I was taken completely aback last night as I was having a conversation with friends regarding the quality of life in North America vs. that of Europe. The consensus of the conversation was that: Yes, life is better and more interesting in Europe. To me that's just a no-brainer and it's just as natural as breathing to want to live in Europe.
What really floored me was that some of my friends, full well knowing and agreeing to this statement, still said that they would NEVER live in Europe! I can't phathom the fact that someone would admit to knowing they can have a better life environment and still turn their back on it. I. Just. Don't. Get. It.
Naturally, I have to state my position: I am a child of European parents that arrived in Canada when I was a small infant. I was raised in a European household. I travel back to the 'Mother Land' at least once a year if not twice. It has always been my plan to return and live out my retirement years in the 'Mother Land'. Clearly, since I went to University here in 416, have developed my professional, social, cultural and international contacts and have the core of my life here, this is the best place for me presently. It is a means to an end and I am very proud to be Canadian.
The food is better in Europe. Cities, Art, Culture, Music, Film, Architecture et al are by far a more vibrant presence in the fabric of the socio/cultural environment than here in N/A. People speak more than one language (even Canada that has 2 official languages has it only in very specific areas. Let's not even get started with the English language in the States!). People are friendlier in Europe (Canadians are polite and well-mannered. Warm and open they are not. This is a universal consensus.) Women are more stylish and feminine. In fact, meeting women in Europe is so much easier than in N/A (and Toronto is a cold wasteland of feminine chill, much like the shitty winter). European women are simply more relaxed about everything in general. I am never without romantic, female company when I travel back. In fact, there is no need to hobby at all whatsoever.
So, really, I could go on and on but I am still floored by some of by friends' statements. Why would anyone want to live someplace knowing something better is within their grasp? Admittedly so.
I'm eagerly awaiting all opinions and maybe I'll have light where I now see none.
What really floored me was that some of my friends, full well knowing and agreeing to this statement, still said that they would NEVER live in Europe! I can't phathom the fact that someone would admit to knowing they can have a better life environment and still turn their back on it. I. Just. Don't. Get. It.
Naturally, I have to state my position: I am a child of European parents that arrived in Canada when I was a small infant. I was raised in a European household. I travel back to the 'Mother Land' at least once a year if not twice. It has always been my plan to return and live out my retirement years in the 'Mother Land'. Clearly, since I went to University here in 416, have developed my professional, social, cultural and international contacts and have the core of my life here, this is the best place for me presently. It is a means to an end and I am very proud to be Canadian.
The food is better in Europe. Cities, Art, Culture, Music, Film, Architecture et al are by far a more vibrant presence in the fabric of the socio/cultural environment than here in N/A. People speak more than one language (even Canada that has 2 official languages has it only in very specific areas. Let's not even get started with the English language in the States!). People are friendlier in Europe (Canadians are polite and well-mannered. Warm and open they are not. This is a universal consensus.) Women are more stylish and feminine. In fact, meeting women in Europe is so much easier than in N/A (and Toronto is a cold wasteland of feminine chill, much like the shitty winter). European women are simply more relaxed about everything in general. I am never without romantic, female company when I travel back. In fact, there is no need to hobby at all whatsoever.
So, really, I could go on and on but I am still floored by some of by friends' statements. Why would anyone want to live someplace knowing something better is within their grasp? Admittedly so.
I'm eagerly awaiting all opinions and maybe I'll have light where I now see none.