I don't think I would. Like many Americans, I romanticize Europe a lot, and when I was younger I dreamt of the Left Bank life. However, having spent time there, I now realize that Europeans are much more aloof and formal (in general) than Americans, and that I'm more comfortable among my own kind for extended periods.

This is in no way a criticism of Europeans, by the way. I love Europe, and I'm not saying Europeans are rude. Just more reserved.

Also, and it may have already been observed on this thread as it has been on similar threads, vacationing in a place is different than making a life in a place. Work can shake the fairy dust off of any place one thinks he'd like to live. I'll stick to the Europe of country inns rather than gritty suburbs and early morning commutes.

For years now I've said that if I ever won the lottery (I suppose buying an occasional ticket would help), I'd move to Paris. I absolutely love that city -- a nice condo with a large terrace in the 7th arrondissement (now you know why I have to win the lottery). I'd also keep a condo in the U.S. in a large city with an international airport -- I live in the Chicago area but do plan on relocating to the Atlanta area (these long Chicago winters are really depressing).

I don't think I'd want to move to Europe. I'll stay in England.

Absolutely! I've lived abroad in 7 different countries all my adult life and love it. Sure, daily life is not that different, but the extras make your heart sing. Rome, my home of many years is still amazing to me, and after six months in the winter in the US, it's like living a new experience again. No problems with books in English, that's what the expat community is all about, and it is great here. It's a rare soul who moves to Rome and doesn't want to leave. It takes getting used to, there are differences, but so worth it. Give it a try first, 6 months to a year, before you actually pull up roots.

We have made the move several years ago to Southern France, and still take immense and repeated pleasure in the little details of small town life in a beautiful climate.

Get good advice, be prepared to really learn to speak (and make jokes in) the local language.

Two HUGE external positive things that didn't exist even a few years ago are 1)broadband for keeping in touch with EVERYTHING including family, friends, politics, and even old home local newspapers and 2)Ryanair(and the other no frills carriers), which means we can make fabulous short trips to almost anywhere in Europe for less money than parking your car in London or NY.

And there is one other thing which we like about not living in the States...(this is frightening!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6ybqfPJ61Y

Sorry for any controversy that this may create, but I had to post it. Best, Rouss

<i>And there is one other thing which we like about not living in the States...(this is frightening!): </i>

The only thing frightening is that some people are stupid enough to think that you couldn't interview a collection of people in ANY country and come up with a similar collection of responses.

Yes, to London...always London

Oh yes, please, anywhere! This insane election is driving me over the edge! I feel like I'm living in a &quot;B&quot; movie and I just want to wake up - and not here!

I would love to stay for 3 months a year in Paris. I have children and grandchildren that I just can't be apart from for too long. I have very recently thought aloud that I may be forced to leave for 4 years if the results of the election go to the party I'm not voting for, but of course that's only thinking aloud, not a reality.

I know I'm late to this thread, but I just stumbled across it and would love a little advice.

My husband and I are planning to spend two months in Europe this fall. We honeymooned in Rome and Florence last summer, and in May, we're going to Greece (Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos).

I would be perfectly happy setting up camp in Florence for two months, but my husband would like to see more. Any suggestions? I've been all over Spain, Germany, and Austria, but am open to other places. My husband's first trip to Europe was our honeymoon, so he's definitely open to anywhere.

We're in our mid-20s and our main goal is to go somewhere (we're open to multiple cities) beautiful that we can enjoy just walking around the town and being there. Our budget is not limitless, so we need to enjoy walking around!

Any advice? Thank you so much!

advice - yes, start a new thread with your questions, but first go to the library and get a couple of guide books to Europe to start doing some research on your own. Your question is so general that I can't imagine where to start. Myself, if I had a couple months, I would explore Turkey in some depth, particularly Istanbul. Also France - I want to go back to the Dordogne, and spend some time in Paris and Montpellier. I also want to spend some time boating the canals of the UK and Europe.

Whether you would like to do these things, I have no idea, not knowing you, your likes and dislikes, or anything about you.

Sounds like the budge is limitless, hanging out in Europe for months.