How I see the US after living in Europe for 2 Years

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[@nadia11119]

Americans need to stop saying Europe as if it’s one country. Just say Portugal. Unless you went to every country in Europe, which you will find that each country is VERY different. We are not the United States of Europe.

[@eweb4949]

True- the states and cities here are all very different from each other as well.

[@patriciastaimee]

Thank you for that point..

[@giselealexandrariascos1906]

​@@eweb4949you still can't compare europe with the us like that. Europe is a continent with different countries and cultures. The us is one big country with different states. You're comparing a country and a continent and it's just nog the same thing whatsoever.

[@Indiamood4love]

When you say Europe, my first response is: but what country? It matters so much. Each EU country is different in every way.

[@beatricefrask5230]

I actually think it is correct to refer as Europe as an entity, as all country have universal Healthcare and work life balance.

[@ZoneCracker]

America is a place where people have dreams. Europe is a place where people have lives.

[@alkemystica]

so the logic says Europeans live without dreaming

[@josephj6521]

@@alkemysticaEuropeans mostly are living their dreams. Work/life balance is very important as well as social interactions. This excludes the UK who are a mini-USA.

[@alkemystica]

@@LalaDepala00 It;s true. Lots of great things in Europe

[@alkemystica]

@@josephj6521 I am sure some are. Although in my opinion work/life balance is a distorted concept.

[@user-wm3rh8ne9k]

One (living a good life) doesn't exclude the other (dreaming). Just explore your dreams, find your path(s - yes they can be multiple!)) and enjoy the ride! With love from Europe. ;-)

[@christianfarina3056]

I am Italian. I have been in the US since 2009. The cost of food has always blown me away and it is so hard to make Americans understand that paying 5.99/lbs for bell peppers is robbery.

[@TheGagnonRx]

True story. I’ve been in take for a month and can actually afford to eat real food.

[@HerezCheez]

This is over simplication. CoL depends where you live in the states. And you can argue generally white collar professionals get paid more in the US

[@christianfarina3056]

@@HerezCheez yes and no. I am a white collar peofessional and make decent money, but the col is pretty high. 1/3 of my paycheck goes to daycare, for example.

[@christianfarina3056]

@@HerezCheez add to that that I have to pay for health care for the family, student loans, mortgage and bills and the money is gone.

[@HerezCheez]

@@christianfarina3056 I'm only providing counter point. YMMV. But in general, if you are ambitious and very skilled white collar worker, US will pay you the most than anywhere in the world. There is no "ceiling". But at the same time there is no "safety net" net like Europe.

[@johnnydonaldcarr1847]

After having lived in Germany for 21 years as an American. I have changed my perspectives on health insurance, 30 days paid vacation with vacation pay and overall a slower paced life Style. Americans seem to think Europeans are traveling like crazy to see all of Europe in a short time. When in reality it's more likely you will rent a house for 2 weeks and just relax with family and friends. A new life with a fresh prospective. ,

[@werpu12]

Yes indeed we do not rush during our vacations, we really just go to some place and relax for a week or two, or some people get plastered daily. We have a stronger distinction between work and free time, work means work and nothing else, free time means no work. So given germany was mentioned, the productivity over the entire year is pretty similar to the USA despite having 5 weeks of vacation! Thats because work is more compressed and serious and people tend to focus better with shorter work hours, the rest is lost time, you just dont feel it like that because you are exhausted!

[@hansmeier3287]

Health insurance was made possible by the solidarity of our nation state in Germany in the 1870s. Now, anti-German politicians pull in millions and millions of illegal foreigners and half of them dont even work but get social security and health coverage for free - which means we Germans have to to work to pay taxes for them... Plus Ukrainians.

[@paulm2467]

American tourists race from country to country trying to cram in as much as possible and that is hard to understand for Europeans. Most of them don't realise that American tourists are so time restricted and get incredibly few holidays.

[@robertwinkel9209]

My wife and I took jobs in Europe 5 years ago. Within 4 months we knew we did not want to move back to the US ever.

[@DaveinPortugal]

Wow! Never looking back

[@JeepCherokeeful]

All depends on the person, their interests and where they lived in the USA. If you’re working for “the man” 6 days a week, 12 hours like the presenter, well, it’d move to a dozen other countries to escape that. Especially Flint or Detroit or LA, guess people are actually mentally challenged?

[@kirstyg3978]

I hear you on that. My hubby is european we moved back to his home country last year. 2 months in I asked him what was he thinking leaving here for the US lol. And how the hell do it for 20 years. 😂 my kids will be born and raised here for sure.

[@chorton53]

Awesome 👍🏿 I moved to France like 15yrs ago. I also gave up my American nationality. I never felt American anyway. Have fun.

[@LosAngelesHypnosis]

​@@DaveinPortugalI am looking to move in 3 years. I will be semi-retiring. I am ready for the change because of all the reasons you have given. Love your info. Thank you.

[@necrophobya]

I did my PhD in the Netherlands, and once we had an American candidate for a postdoc position. He was great, but after his presentation, he asked us in a very cocky manner, almost looking down on us, lowly Europeans "do you guys EVEN work weekends?". Our professor who is Korean and did his PhD in USA put him in his place very fast hy saying "I've worked in 3 continents, America, East Asia, and now Europe and I can say that indeed Europeans work the smallest amount of hours. But the output is the same"

[@ngauruhoezodiac3143]

There is no need for output to exceed demand.

[@myname-pe2pe]

Tbh that might have just been a missed shot at humour, I work at a national lab in the States, there is quite often miscommunication amongst us and the international workers and scientists, after time though we adjust to each other

[@ntmn8444]

How stupid. I’m American and laugh in the face of employers. I will give you everything I have, but ONLY 9-5 M-F. After that, it’s my life, and I don’t owe you the rest of my waking hours. And yes, I’ll take my vacations. Because let’s face it, when you have your chance you will replace me sooner than you can say “gotcha”.

[@Pdmc-vu5gj]

​@@myname-pe2peNot really. It was obnoxious and generalizing.

[@kuntakentay6969]

Just salty losers who live to hate America. There’s a reason they all go to America to learn in the first place lmao because we’re on top

[@leesweeney8879]

Portugal made me so much calmer about life. Been here 18 months. Will never go back.

[@0Demiyah0]

Living in The Netherlands, but also having lived for short periods in South-Korea, Italy and the U.S.A., my appreciation for my own country has increased so much. I love the work-life balance, the safety, the social security system, the quality of food vs costs, the infrastructure, the education, it's just a good life here... In this shitty world, this is probably the best place to enjoy a calm and secure life, even with the inflation and housing crisis that are problematic at the moment.

[@brb4903]

I would rate life in NL as 8/10, if there wouldn't be a housing crisis it would be 9/10

[@artgreen6915]

There's a 'housing crisis' in the UK too. I'm not saying there isn't one, and I don't blame people for focusing on solutions. But there's only occasional and rarely quality analysis of what's caused this. House building dropped a bit after the Financial Crisis but has since rebounded somewhat. Has there been a population explosion in the meantime? I don't think so. A bit more immigration perhaps, but not that would explain this by itself. I don't get it, and I don't get the lack of analysis. Another factor cited is the breakdown in family life with less 2-3 child families and more single people living in apartments which is less space efficient perhaps. But most of that change occurred before 2000 I would think - I don't feel it especially accelerated in the last 5 years. The Dutch problems may be different from the UK ones, I don't know.

[@f.k.3762]

You‘re doing a good job in the NL and you can be proud of your country and its achievements. Greetings from Germany

[@katherinenowik2265]

I am Canadian and moved to Europe over 36 years ago, much like you l sold everythingand bought a one way ticket to France. Your comparison of American, which has similarities to Canadian is very accurate. I now live in England and travel all around Europe with much ease. I can't go back to North America now, it would be a huge culture shock. America has a lot to offer but Europe is where you will find life's riches without being a millionaire

[@Leo29568]

‘Finding life’s riches without being a millionaire’ - this is what life is all about.

[@utubecomment21]

Sorry, but America has nothing to offer. The food sucks, the healthcare is a total rip-off, education is laughable at best. But I have to admit that if murdering innocent people and stealing their resources was an Olympic sport, America would win Gold, Silver & Bronze! As for Canada, it is the most racist place I've ever been to … and I've been to Cape Town! Bill Burr was right! *Bill Burr: Canada Is Not Some Post-Racial Paradise | CONAN on TBS* kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5m9ZpqKjrKebrs

[@soulshine8531]

Went i was in Paris years ago i thought we’ll I’d rather be poor in Paris than Dallas. I tried MX-not so much. I have animals and figured out i need to keep working so back to US for now.

[@RIZFERD]

The longer I am back in Indonesia to me, western world and middle east are the real third world. Even most of you don't know that world map is inaccurate since Mercator projection 1569. Real Indonesia is Huge as Russia but much richer. All you know is your mediocre tiny world and boxes your entire life, that's the meaning of black box including what Abrahamic religions wanting to have, including toga square hat/cap during graduation ceremony. My comment is intimidating for thus not prepared for the truth thus not a complete multiracial not multilingual never been living around the world all alone since childhood are just the same never evolved dumb apes stuck inside your tiny boxes your entire life and not learning from the past to evolve better.

[@andddrea11]

⁠@@Leo29568that’s something nice to say if you have the money. But when you’re poor, or you want to achieve certain things in life, like to afford buying a house, to have a family… you start thinking about the bills and how you’re gonna make it. Even if it’s Europe.

[@user-qg5qs8hz7c]

When I moved to the United States, one of the things that surprised me was the obsession with people's "ethnicity" and the classification people do with it.

[@saffanna4001]

And religion! In Europe, nobody's interested in your religious beliefs.

[@martinn.6082]

That's not necessarily a bad thing. Many PoC I know had more problems with racism in Europe than in the US, since we don't "think" as much about diversity as Americans do.

[@beebee-vv5ly]

you wrong. For European citizens was always important religion. They build and establish their countries based on law and direction of Christianity.European people now are opening eyes because they notice as they let in too many muslims with their toxic traditions and muslims disrespect and abuse European citizens and their culture. muslims and 3rd world immigrants are the biggest problem and unwanted issues in Europe now. Every single European country where they let them in they made there crime, islamic terrorists attacks, abusing women, overpopulated with out of logic number of kids creating poverty by this in Europe, they abuse benefits system stealing tax payers money because muslims are the biggest unemployed group in Europe now. They are just lazy.they don't bother study languages and educate themselves. Europe is fed up and will do all to close the borders. European people were tolerant but enough is enough for 3rd world barbarians

[@melodieneil712]

Really sad, isn’t it???

[@srisungazesplash1340]

You can survive in peace as long as you are white skinned…. I have seen racism and non acceptance with my fellow dark skinned people…. Totally

[@kailahmann1823]

I'd say, it's not just "binge drinking", it's "binge living": Everything has to be as big and loud as possible. Your burger doesn't need fresh salat, it needs to be "supersized". Your car doesn't need to be luxury, it needs to be "super duty" to haul the big ego…

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

My house is 800 sf and my car is a Chevy Sonic.

[@JayandSarah]

Bingo. The folks in America (North America) have all the stuff... but actually, they are not very wealthy. It's a facade.

[@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131]

Europeans work to live. Not the other way around. Love from Norway 🇳🇴

[@GillerHeston]

I am in my early 60s and retired at 53. Lots of people gave me pushback because they had difficulty grasping the concept of not working if you don’t have to. I looked at my life as stages. I earned everything I have now through a lot of hard work, but I owe it to myself to “stop and smell the roses” in my final stage of life. In my case I left the country after I retired and live in Latin America. It allowed me to get away from all the negative things happening in America while appreciating my new environment. I have yet to meet anyone who regrets retirement.

[@eloign7147]

Nice way to retire. For me, I believe retirees who struggle to meet their basic needs are the ones who could not accumulate enough money during their active years to meet their needs. Retirement choices determine a lot of things. My wife and I both spent same number of years in the civil service, she invested through a wealth manager and myself through the 401k. We both still earning after our retirement.

[@joshbarney114]

This is true. I'm in my mid 50's now. My wife and I were following this same trajectory. Last two years, I pulled out my money and invested with her wealth manager. Not catching up with her profits over the years, but at least I earn more. I'm making money even before retiring, and my retirement fund has grown way more than it would have with just the 401(k). Haha.

[@rogerwheelers4322]

It's unfortunate most people don't have such information. I don't really blame people who panic. Lack of information can be a big hurdle. I've been making more than a million dollars by just investing through an advisor, and I don't have to do much work. Doesn't matter if the economy is misbehaving; great wealth managers will always make returns.

[@harwellron1289]

I think this is something I should do, but I've been stalling for a long time now. I don't really know which firm to work with; I feel they are all the same but it seems you’ve got it all worked out with the firm you work with so i surely wouldn’t mind a recommendation.

[@rogerwheelers4322]

I definitely share your sentiment about these firms. When I was starting out, I checked out a couple of freelance investors online, so you could do the same. I personally work with “Colleen Janie Towe”, and she's is widely recognized for her proficiency and expertise in the financial market. With a comprehensive knowledge of portfolio diversification, she is acknowledged as an authority in this field. Most likely, her deets can be found on the net, so you can confirm yourself.

[@Valhalla_Heathen]

American from Nevada here. When I managed to visit Nordic countries like Sweden, Finland and Norway I felt like I was in utter bliss! But Norway was the country in particular that made me feel not wanting to go back to the US, it felt like home there 🇳🇴

[@melodyal3357]

If you felt like that about north countries, try south. That´t where people truly know how to enjoy and live their lives. North countries are cold compared to the south ones. Best mentalities and lifestyles are in european south countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, Balkans... Those nations will teach you how to be closer to what really matters in life (family, friends, siestas, etc..) and I am sure that after spending time there you will mentally and spiritually feel and be healthier, it´s inevitable. :)

[@OdinsSage]

You have the coolest username I've ever seen.

[@MirceaKitsune]

Never thought I'd live to say this, but I hope we never become like America! Although the EU is being taken over by techno-dystopian children detached from reality, we're holding it together so far. Whatever moral paranoia and societal cultism destroyed America isn't manifesting as strongly here, less for a few places like France and of course Britain which left the EU before going mad. People in my area at least generally don't care about anything: Whether you're for or against LGBT, believe in global warming or not, vaccines... sure we have those with strong opinions having to push something and crying on their associated media channels, but at the end of the day no one lynches anyone else for it and this stuff never holds long. If the EU keeps going authoritarian we'll likely leave it eventually, but for now it seems to be one of the last empires bearable to live in left on the planet.

[@perolden]

@@melodyal3357 Sadly, this is incorrect, the southern countries are problem countries, you can never expect anything to be done, if you order some work, it'll be done in a shoddy way, by people that show up every third day, and blaming it all on their sick mother in law.

[@anak.-ix5zg]

How abt the cold?

[@lordfebola]

Well told. I would add just one more advantage of Europe (which we Europeans take for granted): drinking tap water. Oh, yes, and we always pay the price we are being advertised. No extra tax, charges and fees, and especially no 20% tip. Our waiters are fairly paid by the employer.

[@jamescorry63]

thats actually the norm for all countries whose ruling system is based on Social indoctrines not on Capitalistic indoctrines , not just in most countries that make up Europe , but Aus , NZ , Great Brittain , Ireland ,,,, trouble with a lot of Americans , is they think they are paying for everything , when in actual fact , because they pay low Taxes and spend most of their GDP on war mongering , there is very little left for the people themselves , and don't forget Americans have their FREEDUMBS

[@matteodotdpsatgmaildotcom2451]

They are not fairly paid, but they can live off it at least

[@Stepanthecrab]

VAT entered the chat

[@lordfebola]

@@Stepanthecrab Every price in EU is VAT inclusive.

[@annamc3947]

Drinking tap water? That’s normal in the US. In Europe they’re always charging you for bottled water. Totally the opposite.

[@geniosoftcarregosa]

Hi Dave, i am portuguese and is very nice to see your perspective of what we did better and worse at Europe and Portugal. And it's great to know that after knowing all of that you choose our country to live. We don't have a 'Portuguese Dream' in opposite to the 'American Dream' but i think we try to make our common reality that dream. That's a way of not competing for the dream but colaborating for it.

[@jorgefortes6674]

As a 67 yo Portuguese I must tell you this true story: Back in 1991 I met an Australian guy who stayed in Portugal for a while. One of the things he complained about was the time he had to wait for the food in a restaurant. He claimed that in Sydney's McDonalds an hamburguer would be served in 5 minutes.and I was totally flabbergasted when he told me that the seats were slanted in order to not let the clients be comfortable in order to leave asap..That really annoyed me to core. I realised that who or what was behind the whole concept of this inhuman racket was evil. This guy, instead of finding this state of affairs disgusting supported the scam and worse, he hoped that this thing would come to Portugal...

[@THEROOTMATTERS]

SAD! I AGREE. PORTUGAL DOES NOT NEED THE AMERICAN WAY

[@infinity4evr]

He was Australian and that pretty much says it all. They support the establishment and have a tyrannical world view.

[@britjj5126]

​@infinity4evr have you been or lived in Australia before??

[@ginacardarella]

My family's from northern italy never had anything experience bad like that

[@britjj5126]

You met 1 Australian guy back in the 90s and somehow he is the representative for how all Aussies operate. Go figure.

[@davidabbett7011]

My wife and I lived in Italy for a 4 year expatriate assignment and we had similar epiphanies. Work/Life balance, my wife feeling far safer in Europe, quality of food and lack of artificial preservatives, fresh & seasonal fruits & vegetables, a sense of community that we have lost in U.S., personal data protection, a not for profit medical system, and NOT having to live in the U.S. during a NEVER ENDING political season.

[@RIZFERD]

The longer I am back in Indonesia to me, western world and middle east are the real third world. Even most of you don't know that world map is inaccurate since Mercator projection 1569. Real Indonesia is Huge as Russia but much richer. All you know is your mediocre tiny world and boxes your entire life, that's the meaning of black box including what Abrahamic religions wanting to have, including toga square hat/cap during graduation ceremony. My comment is intimidating for thus not prepared for the truth thus not a complete multiracial not multilingual never been living around the world all alone since childhood are just the same never evolved dumb apes stuck inside your tiny boxes your entire life and not learning from the past to evolve better.

[@fpvflyriding]

I would move to Italy & live in the northern most part!

[@warriorshedge6772]

Thats bullshit, with the migrant crime rate around?

[@davidabbett7011]

@@warriorshedge6772 . . . Troll

[@antoniotorcoli5740]

​​@@warriorshedge6772Italy has one of the lowest homicide rate in the world. www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_intentional_homicide_rate&ved=2ahUKEwiFw4q4utKBAxWQwAIHHSWrCm4QFnoECBUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3tSm3gWKOPCIeTd-8qc5yl

[@TheRunpoker]

Your brush is certainly broad. But as a danish person who lived one year in the US and visited many parts of the country I definitely recognise the picture. I met some brilliant and quiet cultured people in the US, but I also was amazed at how little general knowledge about the world people possessed including language skills. Also attending high school it was quite the chock that the teachers were totally uninterest in critical thinking and the students ability to reflect and apply logical thought. It’s was all about memorisation and reproducing with a strong sense of indoctrination. Some quite intelligent kids rebelled against this and were often sanctioned and many wore ankle chains (due to misdemeanour crime) that the police used to enforce a curfew. This was all very strange to me. My teachers in Europe has always encouraged us to think independently and critically.

[@egris00]

@TheRunpoker You may have hit on the main cause of America's political woes today. Its this lack of critical thinking that creates an easily manipulated populace - ie. Q-anon, Maga and other such non learned groups who react rather than think.

[@kevin.j9165]

Yeah, thinking critically in the US is frowned upon these days lol they want you to be liberal or conservative and anything aside from that is no bueno.

[@latp9567]

Right? When I first came here I was pretty sure that most people would have a high level of general knowledge but it ended up being the opposite.

[@kevin.j9165]

@@latp9567 In my experience, it’s only certain cities that display a lack of general knowledge. Or college campuses lol but about half of the country is exceptionally smart. It just depends on which cities you live in.

[@cezino10001]

@@egris00Well I came from post socialist country where we had to learn to think critically not once but twice- to survive and think how establishment wanted us to think and than to think for ourselves. So this is why I 100% support MAGA. You have mo clue what you are talking about. The majority of post communist immigrants knew since day one what BS whole Covid was about. Not many are jabbed with poison and brainwashed by media and “education “ in this shitty whole of the collapsing world. Enjoy what you created. Stupidity, death and sickness.

[@cabayern9416]

Moved from California to Germany. Best decision I ever made. Quality of life greatly improved in all areas. Excellent work life balance, much better personal safety, and more peace and quiet.

[@sunshadow9704]

If you dont mind me asking, what is your status in Germany? I just returned from Germany as a tourist and found out that it is exceptionally hard to stay in Germany. You either must find a job in Germany (which implies solid knowledge of German) or marry one.

[@cabayern9416]

@@sunshadow9704 In order to procure gainful employment, in any country, it is quite beneficial (and should be required) to have knowledge of that language (at least speaking and comprehending spoken language). I have an MA, years of experience and am fluent in German. Living here has been far easier (on many levels) than living in the US. Is not hard to stay if you can prove you won't milk the social welfare system.

[@pamelaportland1286]

So true on all levels. I lived in Europe for 20 years. The work life balance is what I admired the most. Working for the US government you were not a team player if you used your vacation time. You were labeled as lazy and not committed to the team. It got old. My commitment was to my family and myself. Not my job. That was making a living and nothing more but Americans demand this allegiance which means you sacrifice happiness for the sake of a job. It's psychotic. A constant struggle. This is where America falls short.

[@PeterNGloor]

I have lived in Europe for 72 years now, and I still like it.....

[@redruby747]

I agree usa sucks

[@RIZFERD]

The longer I am back in Indonesia to me, western world and middle east are the real third world. Even most of you don't know that world map is inaccurate since Mercator projection 1569. Real Indonesia is Huge as Russia but much richer. All you know is your mediocre tiny world and boxes your entire life, that's the meaning of black box including what Abrahamic religions wanting to have, including toga square hat/cap during graduation ceremony. My comment is intimidating for thus not prepared for the truth thus not a complete multiracial not multilingual never been living around the world all alone since childhood are just the same never evolved dumb apes stuck inside your tiny boxes your entire life and not learning from the past to evolve better.

[@ej34b]

fall short is saying it nicely. It is a fundamental cultural aberration.

[@SBezmy]

It’s not true on every level. The part where he says “Europe” doesn’t have political extremism and polarized politics is beyond ridiculous.

[@ceooflonelinessinc.267]

I as an european had to chance to travel the US for a month. Being brainwashed with the stereotype, that americans are stupid, uncultivated and backwards we experienced a culture shock. Everyone we met was absolutely kind, friendly and helpful. We had many special encounters which we will never forget like being invited to a BBQ, when locals noticed that we as tourists arrived at the motel at a time where every restaurant was already closed. Overall, we really liked the vibes americans bring in to their day. They always have this upbeat, optimistic and positive spirit. This is not something you experienc in Europe. Beside that, the US is a beautiful country, with countless things to offer. The nature is magnificient. You will find everything Mother Nature created in this country. I hiked wild canyons and deserts in the West. I paddled through swamps and swum in Caribbean like waters in the South. In the North we climbed alpine mountains and glaciers and went skiing. And the best thing about the nature is that it is overall easily accessible. State and National parks offer a fantastic infrastructure to explore nature. Furthermore we found america to be a very cultivated society. We were never able to find the stereotype, that Americans behave uncultivated. We actually found it to be quite the opposite. Every bigger City got a cosmopolitan vibe. You will a vibrant food culture, world famous museums and a ton of interesting venues like concerts, musicals and sports. This doesn’t stop outside of these metropolises. Every state or region seems to preserve their generic identity in a kitschy, but beautiful way. Everything looks highly maintained. Whether it is their architecture, food or music. We loved the small fisher towns along the east coast. Everything seemed to be out of a movie or a novel. There were main streets with cafés and art galleries. We were impressed with the French Colonial Architecture in the south states, especially in Savanna. What a beautiful town! We absolutely fell in love with California. Beginning with the surf towns like SB nestled in their Spanish architecture, ending with Napa Valley with their residents and vine yards. I will never forget this month. Thank you America.

[@nickdsp8089]

Traveling as a tourist and visiting many places it s not the same as permanently living in a country. Experiencing the working, education and health care provided for you and your family.

[@ceooflonelinessinc.267]

I know @@nickdsp8089

[@DaveinPortugal]

Beautiful perspective! Thanks for sharing

[@MrGrand2000]

You were here on vacation..a lot different than living here…

[@ceooflonelinessinc.267]

@@MrGrand2000 I would prefer living an average life in the States than living an average life where I live.

[@irisbernardes6023]

As a portuguese living abroad I have to say that although my country is really great to live in, unfortunally that isnt the reality for every portuguese person. Obviously you talked about EU in general I suppose, but since you’re living in Portugal I thought I could share my opinion on that. You’re right that we dont talk about politics often, and I think is worth mentioning thats because most of us dont really understand it, myself included. We tend to vote for the same and safe because we dont have better options, and many of the old population, wich we have a lot of are stuck in Salazar era. You cant live by yourself in the city because rents are super expensive, even to buy a house you will work only to pay the bank. Unfortunaly I feel sometimes that my country is more for foregners that for myself, we welcome everyone and forget to help our own people. No country is perfect and mine is no expection, I just wish it would be easier for me to go back, but working to survive only isnt a good life.

[@deliciouscolours]

Hi Iris. Same here, living abroad for over 12 years. We are planning to go back and have a business of some sort but I can't say we are not a bit scared. The culture is a huge barrier too because it's so different from Central Europe, older people are stuck in the Salazar era, you are so right! I think schools don't teach kids to think, they teach them to obey authorities, the older the people the more scared they are to defy "authorities". It's very sad, really!

[@alejandrolopezxochihua3371]

I can agree with that, sometimes I feel like life is easier for us foreigners in Lisbon, I’m a French-Mexican working in Lisbon and I barely feel like I’m in Portugal, it feels like everyone here is French or American. At restaurants and nightclubs you only see foreigners. I haven’t met Portuguese people yet. I expend the whole day either talking in French or English even Spanish on rare occasions, but I haven’t been in need of speaking Portuguese

[@irisbernardes6023]

​@alejandrolopezxochihua3371 unfortunally Portuguese people are often "forced" to emigrate because we can't find decent jobs and a university degree doesn't mean much these days. We have the mentality that what comes from outside is better, and that is so wrong, we have so much history and culture and we overlook that. I like to hear that people like our country obviously, but when we come to a point where foreigners have it easier than our own population, that's not acceptance, that's just very sad.

[@irisbernardes6023]

​@@deliciouscoloursand when they're not afraid and actually make strikes to try and change something, all you hear is "what for? Nothings going to change". It's very sad to think we prefer to remain in the situation we are now than to actuallytake action to change it.

[@flocoo1359]

​@@alejandrolopezxochihua3371yeah, maybe that is because foreigners with a higher financial capacity are completely disrupting the housing market (and other markets) by moving here by the thousands ,in a country where the average salary goes around 800€-900€, and the government and municipalities do nothing to control it. They in fact double down on it as if it was something great, leaving locals completely unprotected against the economic inequality where they have to compete for a space. It's very sad. Currently average Portuguese people with normal jobs afford a house. An average rent in Lisbon today goes for around 1500€. Rooms are 700€-800€. How would average Portuguese people be able to pay for these? How can a student afford a room? I can't say it is your fault, but all these Americans, French and other foreign nationalities moving in hordes to Portugal just because "it is super cheap" are creating a huge impact in the country. It's not cheap for us, and I have to say this feels like neo-colonialism leveraged by money. People are literally being expelled from the cities via life cost increase. Even the suburbs are not affordable anymore. And don't even start me on the "annexation" of coastal lands, which we would travel to enjoy the beach since our childhood, but are now being bought and made inaccessible. Something that is supposed to be illegal, but money will allow you to circumvent. I blame this on the greed and lack of vision of our people and politicians. A lot are just getting rich on the low hanging fruit by selling us out and transforming this country into a huge Disneyland and hotel. We now face challenges such as: how will teachers, policemen, nurses or garage collectors work in the city if they can't afford to live in the surroundings? An hotel organization was demanding free land to the government, so they could build affordable housing for their own employees, since no one was willing to move there for a low wage which wouldn't allow them to pay a local rent. There is no bright future for a country which just lives from tourism. I see no plan to leverage higher value activities on the money tourism and high end immigration is bringing. Just more tourism and more digital nomads. I fear this will create future generations of subservient and low cultured people. What is the point of getting an education if all there is to do is work at a restaurant, hotel or drive a tuc-tuc for foreigners. Also, a lot of businesses are transforming to please the expat's taste, since there is more money to get from that, destroying a lot of low end quality businesses we had here, because foreigners don't like it. This is another erasure happening from this "great migration" to Portugal. It is basically turning into an uncharacteristic country where you get exactly the same expet you could get in the US, Dubai, Berlin, Stockholm, São Paulo or Singapore.

[@reekachristina4288]

I did this in 2009 at 23 years old. Moved abroad. Have lived in South Korea, France, Germany and Georgia. Its completely changed me as a person! Thanks for the video!

[@AndNowIWrite]

My husband and I retired here in 2019, had a little house in Central Portugal, and then an apartment near the ocean. In 2020, we bought and refitted a van and been traveling around Europe for two years and just rented a house in Northern Portugal so we can complete the 5 year visa requirements. We don't move in until September, so we're hanging out on a mountainside in Chaves. I can't help but notice all the families here, camping, singing, dining together, and although it cheers me to see this, it saddens me. No way can families in the US all get time off at the same time for get togethers. The Portuguese people are some of the most helpful people we've ever encountered. They often don't realize how special they and their culture are because there's such a comparison with the US, (mainly due to movies) I love the look on their faces whenever I tell them how much better life is here, the pace, the kindness.

[@fernandosr2001]

I love the Portuguese people as well. They are very kind and feel very happy when they can help you. Such a genuine and down-to-earth people. I'm Brazilian and even coming from a related country, there is no comparison. I recently got my Portuguese citizenship and look forward to moving to Portugal. Where I really feel at home.

[@JPF222]

@@fernandosr2001 It warms my heart to read that from a Brazilian brother, espero que sejas feliz aqui❤ Thank you both for your kind comments

[@fernandosr2001]

Obrigado, amigo!@@JPF222

[@MsPoliteRants]

This honestly made me tear up. I long for that kind of connection. I can’t believe I don’t like my birth country (USA)

[@connorpayne9830]

I love the way that Americans refer to Europe almost like a country

[@mikeantonio3163]

I don't!

[@AidPast]

Europeans do the same about the US, in all fairness

[@susannebrunberg4174]

​@@AidPast Well, not all do that. But the US is one country with 50 states. While in Europe there are about 50 countries.

[@AidPast]

@@susannebrunberg4174 each state is almost like a separate country with its very own constitution and legislation. Many Europeans don’t realize that in addition to the federal constitution, each US state has its own state constitution.

[@mikeantonio3163]

@@AidPast America is one country?

[@enitalp]

Fun video. I'm French, born in Paris, and lived and worked there until 2004. I moved to Canada, Montreal, Quebec. and everything you said, I did say (besides food and some part of health care) as a difference between Paris and Montreal; in 2021, I moved from Montreal to a country house 150km from Montreal near a medium size town. I did get the same cultural shock from Paris to Montreal and now Montreal to Sherbrooke. No stress; everything is literally 10 minutes away. People are so lovely and friendly, etc. I could never go back; in almost 20 years, I only spent 3 days in France for a business trip.

[@Copainbig]

Paris is not France. I have lived in Canada for 5 years, and me and my Canadian wife want to go live in France… But Paris? I’d prefer to die.

[@milibrkovic7387]

I live in Sherbrooke and the city sucks 🤣🤣

[@stillmind5892]

Yeah, but Paris is one of the very worst European cities to live in..

[@brucejamiesn3802]

I understand why you love Quebec. I went there in August and talked to the Parisian proprietors of an auberge. They said it was much easier to start a business in Quebec compared to France. I don't understand why more young French don't move there because of friendliness of the people and the beauty of the nature.

[@enitalp]

The weather 🌦 36C in summer and -32C in winter. And the taxes (next year, I'm reaching the last bracket, around 52%/54% of federal + provincial taxes). But, 0% TVA (TPS+TVQ) on fresh products like fruits or meat, taxes are only applied to transformed products. So "rich" people eat frozen food, while "poor" people eat vegetables and meat. @@brucejamiesn3802

[@boobopish]

I’m European and I’ve also lived in the U.S. I could never ever live in the U.S. ever again. I feel so much safer and more relaxed back in Europe, and I need the culture of Europe too.

[@nancyparker9137]

Not feeling very safe in Europe these days with threats of terror in public spaces and war looming from Russia...

[@boobopish]

@@nancyparker9137I’m sorry you feel that way.

[@hanvroman]

Wrong, it's war looming all over the world from the USA...​@@nancyparker9137

[@SandraHof]

Your assessment of things about living in Europe over the US I think is very accurate. I have lived in Poland for 10 years. I have always felt safe in my city, even walking at night or on public transportation. I can afford health care here and the standard of care is generally very good. I live off my Social Security. My lifestyle is simple. But still much better than it would be in the US on my limited income. We do not have the gun violence of the US. I don’t need a car here, so I don’t have that expense. The rail system is so good in Europe and airfare is cheap within Europe, so travel is much more affordable once in Europe. I am grateful for my American upbringing and the life I had there for the first 57 years of my life. But I am also grateful for these past 10 years in Poland.

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

Do you pay cash for health care? Did you speak Polish when you arrived or have you learned while there? Seems like a difficult language.

[@imveryhungry112]

most of it is our culture. When I was in high school the kids would curse out the teachers and I even saw one punch a teacher in the face. Outside of the usa that stuff is very strange. But here it is totally accepted.

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

@@imveryhungry112 And people wonder why few want to be teachers these days.

[@Sebastian-zn3dx]

Europe has only been living in a bubble of well-being since the end of World War II and as a result of becoming a colony of US hegemony. The real Europe is a poor and violent place that can be seen precisely before the world wars. Most European countries are bankrupt and live on DEBT and that debt can only be maintained by an artificial hegemony of the Euro. Right now, Germany, which is the "industrial engine" without cheap Russian energy, is no longer competitive and the rest of the countries are condemned to fall into economic and social decline. This whole vision that Europeans "have lives" has no historical basis, just look at the millions of immigrants who fled from there to seek a better life.

[@Jack-tk1is]

America is for Leaders, America 🇺🇸 is where People make a difference & Make the world a better place through innovations 💡

[@steveparker2938]

I lived in England (close to Oxford) for two years and so many of the things you say are true, especially the "work to live not live to work" mentality. I also loved the dining out experience. You go to a pub, sit with friends and eat pub grub and talk for HOURS and now one pushes drink or food on you nor do the "hint" at the fact it's time for you to go. It's a totally different mind set

[@christophresmerowski1824]

German here. You're right, it's the stupid Old World mindset ... staying away from risks and being a toddler in the nanny state. Totally immature.

[@achimdemus-holzhaeuser1233]

They don't need to push, the atmosphere let people order drink after drink just by themselves :)

[@laurenraine]

Yes, I lived in England at several times in my life. I miss that so much, finding that Americans are so isolated from each other, and becoming more so every day.

[@tyyneviljakainen5108]

Not case in Finland

[@serpentines6356]

​@@laurenraine Yes, unfortunately, that happens. One of the drawbacks I don't like about my country. It's mostly like that in big, or growing cities, along with the pro-criminal AG's, laws happening. It's insane. I have friends who live in a smaller town, college area, a lot of people are starting to move there. They like the locale, friendly people.

[@ronniewilliford3449]

Super interesting vid, Dave. My wife and I have talked about moving to Europe and I've heard a lot of these same pros and cons voiced by other folks. We tend to jump into wherever the new adventure lies. It's nice to hear your thoughts on the subject.

[@milenapfeiler]

If I had to do the video of opposite experience I would point out exactly the same differences and cultural shocks I got moving from Europe to US for a few years. From agricultural Slovenia straight into the streets of NY. 😊 But funny thing is that wherever you live, part of it stays with you, part of that place you’ll always miss. At the end of the day you have to weigh out whatever suits your lifestyle more.

[@HelderP1337]

As a Portuguese myself, living in the USA for 12 years now, what you said here is pretty much spot on. To the better or worse, it is what it is. I miss my home country of Portugal, can't wait to move back with everything I learned here.

[@maxbarko8717]

As a German living in Canada I feel the same. I wish I had have moved back to Europe.

[@PUAlum]

i"m so tempted to try living in Portugal. I'm an American who is tired of our politics and of the low levels of cultural awareness. What do you most miss about Portugal?

[@DaveinPortugal]

🙏

[@HelderP1337]

@@PUAlum the politics is definitely a huge one here in the US. I've lost friendships because they didn't align with me on certain stuff. I'll never understand people that only want to hang around like minded people, you'll never grow that way. It's sad, but the polarization is really being felt, and I see it getting worse with every passing year. I love this country's constitution, I love the free speech amendment, and the overall sense of freedom and entrepreneurship you have in here, I've learned a lot from it, I've grown and I'm a different person with different ideals now than I was 5 years ago. You really need to walk on eggshells when talking to people, specially to coworkers and professional environments, and I never felt that before. I feel that often I can't be myself. As for Portugal, I miss the weather, having the 4 seasons is amazing, if feels like the year is a little longer and you can appreciate the change throughout the year. I miss the food, it's some of the best cuisine in the world, IMHO. I miss the laid back people, people are really chill in Portugal, (Arguably too much, that's one of the reasons I left in my early 20s. I wanted that hustle culture) I miss the coffee shops, pastries, and the dinner culture. People actually sit down for dinner and lunch and hang around with their friends and families for a long time, here in the US that only really happens during Thanksgiving, in there it's literally every day. I also miss the scenery, PT is tiny compared to even California but the north and the south, and even the interior is so different in terms of landscape, and subculture. You drive for an hour in any direction and it's nuts how the little subtle things change. Here in the US, everything is very samey, even if you go to a different state you are the same coffee shops, same restaurant chains, etc. One of the bad things about Portugal tho, is its economy. Many people live in poverty, barely scraping by, although tbh it's not much different than here in the US, it's just the standards are a little different. But I feel for the people that work 50 hour weeks to make less than 1000 euros a month, unfortunately that's the norm in many places and since there's a huge lack of professional opportunities you kinda feel like you're stacked at the bottom and can't get out, and the 'crabs in a bucket's culture doesn't help either, if you have ideas or hungry for more many people will try to demotivate you - that's a Europe thing that I'll never understand.

[@brunomorgado9347]

@@HelderP1337 I feel you brother (from the same nation). I never, ever, thought to immigrate to the US because of the exact same things you described (though very disguised) about the pure capitalism that happens in the country you’re at currently. I do think that for a perfect society, we should have some kind of mild socialism. The problem about Portugal situation, atm, is exactly the "extreme" socialism (or the real socialism) that we live in. In my POV, the current state of socialism practiced here is hurting the growth of the country. Because in order for you to own a business, property, or even have a decent pay check to live a decent life, you'll most likely given up to ~45% of it's worth. This is insane. And it has an explanation. The reason is that almost of the country is poor already (about ~4m) and socialism mandates we fix this problem by taxing everyone above this line of poverty to redistribute wealth as hard as possible. The real problem is, unfortunately, that this is a snowball.

[@houseofodalys6294]

I moved to Portugal with my 23 yr old daughter 10 months ago from Miami. I was basically working to pay rent and when that rent was about to go up 50% I just started the process for my visa to Portugal. Just yesterday my daughter showed me how her nails had grown from no more anxieties. I have a sense of peace and calm that I that I had never experienced in my daily life while in the states. You video is so on point!!

[@piccalillipit9211]

"Just yesterday my daughter showed me how her nails had grown from no more anxieties" WOW thats amazing. I know its not the same but for 25 years our narcissist father lived with my sister in the UK. He finally had a massive argument with them and moved out - my sister now has nails for the first time in 25 years...

[@joeperdomo9214]

Well, well, well....we are also from Miami and decided back in June of last year to make our move also. So, we did our paperwork for a non-lucrative visa from Miami and we moved to Seville Spain in December of last year. It has been hard yo adapt to European life somewhat, but so glad we made the move. We just couldn't deal with Miami any longer, and as a native floridian, I would never thought of ever leaving south florida, but it just got to the point that we couldn't deal with it any more. We drive to Portugal every once in a while and we love it also. Even though we're very fluent in spanish we thought about Portugal before deciding Spain, but we were afraid of the language barrier. Who knows, we still haven't bought a place here in Spain yet so maybe we'll think twice. This guy hit the nail right on with this video. Good luck in Portugal.

[@anamakesthings]

​@@joeperdomo9214if you know Spanish, it's gonna be a breeze to learn Portuguese (all Latin languages for that matter) Turn on the news cycle or an audiobook and leave them playing in the background while you go about your daily tasks and you'll be amazed by how much you'll pick up intuitively ✌️

[@Skyl3t0n]

​@@piccalillipit9211 What do you mean by that? Were they not growing before? Was she nibbling on them?

[@fahad1162]

What was the visa process like, what service did you use and what do you need to apply?

[@bald.eagle.channel]

Lovely Portugal - Albufeira, Nazare just naming two beautiful cities!!! Positive vibes, smiling people, clear hearts, fantastic food...

[@denmark2680]

There is a big difference in general between the southern and northern Europe, and eastern and western Europe too. It’s hard to compare Europe as we are all the same. There are such a big difference in every way…

[@huha47]

After living in LA for almost a couple decades, I had decided to move to Australia, but before doing so, took a trip to Europe for the first time, spent a good 3 weeks behind the Iron Curtain, also visited a friend in Germany. The trip caused me to rethink moving to Aussie Land. Two years later, I moved to Austria, hook, line and sinker, been here 31 years, now an Austrian citizen, no regrets, and enjoying living in southern Austria near Italy. Best decision of my life! Have lived on 4 continents and in 6 countries, plus an island.

[@chorton53]

I love your story ❣️

[@huha47]

@@chorton53 life is full of surprises. Nothing in my life was planned, but it's been great so far. Wishing you all the best!

[@Rene_Moor3095]

OMG, the Iron Curtain collapsed over 30 years ago. Why do you still use this term? The term for Central European countries is like a slap in the face, especially now that Russia has invaded Ukraine.

[@huha47]

@@Rene_Moor3095 Do history books omit that phrasing? It's to put things in content, since a year's differences between 88 and 89, were significant, practically no sign of Russian suppression in the country. Anyone visiting after the fall for the first time would have never notice anything. Fortunately, I have Fotos of things which quickly disappeared, as well as knowing how people accepted their new freedom.

[@high-d8872]

As an Austrian (born and raised) with german ancestors (looks like the rats were leaving the sinking ship😅) i love to hear people move to Austria. We have the perfect Mischung. Northern perfectionism, southern way of life, and bavarian dialect. 😂 and many different cultures and languages mixed together. I love it ❤

[@mountainbikemayhem1833]

I retired in my 40’s and moved to the Azores (Portugal). While I agree with your sentiments, I also have to warn viewers that these truths don’t mean everything here is perfect. As an expat/immigrant it’s difficult to navigate through the red tape…Sef (immigration), finance (taxes), Saude (healthcare)…the difficulty is asking 10 people the same question and getting 6 different answers. Even the locals don’t understand how the system works sometimes. I also have experienced the ‘outsider’ aspect, as in not being invited/included because I am a foreigner, and while the culture is full of festivals and events, and these are public celebrations…most have dinners and bbq’s that you will not be invited to because you are not family. I have friends here who are Portuguese but lived in the states for decades, they moved back here and are also treated as outsiders by their own family… The quality of life is great, no violent crime, peaceful existence, good quality food…but frustrations exist.

[@sandrathompson1277]

I have family who lived in America for three years..they suffered the same thing..eventually found other non Americans who became good friends..so this happening wherever you go….

[@RogerioMacielLuxcitania]

Açôres is Beautiful and people in general are good and calm people, but it's a very "closed" social environment, started by the fact that it's a very limited space(island) and the isolation (Midle of Atlantic) make people "small minded" in what concerns to social closeness. When a strong event like a natural disaster(Açôres Vulcanic situation), or Popular Traditional Festivities or even more locally someone well known and loved dies or is in trouble, then people get together and their Good spirit and human nature comes out. Otherwise, the "mind your own business" mood wins...it's unexcapable. But if you come to Continental Portugal, generally you wouldn't feel like that.

[@trevor6607]

Honest experience. I appreciate this insight.

[@josecunhaesilva5713]

...and most "expats" put themselves in a "guetto" excluding locals from their interaction groups. Things are running in both ways!

[@edesouza2279]

Your experience as an immigrant in your new country of choice is normal. The official term for such is what is known as “culture shock”. If you were an immigrant in the US you would have experienced all of the same hurdles as you are having in Portugal. How many Americans invited that new foreigner next door to their BBQ gathering?🤔 The local people don’t have any knowledge about the things you need to know for they have had no reason to access the services that you have as an immigrant. They were born there. People who immigrate to the US or Canada etc. whether, they willingly choose to do so, or had to due to situations such as war or searching for the North American dream; their experience as immigrants would not have been any different. Most immigrants in their new country of choice often settle in communities where there are people of similar backgrounds. Fifty three years ago, on my 18 year, I came to my current adapted country and for twenty five years I had a very fulfilling job working as a Immigration Settlement Officer with newcomers to my country. I know a lot about being an immigrant and what life is like for other immigrants. Enjoy your new life in the Azores. I promise you that the “culture shock” would fade away in a couple of years. Blessings to you🙏

[@thirstykayak246]

Really nice video. Thanks for sharing.

[@randywolgast615]

I lived in Belgium for 3 years and everything you said I totally agree with. It was a hard transition for me moving back to the States.

[@dylanmoris6211]

Success depends on the actions or steps you take to achieve it. Building wealth involves developing good habits like regularly putting money away in intervals for solid investments. Financial management is a crucial topic that most tend to shy away from, and ends up haunting them in the near future.., I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life!!

[@williamsbrown4026]

Starting early is simply the best way of getting ahead to build wealth , investing remains a priority . I learnt from my last year's experience , I am able to build a suitable life beaus I invested early ahead this time .

[@LionTowercoporation]

Exactly ! That's my major concern and what kind of profitable business or investment can someone do with the current rise in economic downturn

[@UshnicYuvnikof]

have been investing in stocks and real estate for over 10 years now and I have made good amount of money. My portfolio has grown exponentially with the help of an advisor and I can say its going well . what an amazing way to make money!

[@KelvinWallace]

@@UshnicYuvnikof Would you kindly suggest a professional with a range of investing options? This is quite unusual, and I look forward to hearing from you.

[@UshnicYuvnikof]

The adviser I'm in touch with is ''Colleen Janie Towe ''. She was recently interviewed on CNBC Television. You can use something else, for me her strategy works hence my result. she provides entry and exit point for the securities I focus on.

[@anacavaleiro203]

Portuguese myself here and I can't help but hear your American perspective with genuine curiosity and marvel. Portugal has it own flaws, indeed, and the Portuguese tend to be brutal about those - politics here don't break families but it definitely causes a lot of heated arguments. Videos like yours are a breath of fresh air reminding of how valuable are the basic and key things that make up a society - safety, education and health. I find that the Portuguese (and perhaps all Europeans) take these as granted - to be honest, as they should - and I pity the fact that the rest of the world sees this as a privilege instead of a guarantee in their home counties. I can't imagine the pressure and the years I'd loose if violent crimes with guns or getting into deep debt for studying or becoming ill were also part of my concerns. Thanks for your videos, Dave! They make me fall in love with Portugal even more, despite of the things I'd wish were different.

[@wandelpassiert8064]

Thanks for your very very interesting US perspective on Europe!! Here in Austria I often just close but not lock the door of my flat. Last weekend I was on a church community weekend in the countryside. I had a key for my room (it was in a big house with about 50 rooms) but I never locked it, everybody was free to walk inside. Not a cent of my 200 Euros cash disappeared are any other piece of my property. I former days it was totally normal that houses are open and unlocked so that neighborhood children could walk inside whenever they want. Being too rich can be a burden and having too heavy social and cultural difference in one spot as well. Happy to live in Europe.

[@gigachad3004]

Love your channel Much love from Bulgaria 🇧🇬

[@bklynrizz714]

My wife and I visited Ireland in 2015. For two weeks we drove around Southern Ireland stopping in most of the larger cities as well as the small towns. We fell in love with Ireland. The people were very friendly, the food was delicious, and the Guinness tasted better. Our favorite place was Killarney. We dreaded returning to the US.

[@CryptoLuke96]

Come back 🇮🇪

[@womenfrom0202]

Good on you to do one country for those two whole weeks

[@masonhancock5350]

Magnificent country. The economic issue is heartbreaking, as in most places now. Love the Irish.

[@Valhalla_Heathen]

I spent a week in Oslo, Norway and felt the same way you did about Ireland. Oh the nostalgia! 🙏🏻

[@AdamOBrien29]

Always welcome back 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@christophersigle888]

Having lived in UK, Germany, and Turkey over a 12 year period I can attest to much of this video. it is important for Americans to experience other cultures and hopefully to expand perspective. My wife and I moved back to the United States in 2006 and often reflect on the nuances/preferences of European living. Outstanding video!

[@Jonathanrootinspector]

I've been to a bunch of European countries and Portugal was the best. Unexpectedly so, great food, beautiful beaches, etc.

[@caimano55]

Beautiful video! As a European living in the United States, I think you nailed all the points!

[@fortuna7469]

Great video, thanks! Regarding political polarization.. the reason why families and communities are not as politically divided in European countries as in the US is not because we here in Europe don't talk about issues. It is because our political systems are different to the system in the US: many European countries have multiple parties that form coalition governments. For example here in Finland we have 9 parties in the parliament of which 4 parties are in the current government. When there is a multiple party system, peoples' or families' identities do not get so intertwined with a certain party. You can vote for different parties depending on the current situation and not always vote for the same party because you identify with it. Moreover, since parties always need to form coalitions with each other for the government they must be able to negotiate with each other, and hence, treat other parties reasonably well.

[@DaveinPortugal]

Much more reasonable to me! Thanks for the perspective and comment!

[@themartinandersson]

Almost 400 million people and they have only two parties to vote on. It's a farce.

[@aycc-nbh7289]

We still have coalitions in the US, but they may as well not exist if independent politicians always side with particular factions. Though I’m pretty sure that if this sort of thing can happen in one country, it can happen in every country.

[@geraldbutler5484]

@@aycc-nbh7289your political system is totally corrupted by money. Having only 2 parties polarises the nation. Finally your president seems untouchable like a Middle Ages king.

[@greggschroeder]

I moved back to the United States for family reasons after living abroad since 1988. I knew it would be a shock and it is. I miss a lot of the things you outline - good food at acceptable prices, lower-cost healthcare options, personal safety, in particular. I don't imagine I can "be the change" now that I'm here, but I will do my small part of maintaining my work-life balance and generally trying not to get sucked into what's "normal" here or anywhere. Living abroad helps you to realize there are many ways to create a life for yourself and to question everything.

[@leononymous2562]

Exceptional video, thanks!

[@lucacasagrande2456]

I think that we in Europe don't realize how lucky we are to live in a so healthy continent, with different cultures that enrich us. I'm not saying that we are perfect, but when I look at the rest of the world I see very few places where the same freedom and the same opportunities are given. Surely there are different countries, all with different problems and with different life qualities, but this is normal in every part of the world, luckily thanks to the UE every country could grow to increase the life quality of its citizens. If just we unite a bit more we could be a true superpower, not to spread war and injustice, but peace and richness

[@sshreddderr9409]

thats not it. every country is being purposefully being pushed into collapse by postmodernism and woke ideology. its all going to collapse cause there are no families and no community anymore in any western country. the nuclear family is the core building block of society. everything about the west is anti familym anti humanitarian and ant community in every way.

[@chuckmurray1825]

Yeah, you pretty much hit the nail on the head. I'm thinking about renting out my condo here in ATL and making the move to Portugal. The lifestyle is more balanced and healthcare is much more affordable. The pace is slower and a Portuguese boat captain put it to me last year when I was visiting, "in Portugal, it's not an emergency unless it's a medical emergency." He went on to say that Americans kill themselves with the constant stress and pressure of deadlines and overwhelming numbers of tasks on a daily basis. Even a Type A like myself had to admit that he was right. I came back to the U.S. with a different perspective on life.

[@kjmcindoe6408]

You're not the only one. Every time I watch this young man's channel I want to do likewise. Meantime, have picked up a Portuguese language course and am going to Portugal soon to check it out. Good luck!

[@BoGy1980]

I still think one of the most stupid mindsets in the USA is that people are frowned upon when they take paid leave or get ILL and stay home. They don't seem to realize that if you never release steam from a boiling kettle, you shorten its life-span. America lives to work, while in EU we work to live. In the USA it's seemingly normal to take your illness to work and make everyone ill and this has a way bigger impact on overal productivity than removing yourself and not infecting your colleagues while you get healthy again. I've heard stories from people that in almost a decade took less then 12 days of vacation time IN TOTAL! While here in europe 12 days is about half of what we annually are supposed to take.. if you extrapolate this; in the usa people take 24x less time to relieve stress, recuperate and actually enjoy the life they've been working for. That's why in EU people are a lot more happy at work and in their daily lives, and it keeps us motivated to keep doing our best and perform to the maximum. While in the usa people start their carreers very productive but the older they get the more worn-out they are and with all that experience they work at a third of their capacity because of the big imbalance between work/life. People are actually working themselves in the grave that way!

[@Fuinhaa]

​@@kjmcindoe6408I hope you enjoy your stay! Check out the beaches, last few days it has been so hot in here its almost unbearable! Get Sun Cream 😂

[@theroamingsavage8813]

What I'm most glad to see from ur message is u actually took the time to travel OUTSIDE the US and not just to Disneyland or New York, and that u actually LISTENED and INTERACTED with locals out there. It truly is life changing to see how we in the States live in an over-caffeinated over-worked state of anxiety all the time never taking a proper vacation or brake from anything. If ur not working 60 hours a week, have 2 "side hustles", work Uber on the weekend and have $1 million in home and car debt, ur considered a failure... WTF?? 😂 I tell everyone I'm States we live in an insane bubble here, and all it takes is to get out of ur comfort zone and travel to Asia, Europe, South America, to see with ur own eyes a vastly different life philosophy. It's beautiful

[@DaveinPortugal]

I get told to slow down and don't stress still frequently. And I'm at like a 4 out of 10 on the scale I was moving in US. The art of letting go

[@stormnorm358]

I'm from the Detroit area as well. I've been living in the UK for over 30 years and I agree with you whole heartedly. I used to have panic attacks, worrying about the violence in the US. It's insane that it's just accepted there. Also, I know several people in the US who are still working at 70+. Not because they want to, but because they can't afford to retire! So glad I moved and raised my family here in the UK.

[@commentsarefree4311]

Some Europeans would suggest the UK is not really Europe. As a European I would agree with that statement. Brexit and it's after effects have shown us the UK is a bit different in many ways, standard of living being one.

[@jennybertenshaw7694]

@@commentsarefree4311 There were about 3 MILLION British ex-pats in Europe who were not allowed to vote in the highly RIGGED Brexit referendum..(Thanks to the American Steve Bannon and Cambridge Analytica)We were deprived of our rights and have STILL not got them back.The average Brit spends more time and money in other European countries than any other nationality. We LOVED being in the EU... heartbreaking to leave it

[@stormnorm358]

@@commentsarefree4311 I think many Brits would agree with you and Brexit has made it harder to feel like we are part of Europe. But there are many differences between all European countries. I think the majority of people in Britain would like to rejoin the EU or at least the common market. I'm not sure what you meant by standard of living.

[@StandardCabrera]

​@commentsarefree4311 the vote was 51%, half of us woke up very, very pissed off the next day. Boris Johnson should be in jail for gaslighting these idiots

[@stephengay5373]

I'm British and European too. Millions of Brits feel the same and we are quite possibly the majority these days.

[@alison797]

Excellent video.

[@Jyock]

Great video. I'm an American living in southern Spain. I've been here for 7 years and retired at 48. I grew up in Northern Idaho near a small town on a farm. Sounds like we have similar views on the good things about living in Europe. I do miss my home and go back once a year to visit my kids and grandkids. One thing I can tell you is Europe is a great place to retire but to make a living at a decent wage is very hard in Spain. Nephew just graduated with a degree in law and economics. Starting salary of 1300 a month which is good here which is crazy to me. He actually is looking for work now outside of Spain. Also I fine that there are a lot of rules in Europe. I own a boat here in Spain and getting a license for that and a car was a major pain. Had multiple boats in the states never had a license. Boats here are also regulated on how far you can travel from shore. In the states you are responsible for yourself. Another example is we are now required to have insurance on our pets next year. But I've got the license I need and will probably insure my dog so I'm not leaving! Long story short make your money before you move to Europe and then enjoy your retirement.

[@MRTN13]

Retirement age in spain is 66. This dude is making up a story for internet points or just unemployed

[@Jyock]

@@MRTN13 If your talking about me I retired from US military after 30 years of service. I don't collect anything from the Spanish government I just have residence in Spain. Not sure what internet points that gets me!

[@adb0227]

I love the refreshing honesty in this video. I have never felt valued in the US. I’m a lower income worker at 52, and the negativity and competitiveness is isolating. I have worked in a few professions and hope to have a little savings and social security, if I’m lucky, to live a simple yet fulfilling life as an Expat when I retire. I’m dreaming of culture and kindness. Also this video shows how living a life with a higher income and a valued profession allows the options of work and experiences abroad.

[@user-pz8zm6yc1w]

Well done video. I agree with everything you said. I've traveled to 48 countries and circumnavigated the northern hemisphere back in 1993 when the USSR was disintigrating. I've lived in 4 countries outside the USA: Japan for 3 years, Singapore for 4 months, and The Netherlands twice, first for 4 months on a foreign exchange and now for 10 years. I'm planning to continue to live here until I die, with a lot more travel in between now and then. When friends and relatives asked why I was leaving the USA in 2013, my answer was "for a higher quality of life." And the other answer was "because the USA is becoming an angrier and more aggressive society which I don't like." I'm still happy with my choice and my visits back to the USA reinforce my belief in my decision.

[@zwaveevents]

I've lived in Germany (won't make that mistake again) Kuwait (lots of fun but just sell booze already) and the USA. After traveling to over 30 countries there is a reason the Philippines, USA and Mexico are so highly visited. We are exciting. Most of Europe I had to check my pulse to make sure I wasn't in Purgatory. Went mountaineering in Switzerland and they kept talking about thin air at an elevation below the base of most mountains in the USA. Europe is like watching paint dry compared to the USA and Mexico. For the quiet life where people travel to try food Europe would be alright. But I'd rather scuba dive wreaks giving Nazi ships the middle finger in the med than choke down a snail in Monaco.

[@prettybrwneyez7757]

Same and good for you!

[@miroperinich2495]

I was in America 2 cities in Texas and Norfolk in the east. I live in Croatia (European Union) and people from many countries of the world came to my country to live with their families. Here, safety is the most important thing and we have a good and stress-free life. There are also Americans, some have seen 50 countries and chose this place. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoi9qqmpi76Em8U Ashley Colburn - Feels Like Home kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJWrmX9smpd7na8 Why Zagreb is the Best Place I Have Ever Lived kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaXKn52Zraypp7c 10 Things that Amaze about Zagreb, Croatia kzbin.info/www/bejne/j56UkoaHlLp6fM0

[@jonathanchimaras5428]

Maybe it's just cognitive bias, dude.

[@smasome]

Everyone's experience is different no matter where one lives. I'm glad for those who find the place where they are most content, no matter where that is. More to the point, I hope people can find happiness wherever they are. This is really something that is inside you, not based on where you are. But that's not the topic here. As long as I don't pay attention to the news, I am happy in my American small town. As for the general pace of life in the US, "work ethic" is bred in to us here. Our daughter moved to NYC where people were so impressed with her determination and ambition. She built several companies from start up to 100 million dollar entities. Speaks fluent Mandarin and German. Now she's back here working remotely, enjoying a slower pace, the sailing, skiing, lower cost of living, safer environment of Ohio. Life is what you make it. I pray you find happiness wherever you are.

[@emanuelaroaestrada5571]

As a Belgian who left highschool a couple of years ago, Personally I prefer American high school structure (not curriculum) We get forced into deciding our trade at 12 years old. Changing this trade it not as easy which takes a lot of chances and encouragement from students in the long run. I like that in the US you get a general education in HS with some choice classes with different trades and as well un Uni that you can take a couple of classes. It is cheap but the school system doesn't let you just transfer to something different

[@sandrathompson1277]

Not many countries make you decide what you want to do at the age of 12 years..never ever heard of such a thing…

[@mrbunny6203]

Also from Belgium here. I felt I needed to clarify a bit. They changed the system 3years ago(I am not up to date on the difference) but before that there were 3-4 main categories you could choose. There was Latin, economics, math&science and human science& society. You also have more technical options or options that focus on specific jobs, but it's often seen as a downgrade in your diploma so kids will often go with the first 4 options(especially in the beginning of their studies). School did force you to choose at 12years old when ofc you have no idea what to do. You do have the option to change between studies but the problem is that you often barely see courses of, for example economics if you follow math&science . Which makes changing difficult indeed bc you have to catch up in knowledge. Also it's known that teaching in Belgium has declined and our current minister is blaming everyone except himself. But I do agree that it would be nice to follow a main subject but be able to choose a couple of classes.

[@sasapopadic384]

US educating sistem is pure trash....

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

@@sandrathompson1277 It's true. Six years of Primary. High School is also six years, divided up into two year segments. You can graduate after eight years of schooling and go into a trade. Or you can move on, but you need to make that choice at age twelve. I agree, many people don't really know what they want to do until they are in their twenties and in other countries it's much easier to decide that you are not interested in what you have studied and change course.

[@JDSNNA]

Also from Belgium here, I agree that at the age of 12 very few really know what they want in life and the introduction of having the multiple self chosen classes to help them discover more options. However, I still think no matter what starting categorie you chose you always get educated on every single basic knowledge you’ll need in your life. Besides, if at the age of 16-17 you realize you want to go learn a specific trade it’s totally possible! I started of in general high school education(the category with latin/modern/economic). That’s where gained all the general knowledge I needed. At 16 went a totally different direction and started a technical mechanical education in wich I did very well because of my previous years of education. Got the diploma and oh yeah if you then decide you want something totally different, there’s an employment service from the government that let’s you start work in company’s willing to train and educate you while you get paid by the government ot the employer, depending wich one you have, as a highly praised landscaper I now do very well and love my job, the opportunity to learn this in real working situations instead of from pieces of paper behind a school desk, I never would have been this competent in my trade. We really do have a great country!!!

[@1artistvocalist]

I am a singer and a fine artist. A band hired me in Tyrol, Austria in the 90's and paid to move me there. It was an incredible experience. Having also visited many countries in Europe I can say you are so accurate in this video! I have been thinking of moving to Portugal or Ireland for awhile now. As a single female who is older, it is a little scary. I am praying for direction. Appreciate your video!

[@sophiaelayne9984]

Do it! Life is fleeting go for it.

[@Sup4hi33tk1LLa]

Go for Portugal. Skip Ireland all together. I live here for 2 years and is getting worse and worse. Rent is going through the roof, food prices the same. And is becoming less and less safe on the roads

[@sophiaelayne9984]

Ireland!? Really? I don't know why I find that surprising. @@Sup4hi33tk1LLa

[@henkvandervossen6616]

Just leap, but take financial precautions and get info from those who went before

[@henkvandervossen6616]

Portugal has the better climate and lower cost of living.

[@robertlang3857]

As long as the US has a for profit healthcare and educational system, it will never be close to be considered the greatest country in the world! I've been to Europe many, many times. There's no comparison to the quality of life in Europe

[@Renro87]

What are you trying to say? Its good that people die because the government is greedy and people aren’t as educated because the education system is fucked and it costs money?

[@BoGy1980]

The whole american system is "for profit", that's exactly the definition of capitalism; doing things to gain money. Socialism on the other hand is "doing thigs to help others", which in the USA is of course displayed as "communism" because the ones in power fear that people would realize that capitalism is just a system to enslave people. Socialism sees everyone as equal, capitalism sees the rich as powerful and all the rest are slaves or unwanted people. That creates a reality where people don't want to live in anymore, hence they try to escape it by walking the streets like zombies while on heavy narcotics like fentanyl... It's the system that pushes these people into such lives, it's not the people that WANT to live such lives... There is not a kid that says "when i grow up i want to become a drug-addict walking like a zombie", no they dream of achieving things like a firefighter or a becoming a docter. While they grow up these kids change into "i want to become rich" because during their childhood they're fed the money-drug so many times that they also become addicted to the shiny glare of the golden calf... It's just the truth, nothing more...

[@dwaofhkjawsfp]

he just said hes using private healtcare in portugal hahaha

[@williamforsyth6667]

@@dwaofhkjawsfp "using private healtcare" 1) He is paying 85 EUR for extra services. I am sure, his employer pays much more (a certain percentage of his salary) for the basic state healthcare. 2) Even without paying for private healthcare, in Western Europe everyone gets a good healthcare. People are patriots and feel solidarity for fellow citizens.

[@anneobrien8367]

If he is not a EU citizen, he is not entitled to an E111 which gives you free health care as you move around.

[@talktomjc]

From Portugal to the world: U r welcome just as the portuguese have been welcomed all over since 1498. Every place turns out as amazing as u make it to be. Fun fact: almost a third of the portuguese live abroad, about 5 million. My brother lives in East Timor 🇹🇱! I'm staying caring for the motherland. Hope u all visit sometime.

[@cpbergin]

Came across your videos. Interesting and informative. I fell in love with Sintra when there. I am from Reno and live in France!

[@pt5820]

Great show Dave and well said. We have been living in Portugal now for almost 5 years what a great country and great people . Totally enjoying life here!

[@imveryhungry112]

are you living off usa dollars? Or are you in with the locals earning a living there along with them? Im curious how awesome it is if you have to actually earn a living there vs if you go over there with usa dollars.

[@Sebastian-zn3dx]

Your comment that talks about Portugal surprised me. Did you know that Portugal is a bankrupt country that lives year after year on money borrowed from the European central bank?... that is the great secret of almost all European countries, borrowed money and an artificial monetary hegemony... and it is impossible for it to last much longer.

[@Jack-tk1is]

America 🇺🇸 is where People make a difference & Make the world a better place through innovations 💡 USA is for Leaders & not People in Comfort Zone

[@tatianajohnson1855]

I am a Russian living in the USA for 31 years. Do I like everything here? No! But I feel free and welcomed here. I like to see people from all over the world walking on the streets of New York City, and I enjoy cultural life here. I have traveled to many countries, I like Europe, but always happy to come back to my suburban house in New Jersey. Talking about Portugal, it is a beautiful country, I traveled there with my friend , who was rubbed of all money in Porto. In Germany in one restaurant I was told by a waiter to order in German otherwise he was not going to take an order. In another place waiter never came to the table no matter how much we called and waved him. So people are different everywhere. There are good and bad people. And one more observation. it's nice to make money in the US and spend them abroad.

[@missshopaholic31]

This is amazing 🎉

[@RogierYou]

I just returned to the Netherlands after 18 years in the US. Took my American spouse with me. Life is soo much better here.

[@markmichaud2638]

Can agree with pretty much everything you stated. As an American that has been living in Sweden for over 7 years, I don't ever see myself moving back. I miss my family and friends but not the United States.

[@nette4307]

Great video - thanks for making/posting it! I am Danish but lived in the US for almost 30 years and also became a US citizen. Two years ago, I moved to Germany with my German husband. Thought I'd add my background before I comment on the US, the politics and the polarization we see in the country now. You touched on the political polarization, and while I agree with you that the country is incredibly divided, I don't believe it's due to politics. In my opinion, what we're seeing is the result of ethics - those who have it and those who don't know the meaning of the word. The #1 killer of children and youth in the US is gun violence - yet nothing is being done about it, because "guns don't kill - people do." Seen from outside the US, the argument seems weird: kids are dying, and they will continue to do so, while we twiddle our fingers and cling to our guns. Countries with stricter gun laws don't lose children in the number the US does. I.e. so many put their personal right above the rights of those innocent bystanders' right to live. It's a question of ethics. Skyrocketing health care cost and the fact that we as investors can invest in hospitals, looking to make a profit on sick people. A question of ethics. Teachers having to fund their own teaching materials and classroom activities, yet the ultra wealthy pay little to no taxes. That's a question of ethics. The list goes on. This isn't a question about left versus right, Democrats versus Republicans. It's a question about what kind of society we want to build. I believe that as long as the conversation stateside remains focused on politics, economics, religion without ever going into the deeper territory of ethics, the polarization will only get worse. As long as schools are having fund raisers and insured people are going bankrupt due to medical bills, while the majority seems to not even question it, the US will remain polarized. The American Dream might be alive for the few but for the many, it has ceased to exist. Regarding work-life balance, I'd be interested to hear what European countries you have lived in. I am not familiar with Portuguese work life but have worked in several European countries. When I compare to the US, the one thing that stands out to me, is the sheer number of never-ending meetings I sat through in my US jobs. Endless Powerpoint presentations and talking heads holding the floor because they could. At the end of those meetings, very little had been accomplished and there was a sense of Rinse & Repeat. I loved my jobs but spent way too much time at work thanks to all those meetings. There is also a LOT more socializing going on in a US work place than what you'd see in Norther Europe. It always struck me how my US coworkers seemed to be looking for friends at work - and then wanted to maintain those friendships during work hours. The Northern European model is, do your work - then we'll have a beer or a meal after work. So work hours are far more productive, forget about the water cooler conversations. If you have a couple of friends at work, you make time to see them outside of work hours.

[@bitcoinisfreedommoney.fckt2663]

Switzerland has a high per capita gun ownership than the US and almost zero gun crime. So what's your point? Have you even bothered to look at EXACTLY which group is committing virtually ALL of the guncrime in the US?

[@ohioladybug7390]

Excellent comment!

[@ImForgivenToo]

@nette4307.............guns are the #1 killer of children ??? really ???? 63 million died by ABORTIONS in just 50 yrs!

[@MirceaKitsune]

Europe is doing well because we don't have as many ethics as America, and I pray it stays this way. You may think that's cold or evil to encourage, but look at where "morality" and this fanatical concept of society brought the USA, with people destroying their and others lives over silly moral or social issues I couldn't even comprehend giving a damn about! LGBTQ, global warming, vaccines... for or against, who cares? Just leave everyone do what they want and we're all good! As for guns I often wish our population was armed to protect ourselves against the state authoritarianism threatening all of the free world these days, though the downside like you said is the gun violence we see across America... unless the EU gets as authoritarian as the US and we'll really need them to defend our liberty from them, I guess we can do without for now.

[@bernadettesandoval3990]

There is gun crime in some cities with the strictest gun controls in the country. The "random" school shooters are all on prescription drugs because pharma owns the government. All of the problems in USA are due to government corruption. The education industrial complex, the medical industrial complex and their abortion industry that supplies the raw materials for their Frankensteinish experimentation, Big Agriculture, the war machine, and on and on. They have destroyed the society.

[@axem.8338]

Wow, this makes me want to settle someday in Europe.

[@infeedel7706]

Subscribed. Life is important, meals and the time to digest and discuss are too.

[@GuyWets-zy5yt]

I dreamed to move in USA!I spent 7 x 6 weeks in USA in 70ies but on holidays. I changed my mind. I was young but feel people seemed brainwashed...I m glad I stayed in Europe but still connected with my friends in different States there...

[@ToriHalfon]

Great video, you pretty much summed up all the reasons why we want to leave the US. When we were in Berlin in April, and all the shops closed at 6pm so the workers could have a life, I was like “this is magical they actually want their citizens to have free time to live!”

[@JCX-9]

Lol do you honestly think that the stores that stay open late here in US don’t have workers taking different shifts? I am from Europe and that’s one thing i hated, they were either closed for lunch or gone for the day. Screw that. How the heck you shop after work?

[@Sebastian-zn3dx]

Europe has only been living in a bubble of well-being since the end of World War II and as a result of becoming a colony of US hegemony. The real Europe is a poor and violent place that can be seen precisely before the world wars. Most European countries are bankrupt and live on DEBT and that debt can only be maintained by an artificial hegemony of the Euro. Right now, Germany, which is the "industrial engine" without cheap Russian energy, is no longer competitive and the rest of the countries are condemned to fall into economic and social decline. This whole vision that Europeans "have lives" has no historical basis, just look at the millions of immigrants who fled from there to seek a better life.

[@serpentines6356]

That's why I liked the "Blue laws" when I lived in PA. I thought it was good people were honoring the need for a day of rest, and be with family, and friends. It's a religious, spiritual value. That's a good thing, and I think a lot of Americans are getting bratty, and narcissistic because we are losing that. Many Americans think they are so damn smart, and religion, or being humble is stupid, and "beneath" them. I am not religious, but I see what this narcissistic, atheist cr*p is doing to people, and its not good.

[@serpentines6356]

​@@Sebastian-zn3dx I sure am worried about the U.S. debt.

[@Xiroi87]

@Sebastian-zn3dx why do you keep posting the same message, no matter what the OP says? Are you a bot or a bored troll?

[@MrJayehawk]

You make some very excellent points.

[@Eric-Marsh]

Yup - I agree with it all. I retired in 2017 and we moved to Spain. Life here is just so.... much better. :)

[@monikamorandi2862]

I agree with my whole heart! As a swiss travelling back and forth to the States- I love the Country but am devastated by the toxic, paranoid climate there. Not able to understand the unability to have healthcare for everyone🤷‍♀️

[@timmy-wj2hc]

Greed and capitalism are the reason there is no healthcare for all in the US. The reason there is a strong welfare state in Europe was because it was a response to Communism of the Soviet Union providing housing, healthcare, and education for free. So the Europeans knew the people would revolt and overthrow the capiralists who only care about profits instead of the Planet and Humanity.

[@cyanogen7582]

The answer to that is simply that the US is a very selfish country with a lot of individualism. Most don't like the idea of paying to take care of someone else, they just want to take care of themselves.

[@jessicamoore1314]

It is toxic and paranoid for a reason … there is gross inequality & ineffective/bad systems in the government, healthcare, policing, energy, education and financial sectors. I am very happy here as an American in Switzerland, even if it isn’t perfect here too.

[@linuxman7777]

Lobbyists, and the fact the government is too powerful here. Most average people support universal healthcare, but the rich don't so it doesn't happen.

[@mikem9309]

I haven’t been to the USA in many years but it seems that things are getting really messy and toxic there. So much hatred for so many reasons. I’ve heard it described as A third world country with money

[@friuliancottage]

As a now elderly former English woman, living for the past 53 years in Italy and whose distant ancestors were some of the first European settlers to America, I must say I agree with you. However, I have never been to the USA and have no inclination to do so. I am, or perhaps was, a get up and go person as my ancestors must have been but I am happy to have planned and made my life here in continental Europe. Portugal is lovely too. Good luck to you.

[@margarethubbard1173]

Would love to know how you picked Portugal. I have heard such amazing things about Portugal and obviously so did you :) I spent time in Europe in high school and even then (1974) I saw the differences and felt I fit in better in Europe. Hope to go back and spend more time there and Portugal is on my radar.

[@DaddyDoom]

Im from Portugal. For years and years I dreamt of moving to the US. It was, it seemed to my young and naive self, a place of utopia and where dreams could be achieved. Where anyone from anywhere could fulfill their dreams and build a better life. Im closing in on 50 and despite Portugal is not exempt of its fair share of issues... Today, and for decades now, the US are a sad and horrible dystopia where I would never even consider going. I have friends fhere and I dont envy them one bit. Hope you enjoy your stay!

[@christianmarcel7766]

I’m French, from Paris, and lived in Boston 7 years. We moved to the south of France 3 years ago. I think it’s very hard to generalize to the whole Europe. It’s SO diverse, in terms of systems and cultures that it’s very different countries to countries however you nailed the general idea and the main differences. Although, food is very expensive here. The quality is much better but it’s very expensive comparatively to the US. Also, even if the cost of living is much lower, the salaries are also much lower than in the US. Overall, I feel like, financially speaking, it’s about the same. We’re actually better off in our case but that’s just our specific experience.

[@jadedjhypsi]

I think the same except right now it is almost impossible to find a job in Portugal compared to a hot market in the states =)

[@christianmarcel7766]

@@jadedjhypsi Now France has the best economy in Europe. In Paris it's easy to find a job, but the cost of living is much higher. There are plenty of places in France where you can live with lower cost of living.

[@penname5766]

Cost of food also varies across Europe though - here in the UK, for example, our food is much cheaper than in the US and very high quality.

[@christianmarcel7766]

@@penname5766 I'm not sure about that. Food in the UK is notoriously known for being very expensive as you guys don't produce much. The large majority is imported and with Brexit the prices have spiked.

[@penname5766]

@@christianmarcel7766 There is a video by Evan Edinger where he directly compares the cost of buying food in the UK versus the US with the currency conversion, and everything here comes out around half the price. He even does shops in different supermarkets and compares them to outlets on a par over there, and the UK is cheaper by miles.

[@Chacarruna]

I grew up in Spain and half of my adult life I have lived in America, and in between 5 years in the UK, and I approve this message 😂😂. You nailed everything, and my plan is to have the best of both worlds, part of the year here in the States and part in Europe. Thanks to the American dream I, hopefully, will be able to retire/semi-retire early, while none of the people I know in Europe can do that. Thanks for an excellent video.

[@Chompchompyerded]

I lived in Cambridge, UK for 37 years. You are spot on.

[@Proudtohaveanewlife2291]

Favor video Dave. Fantastic. Continue that way young guy. God bless you, nelly 😊

[@katjachen573]

I grew up in Germany and have lived in the US for 30 years. Our moving date for Portugal is Spring of 2025 for exactly the reasons you mentioned. I miss the quality of food, the community, the conversations and the diversity. I never grew accustomed to living in fear like so many of my friends and colleagues do...carrying concealed weapons because "you never know". Our daughter has chronic health issues and whenever she's in Europe, they magically disappear. We believe in the power of good nutrition and a less stressful environment. Dave, I love following your channel and share your videos with my friends who think we're nuts about moving back to Europe😂.

[@DaveinPortugal]

Love your comment and hearing your story! Thank you so much for sharing my videos

[@pauloferreira1319]

I just hope that you and/or your partner are retired, or you are going to have a salary coming from US or another country, otherwise your Portuguese dream will become a nightmare...

[@travelbirdmarciasilva-mart6827]

Very interesting, I am in a similar situation, when I am in Europe my allergies are gone, as soon as I get back in the US, I become extremely congested, coughing, headaches, sneezing, That is one of the reason that sadly I will leave the US in a couple of years, to improve my health.

[@susannebrunberg4174]

​@@travelbirdmarciasilva-mart6827 Think twice before you move to Europe... It can easily become a nightmare

[@matildesantos4215]

​@@pauloferreira1319good advice coming from a Portuguese.

[@momchilyordanov8190]

I know many people in U.S., because before we joined EU, America was one of the most desired immigration destinations for people in my country. When we compare, the 1st topic of the video comes up most of the time. Work/life balance (as titled in the video). In my country, the law says the working week is 40 hours. That is 5 days, 8 hours each. In reality, that gets overlooked often, but also is followed as a rule in many companies. In my company the 40-hour rule is in play, but with a (advantageous) caveat - I actually work 4 days, 10 hours each. That results in 3 full days of rest every week. They pay me full time salary (I work the 40) but I have 3 days of rest weekly. Every time I mention that to my U.S. based friends, they are outraged lol. Most of them work 5 days of 10 or more hours and some weeks 6 days even. So, yes, they make more money than me. But in reality - every year (that's 50 weeks), I get 50 extra rest days. How much money does that equates to? And in the 11 years at my company, I've got 550+ extra rest days 😄And then comes the final nail in the coffin. The paid leave. By law, we get 20 workdays (not calendar days) free, with full pay. That translates in 4 week every year, when you go on vacation (or just stay at home ofc) and you get a full salary. But for my particular profession, the law say 25 work days. So I get 5 weeks of paid leave every year, on top of my extra 50 days of rest 😄. When I explain that, many of my U.S. based friends simply refuse to believe me and think I'm exaggerating or joking 😄

[@StuStevens-rn7rb]

Wow - nice "perks."

[@labgma1553]

Weird I live in USA and worked the four 10 hour shifts with 3 days off for 15 years. Also worked a three 12 hr shift with 4 days a week off for several years. There is no 8 hour 5 days a week requirement in USA. The company decides what is best suited so your post is totally wrong.

[@acrazyguyinhisroom]

As a European, I can agree that most of what you are saying rings true... but again, it's the nicer side of the coin you are seeing as someone coming from the US, the things you are highlighting are a breath of fresh air for you specifically because of what you are coming from... If anything, I'd say thanks (and to a lot of the Americans I'm now seeing) for coming down and spicing things up for us! That said, speaking a bunch of languages and being able to paint doesn't necessarily equal happiness, or is necessarily what I would call "fun"... at least for some us.

[@seeeedat]

As an American expat in Europe last 5 years, Dave nails it. Keep it up Dave! Come check out Belgrade

[@kunaltuna]

I am a Turkish Computer Scientist who studied and worked in Germany, and subsequently did a Ph.D. in the U.S., and Iived there for 12 years. I completely agree with the food, culture, and "work to live" aspects that are mentioned. On the negative side, one thing I should add is that I was bored to death living the suburban life first in Upstate New York, and then in New Jersey. However, on the plus side, I never felt as a foreigner and was very well respected for my work and abilities. Me and my wife were making a lot of money even as salaried employees that friends in Germany couldn't come close. Europe, in my case Germany, is great if you accept to be mediocre. You earn enough to enjoy life in cafes, restaurants, museums, etc., and have time to see the world. On the negative side, as a Turkish engineer who spoke fluent German, I was not respected nearly as much as in the U.S. for my abilities and ideas. U.S. felt like heaven afterwards.

[@Colombia20102018]

Your case might be special because there are millions of Turkish living in Germany. I heard about three million people. The Turkish culture is very strong in places like Berlin. Then, in my opinion I believe it is harder for a Turkish to fully immerse in the German culture. I agree with the salary part. Salaries in the US are better, plus taxes are lower. On the other hand, there are many subsidies and free things in Germany to make up for it. For example, when I was in the US, I was paying about $200 per kid for daycare. Not only is daycare free in Berlin, but the government gives you Kindergeld. So for two kids I was paying more than $1600 just on daycare per month. In Berlin I get about €500 on Kindergeld a month. So maybe my salary is a little lower than in the US, but thanks to those subsidies, it evens out. I don’t know if I am going to stay here forever, but college is also free here, while a degree in the US in a decent university will cost more than a 100K per child.

[@kunaltuna]

@@Colombia20102018 My case is not at all special. On the contrary, most of the Turks living in Germany are special cases. They were recruited by the German industry in the 60's coming from the poorest and most uneducated parts of the country. There are millions of Turks like me, mostly in the big cities like Istanbul and Ankara. Even one grandfather of mine was an engineer (the other being a doctor). Nowadays, a lot of so called "white Turks" (white collared) are migrating to Germany because of the economic situation in Turkey. But also because of the political situation. Germany's new migration laws make it very easy for, lets say a computer scientist like me, to pass few interviews via Skype or Zoom and be recruited by a German IT company despite the fact that they don't speak a word of German. As for the social state arguments you are making, you are absolutely right. The U.S. is a jungle. You either make it or be broken. No job security, no social help, no health insurance if you are jobless, etc. BUT, if you make it, you can make it big. You can reach your full potential. Many of my friends stayed in Germany and they are perfectly happy. Also many went to the U.S. and made it there. A lot of them made it in Turkey too. Despite the bad economic situation nowadays, Turkey is still a middle income country, not a poor country. And if you are well educated you can earn good money too.

[@Lawrence64]

Bingo

[@user-cj6yw5fu4l]

No one is mediocre

[@BruceWing]

@@user-cj6yw5fu4l- People, as people, are not mediocre. People, on any given skill/profession/activity, ARE mediocre at a given skill/profession/activity.

[@danielsemyck7683]

This is EXACTLY why we're retiring to Portugal!! Love your viewpoints on living there!

[@DaveinPortugal]

Thanks Daniel!

[@57rrg]

He will eventually return to the USA after missing his friends and family. It's inevitable.

[@suzipam1234]

@@57rrgi will never go back to the usa. I now dont know how i could have lived there. Its a false way of life

[@rafalkaminski6389]

The sooner, the better

[@projector7726]

David is a lazy LEFTIST who spreads socialist ideology. He does not like to work and want to get many programs for free. He should live in China, Cuba or Venezuela. Marxists are everywhere now they are took over in Europe destroying Western Civilization

[@ArtfullyRogue]

Good video Dave. I'm in the process of splitting my life between Spain and the US. Portugal was on my list of places until a relationship started in Spain and my path took me there. I have to agree with your opinions, life here is more enjoyable less stressful.

[@user-js4dn4qe1o]

Im really like the video , i had living in Us for 5 years , and now i living in Brazil , i think you just said reality things, thanks.

[@bduffy1215]

Thanks for the video and you are on target. I lived in Barcelona for a few years and life was so much easier. When I came back it was a culture shock. Would love to get back to a simpler way of life with less toxicity that we are experiences here in the US.

[@dinismantas7265]

If I had to summarize the difference between the USA (after talking to both Americans, Europeans/family that lived there and reading) and Portugal, I would say that the USA is associated with the idea of "what can be done and what can be accomplished", Portugal is the country of "it is not possible". Some people claim that the USA is not the same anymore. Perhaps true, I don't know, but maybe that is part of what is giving rise to the toxic division that we all are exposed to through the media. In Portugal, you can witness a lot of complaining, a lot of low level dissatisfaction, and quite a bit of pessimism. Generally speaking, people get by, find their solutions (even if it means informal "under the table" economy) and are content with the "enough". Some, with a more ambitious nature or driven by need, leave the country and often don't return. Portugal has been a country of immigrants for a long time. Why do you think people would hop on a wooden ship and sail to unkown parts, while living for months or years under terrible conditions? Maybe that was the birth of "saudade"? Both have good and bad aspects to it, but a lot is driven by the dimension and the difference in the access to resources. I just have to add that Americans who come to Portugal, and still keep their American level remunerations, will have access to a lifestyle that is unrecognizable to most Portuguese. Not a complaint, just reality.

[@leonelantonio6512]

I grew up here in Portugal and I can tell you option It´s most accurate I´ve read so far. For the expats and digital nomades this the paradise... but for us is not!!! Is constant struggle every month to pay the bills and have a dicent life... majority of young people want to move abroad because the situation here is far from been "nice" or " a walk in the park".

[@alkemystica]

@@leonelantonio6512 You can say that for basically all of southern EU and it's clearly not a coincidence.

[@leonelantonio6512]

@@alkemystica no is not a coincidence mate

[@pauloferreira1319]

Yes, in these videos they always forget to mention that keeping your USA salary, or at least a big part of it, makes all of the difference in your lifestyle when going to a country like Portugal... One thing is to be living in Portugal with a median Portuguese salary, another thing is to live in Portugal with a median USA salary!

[@leonelantonio6512]

@@pauloferreira1319 nada contra. Mas no final eles a vir e nos a ir 😂 está é a realidade da situação

[@peterpayne2219]

Interesting video, I’m an American, who has lived in Japan for 35+ years. Obviously, Japan is a country that works very hard, and I’ve done that by starting my own business, but I really love the life here.

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

Ah, yes, you do work hard!!! My DIL and Grandson were both born in Okayama and it is hard!!! School is hard, work is hard, no vacation...but it is very beautiful. Cheers.

[@keko4618]

What a nice video, make`s me happy. My home country Finland, now happiest in the world 7 years in row. We finally began to believe it might be right.

[@thevibrancyreboot3835]

I went to Ireland last fall. It was a beautiful country and I enjoyed everything I saw and everyone I met, but one of the best parts of the trip that I didn't realize I would appreciate was the experience of being away from the toxic American news cycle. I went into instant depression when we hit our first US airport upon returning and heard all the TVs blaring. My SO and I are now planning to move abroad to be away from the divisiveness that's fostered by the news in the US, but also to enjoy many of the benefits you mentioned in your video. I just went to get a mammogram this AM and found out it wouldn't have been in network with my insurance. My out of pocket costs would have run me between $500-700. That's ridiculous. One shouldn't have to fear paying for a preventative procedure. I'm already going to be paying for my student loans until I die. I guess I just may get to die faster in the US to be put out of my misery because I can't afford the ridiculous high medical costs, partly because I'm already broke from the cost to attend school and better myself?! The US needs to wake up to this ridiculousness. It just isn't able to compete anymore on a global scale to many of the first world countries in quality of life.

[@maggieg5719]

By law in the US, mammograms are covered along with your annual exam. As far as your student loans, no one wants to hear you complain. You wanted that money, so you got it for whatever spent it on! Maybe you should have prepared for a better paying occupation? Also, under the Braindead administration, you weren’t required to pay interest on your loans which taxpayers have to pay. Did you pay down your principal during all these months? Did you at least work 40 hours per weeks? Did you ever consider taking a second job just to pay towards your principal payments? Could you have lived with your parents rent free to pay as much money as possible towards your principal payments? Stop blaming others for your bad choices!

[@jesseplaysgames2032]

I can't speak for Ireland, but the UK media is absolutely filled with drama that can be just as annoying as US media. However, the US definitely needs universal healthcare and cheaper education. They also need to get rid of gen eds. A Bachelors degree takes 3 years most other places because you don't spend a year doing pointless classes.

[@janeaustin9897]

Why won' t you come to Russia? You' ll see a totally different picture from what they show you. I don' t pay for my insurance as it' s free. Kindergarten is cheap even in cities. And so on...

[@williamgullett5911]

​@@janeaustin9897Your insurance is free but are you covered for everything?

[@SallyStClair-tv9gf]

​@@janeaustin9897Pay for kindergarten, I'm confused as I only know the US where it's free. A blend of RU and Western medical would be ideal. Research & Development is best as collaborative open source access to research papers.

[@mickeybailey1108]

I appreciate your perspective om Europe. My partner for 16 years is from Denmark. So we have traveled a lot in Europe in that time. I have come to appreciate how relaxed people are for the most part. Lacking the worries of healthcare and gaining the benefits of good education seperates Europe from the US in a big way. So glad my son is buying a home in Italy next month. We will work together to restore a 110 year old farmhouse. A dream come true for our family and my foot in the door to spending more time exploring.

[@DaveinPortugal]

Sounds like an incredible project in Italy! Dinner party invite?

[@HeartOfFire-cp4vf]

Thank you for choosing Europe to start a new and better life

[@projector7726]

David is a lazy LEFTIST who spreads socialist ideology. He does not like to work and want to get many programs for free. He should live in China, Cuba or Venezuela

[@alemassa6632]

Life in Italy is much better, your son will never regrets it.

[@projector7726]

YES, right people in Europe are relaxed, almost poor and lazy.

[@andrewsumner1517]

I agree with all your points about Europe vs America. I chose Europe, and my kids will grow up here. As an American, I expect you will move back to US after a while!

[@rk6483]

In Germany we are always in a rush, this laidback lifestyle is more of a southern european thing.

[@urbansahlin1285]

100% Same for Sweden. People hitting the wall left and right eating SSRIs