Americans moving to Europe - Suggestions?
Feb 22nd, 2017, 01:31 AM
#44
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@Schnauzer my parents have offered to take my dog (they are obsessed) but I would be heartbroken to leave him so looking into if/how he can come. Also since we do want to travel a lot on weekends I'd have to figure out plans for him while we are away. It would be great to find a reliable house and dog sitter. I've never boarded him so unsure how he would do with that since he's 10 years old so he's pretty set in his ways.
Feb 22nd, 2017, 04:13 AM
#47
1) All the Germans I know speak excellent English and I know a lot.
2) Nice used to be in Italy, so not so dumb.
3) UK using Euro.... no using Sterling that is not going to change
I don't think you can plan for politics, after all France with Le Pen might be a bit odd, just go for it and it will be fine for 2 years
I've just worked with an Italian in the UK who finally gave up after a year because he couldn't hack the lack of close family members, so not silly at all.
You need to join everything,
sports, tick
jam making, tick
yoga, tick
church flowers, tick
teaching assistant, tick
everything
An old friend of mine once gave me great advice, "when people ask you to do things, say yes, you'll hate it when they stop asking"
I'd avoid any very small towns, they seem to close up in winter, but do make sure you have easy access to a railway station of some sort.
2) Nice used to be in Italy, so not so dumb.
3) UK using Euro.... no using Sterling that is not going to change
I don't think you can plan for politics, after all France with Le Pen might be a bit odd, just go for it and it will be fine for 2 years
I've just worked with an Italian in the UK who finally gave up after a year because he couldn't hack the lack of close family members, so not silly at all.
You need to join everything,
sports, tick
jam making, tick
yoga, tick
church flowers, tick
teaching assistant, tick
everything
An old friend of mine once gave me great advice, "when people ask you to do things, say yes, you'll hate it when they stop asking"
I'd avoid any very small towns, they seem to close up in winter, but do make sure you have easy access to a railway station of some sort.
Feb 22nd, 2017, 04:25 AM
#48
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I think it's possible that you will in fact find a large circle of native (French, Italian, whatever) friends... you're outgoing, and as others have said, if you join organized activities, you will meet people easily. Most people the world over are friendly, IME. And we Americans are lucky that lots of people the world over speak English 
<So perhaps I need to be more understanding of how most folks feel instead of how I would look at a situation . >
IMO it's not so much this (although surely that's a corollary to the Golden Rule), but the fact that travel is nowhere near the same thing as moving somewhere to live. It's cute to struggle a bit with the language in a shop, or struggle a bit to figure out the bus, when you're on vacation, but take it from me, there are days when one is too tired/rushed/sick, you name it, to find it cute day after day.
That said, there are nuisances everywhere, yes, even at home, lol. And the privilege of living in Europe as opposed to just visiting is priceless.
OP, I hope you enjoy, and I hope you keep us posted on your adventure!
<So perhaps I need to be more understanding of how most folks feel instead of how I would look at a situation . >
IMO it's not so much this (although surely that's a corollary to the Golden Rule), but the fact that travel is nowhere near the same thing as moving somewhere to live. It's cute to struggle a bit with the language in a shop, or struggle a bit to figure out the bus, when you're on vacation, but take it from me, there are days when one is too tired/rushed/sick, you name it, to find it cute day after day.
That said, there are nuisances everywhere, yes, even at home, lol. And the privilege of living in Europe as opposed to just visiting is priceless.
OP, I hope you enjoy, and I hope you keep us posted on your adventure!
Feb 22nd, 2017, 04:33 AM
#49
<about isolation is that I thrive on socialization>
Since that is your personality, rest assured you will find people. I agree that in only two years I would not expect developing deep, life long friendships (though that could happen) but you won't be isolated unless you simply don't try.
Sports is a perfect way in, as is participating in anything ex-pat wherever you end up & as you develop better language skills. Get signed up for language classes will be one more way to meet people, besides the obvious benefits!
Not sure which way I'd vote about the dog, but at least you have good options.
Since that is your personality, rest assured you will find people. I agree that in only two years I would not expect developing deep, life long friendships (though that could happen) but you won't be isolated unless you simply don't try.
Sports is a perfect way in, as is participating in anything ex-pat wherever you end up & as you develop better language skills. Get signed up for language classes will be one more way to meet people, besides the obvious benefits!
Not sure which way I'd vote about the dog, but at least you have good options.
Feb 22nd, 2017, 05:13 AM
#50
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We made good lastlong friends coming from foreign countries
As I said, WAterloo is full of expats, mostly French and British and we met the ones we befriended through school.
But you can meet people at church, at a music academy, at a sports club (not me, no, I'm not there), at a bar...
And NewBe is spot on, we love speaking English, if for no other reason than to show off (eheh), the problem is actually to speak the local language when locals realize you are american.
Any relatively big city will make it, small towns are more problematic and villages are not to be considered. They only speak the local language and only to locals.
Lyon would probably be great. Big city, clement weather. In Italy, I'd stay more in the north. Milano, Torino...
Germany I'd go to Bavaria - more for the weather.
But if I were in your place, I think I'd go to Barcelona.
That is a really great city, thriving and with incredible good weather.
My 2 cents, based on gutt feeling more than anything.
As I said, WAterloo is full of expats, mostly French and British and we met the ones we befriended through school.
But you can meet people at church, at a music academy, at a sports club (not me, no, I'm not there), at a bar...
And NewBe is spot on, we love speaking English, if for no other reason than to show off (eheh), the problem is actually to speak the local language when locals realize you are american.
Any relatively big city will make it, small towns are more problematic and villages are not to be considered. They only speak the local language and only to locals.
Lyon would probably be great. Big city, clement weather. In Italy, I'd stay more in the north. Milano, Torino...
Germany I'd go to Bavaria - more for the weather.
But if I were in your place, I think I'd go to Barcelona.
That is a really great city, thriving and with incredible good weather.
My 2 cents, based on gutt feeling more than anything.
Feb 22nd, 2017, 11:57 AM
#51
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<we love speaking English, if for no other reason than to show off (eheh)>
True, lol! Easy to forget when you feel like an idiot for not speaking the local language properly, as I generally did, but quite true. Most people we encountered seemed pleased to use their English, although most also apologized for how bad it was, which was ridiculously kind because it wasn't usually bad at all, and there I was not speaking the language of the country I was living in!
True, lol! Easy to forget when you feel like an idiot for not speaking the local language properly, as I generally did, but quite true. Most people we encountered seemed pleased to use their English, although most also apologized for how bad it was, which was ridiculously kind because it wasn't usually bad at all, and there I was not speaking the language of the country I was living in!
Feb 28th, 2017, 08:47 PM
#52
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I don't have any advice to offer but just wanted to pop in say congrats on this exciting adventure! I wish we had done this before we had kids. Live and learn I guess. I'm sure no matter where you end up it will be an awesome cultural experience that you can enjoy together. Best of luck to you!
Mar 2nd, 2017, 11:50 AM
#53
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Best wishes on your adventure, seippsd! We lived in West Berlin for 2 years a number of years ago and still look back fondly on the experience, difficulties and all.
You'll figure it all out, and likely there will be colleagues from your hubb's work you will socialize with among other possibilities.
Enjoy your time there.
You'll figure it all out, and likely there will be colleagues from your hubb's work you will socialize with among other possibilities.
Enjoy your time there.
Mar 2nd, 2017, 12:15 PM
#54
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<i> 2) Nice used to be in Italy, so not so dumb. </i>
Actually, no it wasn't. It was part of the Savoy kingdom, which was taken over by Napoleon. After his fall, it became part of the kingdom of Sardegna, ruled by the Savoys. In 1860, by a referendum and a treaty, it was ceded to France at the same time the kingdom of Sardegna became part of the united Italy.
It once had a sizeable Italian-speaking population, though.
Actually, no it wasn't. It was part of the Savoy kingdom, which was taken over by Napoleon. After his fall, it became part of the kingdom of Sardegna, ruled by the Savoys. In 1860, by a referendum and a treaty, it was ceded to France at the same time the kingdom of Sardegna became part of the united Italy.
It once had a sizeable Italian-speaking population, though.
Mar 3rd, 2017, 06:04 AM
#55
But, it also made it in in WW2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italia...tion_of_France
I was pretty close twice ;-)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italia...tion_of_France
I was pretty close twice ;-)
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