The best country in the world.

[EFLImpudence]

Ok, so it is just something many people say about their home country? Americans certainly do - maybe not Somalia.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Some of Europe?

You mean less than 50%? Ok.

 

[durhamplumber]

Loads of polls and reviews done in the past, they usually base on things like education, housing and welfare, health service, safety etc.
Norway does better than UK on healthcare, many countries beat us on education, crime is a big problem here now, and welfare has gone down the drain.
But there really is no bad country in western Europe - Germany, Switzerland and Norway are probably the best to live if you wanted to move though.
Germany still has free university and great health care, Switzerland great healthcare, excellent for business and leisure.
We do it all too, just not as good anymore as the other countries.

Which is best?

Lake Garda or Lake District
Fjords or Cornwall
Scottish Highlands or the Alps
London or Zurich

Lots of good in all places really, and lots of problems too.

My favourite things about the UK, probably traditional pub culture (not that i partake much these days), tea rooms, Cornwall and countryside in general, nice houses and gardens to visit.

But i keep thinking about my mate in Switzerland - he commutes from Amden (ski resort in beautiful mountains, with a lake) to Zurich for work, about 45 minutes. Same time it takes me to drive from Chelmsford to Brentwood some mornings. I do wonder why I am not more adventurous sometimes!

Holidaying obviously is different mindset to living somewhere..Switzerland is fantastic chocolate box beatiful..and bits of france...and germany.lake garda .lake district too.

 

[sodthisforfun]

Switzerland is beautiful but I found it a bit dull. I landed for work a few years back at 10pm, everything was closed on a Saturday night. Ended up eating a sandwich in the hotel as nothing was available. I guess if outdoorsy it's great but seemed a bit lackluster for nighttime fun!

The best thing for me about the UK is the humour, it's pretty unique. Having just been soaked outside for the 5th time this week, the worst thing is the weather. No country is perfect, not even close. Just some have better attributes than others. I prefer good weather above most things on a daily basis - makes me feel better and more positive, so the UK is only good for a few months a year for me.

1 thing that strikes me is many people who have had great jobs and worked all over the world end up back here...

Not in my experience. I know 9 people who left the UK, just 1 came back because he got divorced after a few years. 2 couples gave up their UK citizenship bizarrely. They both live in NZ, but different ends. Said it's fab out there, like the UK was 20 years ago!

 

[durhamplumber]

Having just been soaked outside for the 5th time this week, the worst thing is the weather.

Agreed.Predictable seasons would be great

 

[JP_]

I'd certainly like to live somewhere a bit sunnier and warmer. I can see the appeal of the South of France!

 

[durhamplumber]

prefer good weather above most things on a daily basis - makes me feel better and more positive,

Very very wise and becomes more important as one becomes older

 

[durhamplumber]

Not in my experience. I know 9 people who left the UK, just 1 came back because he got divorced after a few years. 2 couples gave up their UK citizenship bizarrely. They both live in NZ, but different ends. Said it's fab out there, like the UK was 20 years ago!

Indeed...suppose one only sees the returners.....A wise chap once said to me..." If you cannot have a good time in Bangkok"....you aint trying.

 

[EddieM]

Not everyone, UK summers are too hot for me, much prefer Autumn, Spring and Winter. As the Norwegians say, No such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong clothes.

 

[durhamplumber]

I do appreciate the "" pub culture""of UK..Spain etc is quite different in that respect...I have never pulled in a library.

 

[motorbiking]

I'd certainly like to live somewhere a bit sunnier and warmer. I can see the appeal of the South of France!

West coast is nicer IMO and still warm

 

[ironsidebod]

Not in my experience. I know 9 people who left the UK, just 1 came back because he got divorced after a few years. 2 couples gave up their UK citizenship bizarrely. They both live in NZ, but different ends. Said it's fab out there, like the UK was 20 years ago!

Our friends have said the same, mind you, they said the fashion is also from 20 years ago

 

[durhamplumber]

Our friends have said the same, mind you, they said the fashion is also from 20 years ago

Yes...heard that...Starsky and Hutch is still No 1 programme

 

[ironsidebod]

Yes...heard that...Starsky and Hutch is still No 1 programme

It's so bad when they visit the UK they fill suitcases of "modern" clothing. They love the lifestyle and the way the country is though, knowing the sort of people our friends are, it says a lot that they made it home.

 

[crystal ball]

I have lived in two other countries, enjoyed my time in both but prefer the UK some of the following are my reasons

NHS
National Trust
Public footpaths
Police are not routinely armed
Four proper seasons
That there London