudes about furriners in SK. Seems like the media there thinks non South Koreans are 99% violent criminals, druggies, and perverts. Not to mention women get a very raw deal.
Sounds a lot like Japan. :laugh4:

[stratigos vasilios]

USA, UK, Italy, France or Denmark. But to be honest I'm pretty happy where I am atm!

[gaelic cowboy]

Edit: Gaelic, God help ye, you're still in Mayo - we should start a situational thread asking what would happen if "You Have To Leave Your County".

I cant figure out if your being mean or havin the craic so I take it as the later, I can assure you I have being abroad on more than one occasion, why roscommon has some lovely scenery.

[PershsNhpios]

I said it 'for the crack', since I have good reason personally to be fond of Mayo.

[Hax]

You Irish?

1) Canada, because in terms of social economy it's comparable to the Netherlands. I've got family living over in Ottawa and they're the nicest people on earth. I'd probably like to go to Montréal, though (the largest French-speaking city to have never surrendered) because I like the combination of French and English.

2) Belgium, since their main language is Dutch, too. Also most Flemish people I know are awesome, so I'd probably fit in well!

3) France, I'm kinda familiar with the culture and the language and I can hang around with my father in Marseille!

4) Japan, since the headquarters of the Buddhist school I adhere to are located there. The language would be somewhat problematic though.

[The Stranger]

u are all crazy... *** you going to do in cold rainy countries :O

HAWAIIII!!!!

[gaelic cowboy]

I said it 'for the crack', since I have good reason personally to be fond of Mayo.

I was only jiving too, take no heed.

I been in plenty places from America, UK, Italy Poland and Japan, I always wanted to go to OZ but just never got round to it

I suppose I should add Poland to the list of emigration places for the OP since I will have family there soon too.

[Hooahguy]

Probably Israel.

I was considering Ireland but after reading Joyces's Dubliners Im not so sure anymore.

[Beefy187]

Sounds a lot like Japan. :laugh4:

Only in Animes and porns.
We're not too bad :curtain:

1. Australia. Love the place, people.... okay good beach as well.
2. Canada. Nice place, safe place and Flaxy lives there. Bit too cold for me though
3. Ireland. Never been there but I heard its nice.
4. USA. Good or bad aside, theres lots of unique people there. It would be nice to meet some of them.

[gaelic cowboy]

Probably Israel.

I was considering Ireland but after reading Joyces's Dubliners Im not so sure anymore.

:beam: Even with the recession I can safely say Dublin is better today than it was in 1914

[TinCow]

UK, no other choice even comes close. That said, does it count as leaving my country (I'm a dual US/UK citizen)? If I had to pick a second choice, probably Germany though possibly France.

[Beirut]

Russia: Great cold and great vodka and great soul. Lots of elbow room. Would love to get tanked and cry on a park bench by the riverfront in Leningrad while listening to a guy playing Tchaikovsky on the violin.

Antarctica: Wicked cold, no crowds, have to bring your own booze.

Denmark: Good beer, nice lefty people from what I hear.

Norway: Like Canada, but not.

[Prussian to the Iron]

Australia.

Always hot, lots o desert, speak english, plus they have the coolest accents ever. and they're funny.

[phonicsmonkey]

I already left my country twice.

Once when I was young I left the US at my parents' behest for England.

Then five years ago I voluntarily left England for Australia.

If I were forced to leave again I would be most upset because I like it here very much, but if you twisted my arm I might move to Tuscany.

[stratigos vasilios]

Then five years ago I voluntarily left England for Australia.

Where do you sit on the Ashes fence? :inquisitive:

[rajpoot]

4. South Korea; I know the situation is quite tense over there, but if that ever improves I'd definitely consider South Korea as an option. Stable democracy, good economy, excellent food; and much less xenophobic than most other Asian countries.


Xenophobic? Asians are xenophobic?

[Scienter]

In order of preference:
1) France. It's my favorite country and I speak French.
2) England - specifically Oxford, I loved it when I was there on vacation
3) Germany, though I think it would have to be in a big city or I'd tire of the food.
4) Netherlands - I've never been but from what I've read I think I would be happy there.

[Beskar]

1) Canada (inc. Quebec).
2) Switzerland.
3) Scandinavia.
4) Australia.

[Subotan]

The South.

[Fragony]

Wouldn't want to leave the Netherlands, but my first choice would be France, but only in Paris. Hate France really it's depressing. Otherwise the USA, preferably Louisiana. Americans are nice and direct and I like their self-concious humour. Norway for it's incredible nature and good food. Yes good food, don't like the vikings they are an unfriendly lot.

ABSOLUTELY NOT

England, I detest the place. No idea why anybody would want to live there, it's poor and ugly and filled with white trash. Belgium, they hate us there you are treated like :daisy: everywhere you go.

[Subotan]

ABSOLUTELY NOT

England, I detest the place. No idea why anybody would want to live there, it's poor and ugly and filled with white trash.
Hehe, this is true to an extent, but it hits home when a foreigner says, as opposed to the obligatory self-deprecating attitude we have for our own country. Depends where you go I guess, but you'd hate where I live (It actually smells like cabbages, and I'm not even joking). What about Scotland/Wales/NI?

[Fragony]

Hehe, this is true to an extent, but it hits home when a foreigner says, as opposed to the obligatory self-deprecating attitude we have for our own country. Depends where you go I guess, but you'd hate where I live (It actually smells like cabbages, and I'm not even joking). What about Scotland/Wales/NI?

Not there either, there lingers this everpresent sadness I am really sensitive for, it sucks the life right out of me.

[Subotan]

That omnipresent melancholy only exists until Friday/Saturday nights.

[HopAlongBunny]

Anywhere warmer than Canada :)

[Fragony]

That omnipresent melancholy only exists until Friday/Saturday nights.

Especially then really, don't want to bring the place all too much but you can just kinda notice it when people are unhappy. The Netherlands may be way too quaint for it's own good it's almost creepy, but at least it's a happy place

[Subotan]

Well, maybe I'm exaggerating by omission. I don't mean to say that everyone is sad atm - I would say that most social groups and friends are happy and contented. But as a society? It's certainly less so.

[caravel]

It depends on where you are - in the cities people are less friendly, in smaller towns and villages they're more friendly.

[Tellos Athenaios]

It's not that they are (outwardly) unfriendly. For instance in the Netherlands, generally, whatever someone's occupation they seem to like doing that. Be it a seemingly dull desk job, bus driving, or slinging beers. That's less the case in the UK. It's not that they hate what they're doing per se, it's just that they don't seem to positively enjoy it either. It's more like they have resigned to doing it: “still, could be worse”.

[naut]

España. In a heartbeat, (not taking into account crappy tax laws and a failing economy).

[donbatti]

In no particular order

Denmark
Norway
Island
Finland

[Reenk Roink]

1) Canada: obviously
2) Probably Mexico: been there a couple of times, but only on vacation so I likely have a flawed idea of what it is. Still, it feels most natural to say that.

I don't know after that. If I had to go to Europe it would probably have to be Finland or Sweden.

[Chimpyang]

Netherlands, Sweden, Argentina, New Zealand

[gaelic cowboy]

Forgot Omicron Persei 8

[Graphic]

Excluding anglophonic countries (otherwise Canada would be the instant choice), I'd say some Mediterranean country. Italy maybe. Slovenia looks beautiful (maybe my pick for most beautiful country) but I don't know what the economic and political situation is there.

[B-Wing]

Only two choices for me right now:

1) Switzerland. I've been told by a person I consider an authority on the matter that Swiss government and laws are closest matched to my own libertarian values. And I absolutely love mountains. Winter might be an issue for me, though. Language, too, as I don't seem to be very apt at learning new languages.

2) Australia. I've got family there and their weather is very similar to my native Alabama's. I visited once as a teenager and found the people to be rather friendly, too. Best of all, it's not overcrowded. I'm accustomed to rural living and small towns. Presently I live in Birmingham (Alabama), which isn't considered a major city at all by national standards, and I hate it.

Slightly off topic, but previous replies in this thread mentioned something about the character of the UK changing drastically on the weekends, and it prompted a thought in my mind. It occurred to me that I've always thought of Europe as being known for its parties and night life, across most all of its countries. I have the impression that all Europeans likes to drink and raves are popular. Most of all I have the notion that public partying is safe in most of Europe. This is in stark contrast to the experiences and views I have of the USA, my own homeland.

It seems to me that in America, staying out late drinking and/or doing drugs will quickly get you in trouble, whether it be legal or otherwise. It seems that whenever I go out drinking with friends, somebody is going to become the target of criminals, police, ***hole bouncers, or some other group of trouble-starting ***holes. Our own media seems to emphasize this notion. European media seems to paint very much the opposite picture. People go out, get completely smashed, have a great time, stumble back to their apartments/houses, and wake up the next morning with nothing more serious than a hangover.

So my question is, am I just being fooled by media, do I just have terrible luck, or is there any truth to these generalizations I've made?

[Centurion1]

bad luck.