Post: #101

(05-23-2017 04:04 PM)Rocha Wrote:  

(05-23-2017 03:56 PM)Cation Wrote:  France is number one in the world.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Tour...t_arrivals

But not for long and for unfortunate reasons.

If possible, always prove your point. In your post I only see a prediction.

Post: #102

(05-23-2017 05:01 PM)PragueDude Wrote:  I just moved from Prague back to U.S.

You can't debate what's better. The girls are hotter where I lived, but, that comes with a price as does everything.

How long were you there for????

Share some insights.. Could be interesting.

Post: #103

(05-23-2017 04:15 PM)Rocha Wrote:  

(05-23-2017 04:10 PM)Baldrich Wrote:  

(05-23-2017 04:04 PM)Rocha Wrote:  

(05-23-2017 03:56 PM)Cation Wrote:  

(05-23-2017 11:36 AM)Going strong Wrote:  Regarding the quality of life and interest of local History in Spain, though, I think you're under-estimating the undeniable greatness of Spain: one of the most glorious nations ever, and the number-1 world destination for tourism.

Not to be nitpicky here, but what do you mean, number 1 world destination for tourism?

France is number one in the world.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Tour...t_arrivals

But not for long and for unfortunate reasons.

still, by ratio of local populations vs number of tourists, Spain is certainly number 1. Also by landmass vs number of tourists.

Source? You can't just make up facts convenient to you. The fact is, Spain is NOT the #1 tourist destination in the world. That honor goes to France, as I've already said earlier, and then to the USA at #2 and THEN to Spain. How long? Who cares? You don't know how long France will still be the #1 tourist destination. But, it IS now so just accept it and move on.

You are a very bitter and sad poster. I think it is you who should accept that and move on with your life, leave Spain behind your back and never look back. Instead you are doing the opposite. I feel sadness for you.

Spain is indeed the number-1 destination for sheer, true tourism.

France has a little bit more entries of "tourists" , but it's because many people enter France on tourist visas, without being tourists: migrants, migrants-headed-for-the-UK, settlers, even small-scale businessmen, all of these are falsely registered in our French databases as "tourists", which they're only in a marginal aspect of their motivations.

One needs to learn to doubt and "decipher" published data and figures, to see the truth beyond the stats.

In any case, the historic interest of Spain and the glory of its people, who conquered (with a few horses and swords - and their garra) immense lands across the oceans, are unquestionable.

Post: #104

(05-23-2017 05:08 PM)Cation Wrote:  

(05-23-2017 04:04 PM)Rocha Wrote:  

(05-23-2017 03:56 PM)Cation Wrote:  France is number one in the world.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Tour...t_arrivals

But not for long and for unfortunate reasons.

If possible, always prove your point. In your post I only see a prediction.

No, what you actually see is, the truth: something that everybody working in tourism in France knows: repeat terrorism is costing us our 1-place ranking in world tourism.

Ask any professional in tourism in France, he'll confirm the fact. France is losing tourists en-masse, especially the best ones: the Asians - and now at best is tied with Spain for real-tourists figures.

Tsunami of tourists in Spain: http://www.rfi.fr/economie/20160819-espa...e-economie ,
and this year, 100% of hotel-occupancy in the Balears.

Post: #105

It should be obvious to anyone on this forum that Spain, Greece, Italy or Portugal are terrible places for work.

France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Estonia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria and Scandinavia are really creative places though with some expertise that you will never get in the USA.

Post: #106

Things I like in Europe:

-better women
-better food
- more relaxed atmosphere/ less focus on work
- genuine/authentic people
- amazing scenery
- rich history/cultural heritage

Things I like in the US:

- better financial opportunities
- more freedom to move around

That's what I've come up with for now

Post: #107

Dont really get what OP goals here are?

If he is saying America is better for business and for rich people, he is preaching to the choir.
But then saying America is better than Europe, that's like the hiphop crowd who says classical Jazz sucks. It just makes you look lame.

So you dont like eating fancy food in urban bistro, nor do you like going to museum and such. Fine. But you do realize that's just your preferences right?
Tons of redpill people dont give half a rat ass about business and moving up in life, that's a very American ideal. If that's your thing by all means go to America.

A RVF buddy is an US Marine, no less. He has 3 years of blast here in Paris enjoying girls and life, and is moving to Middle East, never to return to USA.

I lived 4 years in USA, had my fun. Now its my 3rd year in Paris, has a CDI job (basically tenured job) as a minor manager, managing 2 young nubile interns (which renew every 6 months. Plenty of them are from pussy paradises). And I have a degree in Sociology, so dont tell me about how its impossible to get a job here. I have no intention of starting a business, nor of getting incredibly rich. I value money just to the extent of how much freedom it gives me.

You are not fooling anyone by saying Europe sucks. Maybe it does for you. Europe is on the decline but for a lot of people that's an opportunity, not a disaster. I'm glad you decide to go back to USA because you definitely dont have the mentality to ride out the storm over here.

This is Rome on its twillight day. You are not supposed to languish about the fall of the Empire, but bask in it. You are supposed to work the bare minimum you can get away with, make sure you gather all the social benefits you can, enjoy your next glass of wine and go game all the hot young girls pouring into Europe from all corners of the world. Thanks to subsidized education there's always a steady stream of hot talents from EE or Asia or SA who cant afford to pay for American colleges flocking to Europe (Paris in my case). You can either pick an uncorrupted virgin for girlfriend or float from SNL to orgies with the French sluts. And thanks to European girl's sense of drama and passion not a day goes by dull here, compared to the bland personality of US girls. My player friends are dropping out of work in droves and either going to get a Phd in Art History (right....) and or collect unemployment and have fun in Poland with the money.

I really dont see what the fuss is about.

Post: #108

OP you did well in finally leaving Spain as you've been hating this place for months or even years already.

Just wanted to offer my view because I've also been living for a decade in Spain as an expat (from FR).

I just feel that when you make decent money in Spain you can live very well. By decent I mean >100k EUR year. You can have a lifestyle that you won't have in Paris or London with the same amount of money. I agree that Spanish girls tend to be jealous/clingy/huge bitch shield but I've met good girls here who could be LTR material, maybe you were not lucky. In any case you have a good access to the Latam market: Brazil, Colombia, Chile... You can get all the flags from Latin America and can target those girls only.

It's easy and cheap to do mini-travels to nice places like the Balearic islands/Canary Islands, Valencia, Barcelona etc...
The food is good and cheap imo... You can go to some nice restaurants that cost twice in France or UK.

In my line of work (Invest Banking) I deal with an international environment and I don't think it's that bad to work in Spain. For me it's more having all the pros (good weather, good salary, living 10min away from work) without having the cons (rain, long hours of work, pressure from working in a huge dealing room) I would have in London, Paris or NY. I also have a lot of holidays (35days approx.) and paid private healthcare.
I wouldn't open a business in Spain though as it's a tax nightmare.

So yeah I think you can still be happy living here, taking what the country has to offer, and ignoring the pijas/macarras/SJW/podemos and connecting with people like minded. I get the feeling that the nightlife is much worse in France when you have to deal on a constant basis with "bad hombres" as Trump would call them (understand by that Maghrebin ruining it) and much higher prices/entry control.

Post: #109

(05-22-2017 03:37 PM)Baldrich Wrote:  

(05-22-2017 03:32 PM)Rocha Wrote:  If I di not knew Spain, and worked with Spanish people, after reading this thread and all the others by OP I would be thinking that Spain was somewhere in South America...This is another mental masturbation thread like all the other threads and posts by OP who are always on the same subject, it is getting ridiculous.

The thruth is that Spain is a fairly organized and civilized country, with amazing history and cultural heritage, and with quite a fair lot of hard working people. Of course it suffers the evils of "first world problems" like any other civilized country.

Sure, Spain has history? SO WHAT? That isn't the point here. Greece has more history and it's still a shithole for the most part and Egypt has history too, so what? History doesn't put money in your bank account or food on your plate and it most certainly doesn't make you a successful country. Spain is a HAS BEEN...and it's "glory" ended CENTURIES ago.

PS: My neighbor is a full blooded Spaniard and he constantly laughs at Spain. I even have videos of him making very harsh comments about Spain and saying it has third world aspects. If you don't believe me I'd be more than happy to send you the audio...he doesn't mind. He says most Spaniards are too proud for their own good and the country is a mess.

Spain got rich because of the Potosi silver mines centuries ago. The Spanish spent all the silver on war and esthetical things like churches and other pretty architecture. They should have spent it on productive assets. Already in the late 80 year war, they ran out of money. Because they spent spent spent and never invested/produced.

In my view, only Catalunya and Basque region ever had an industrial revolution, the other regions stayed under-developed until this day. Example: Valencia. A big city with 800k people, but barely any industry, and this is the 'third economic engine of Spain', far after Madrid and Barcelona. They are lucky with the climate that they have a lot of tourists.

But still, this is not all Spain, as some parts are much more developed than others.

Post: #110

(05-23-2017 04:47 PM)Baldrich Wrote:  Spanish women are definitely more "relationship" oriented to the point of becoming very possessive.

Despite that danger, ¡Dios mío!, you managed to escape.

Quote:My neighbors are in their 20s (she's 22 and he's 27) and they are constantly arguing about EVERYTHING and when I got home today I saw he tried to kick her out for the SECOND time this month and there she was crying as she always is but she is quite nasty.

I wouldn't believe this important anecdote, so crucial for the forum to know before any visit to Iberia, had you not given us this helpful account of Peninsular Anthropology. (Including their ages was the secret method I think you used). Few of us know that couples arguing is a 'thing' in Spain, a country of over 50 millions.

Quote:She said "you see how my boyfriend treats me?" I said, get out of my way, time for my dinner. I hate couples who argue all the time and never actually send each other REALLY to hell.

I used your line on a "9" where I live, worked like a charm.

Quote:Going back to your point about American girls - I recommend you visit conservative US towns. Lots of nice looking Bible belt women if you go to the right places and feminine too.

Redundant advice; half of RooshVForum already trolls Mississippi Wal-marts on the first of the month.

Post: #111

(05-23-2017 09:17 PM)TigerMandingo Wrote:  Things I like in Europe:

- more relaxed atmosphere/ less focus on work[/b]

Very true and I really miss that. I'll tell you why I think this is. In America everyone is an island. Geographical territories have designated functions. Bay Area for computers. New York for fashion, advertising, finance. LA for entertainment. So people with ambitions flock there. They're there without family, without emotional support. They're surrounded by other ambitious people, all of them fighting for a little piece of land and success. Of course they're stressed out! Of course they have to focus on work! Otherwise they'll be struggling.

In Europe, even if you go to London, Paris - you still have a lot of people that have been there for generations, their parents are around. You'll still see a lot of older people. If you go to Eastern Europe or just the less well off countries - even more so.

Post: #112

(05-24-2017 05:21 AM)Dalaran1991 Wrote:  Dont really get what OP goals here are?

I really dont see what the fuss is about.

OP wanted to gripe and justify his decision to move back to America.

Trust me, after a few months he will miss Europe.

Post: #113

As a Spanish guy I agree with most of what OP says.

But I think we are missing the most important point of this thread. OP tried to live abroad, he didn't like it, and wen't back. No big deal.

The lesson here is

A) if you want to try, do it, you can always go back home if you hate it. Don't be one of those guys who thinks "My country is the best to live in, I know it for a fact, even if I've never lived abroad". Not only Americans do this, Europeans are also guilty of it.

OP now has the right to say he prefers living in the US, because he has had experiences elsewhere and he can compare.

B) If you hate it, don't stay! Don't be one of those bitter expats who spent the last 20 years whining about the country they moved to.


However, I agree that OP should just move on. I lived in Switzerland for 2 years and hated it. So I quit my highly paid job in Switzerland to move to EE, and it was the best decision of my life.

I've never ever spoken about Switzerland again unless someone asked me about it. I didn't start a 6 pages thread just to complain. I just moved on and kept enjoying life.

Again, I agree 100% with OPs complaints about Spain.

I just don't see the benefit for OP to keep talking about them. That constant complaining about things you could easily change (by getting the hell out of Spain) is ironically a very Spanish thing to do.

Post: #114

OP you stayed and was miserable for 10 years but remained because of work.

How am I supposed to respect a man that puts work before his personal well-being on a self-improvement forum?

Post: #115

(05-25-2017 01:41 PM)Vicious Wrote:  OP you stayed and was miserable for 10 years but remained because of work.

How am I supposed to respect a man that puts work before his personal well-being on a self-improvement forum?

I am of the same sentiment as you - I value my personal time and whatever is left of my youth too much to waste it away slogging to accumulate material wealth, but it should be clear by now that the OP is very much American at heart. For better or worse, Americans, much more so than Europeans, identify far more closely with their work and careers, and for many of them, a significant part of their identities is wrapped up in their jobs.

Post: #116

(05-23-2017 07:07 PM)MrRoundtree Wrote:  It should be obvious to anyone on this forum that Spain, Greece, Italy or Portugal are terrible places for work.

France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Estonia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria and Scandinavia are really creative places though with some expertise that you will never get in the USA.

Portugal currently has a 20% tax regime for non-habitual residents to attract higher skilled employees.

That's quite a flat and low tax for west. Lisbon has been in the news over the last 2-3 years as a very attractive place for expats. I know a couple of SF-seattle tech types who are location-independent who have decamped to Cascais

Post: #117

I lived in United States on/off almost 10 years. I graduated from college and mba there. Lived in LA and NYC mostly but managed to live few months in Boston, Miami, San Francisco, Long Beach, New Jersey, Washington and so on.

Prior that, I lived 19 years in Italy since I was born. When I went to United States, I really had high expectations but I really didn't like anywhere except Manhattan. I mean, it was really awkward to live in, for example, in New Jersey or in LA when you don't have a car. You can't even go to supermarket.

Thats why I liked Manhattan a lot because city is alive 24/7.

But American culture is really different than European cultures. I mean, most people are workaholic. They work a lot more than Europeans and they seem to not enjoy life very much. Most of my friend graduated from college and they immediately get a job at Wall Street and they work mostly 10-12 hours a day. I still hang out with them once I visit New York but I don't really get the life they are living in.

They wake up, go to work at 8.30, get out of work around 7 pm. They get something to eat by 8ish, they get home at 9 pm and fall to sleep on the couch. Repear, rinse, cycle for a week.

Well, as an Italian, we think that we didn't come to this world just to work. We want to enjoy it as well since we're here limited time.

Post: #118

(05-30-2017 06:59 PM)Rossi Wrote:  I lived in United States on/off almost 10 years. I graduated from college and mba there. Lived in LA and NYC mostly but managed to live few months in Boston, Miami, San Francisco, Long Beach, New Jersey, Washington and so on.

Prior that, I lived 19 years in Italy since I was born. When I went to United States, I really had high expectations but I really didn't like anywhere except Manhattan. I mean, it was really awkward to live in, for example, in New Jersey or in LA when you don't have a car. You can't even go to supermarket.

Thats why I liked Manhattan a lot because city is alive 24/7.

But American culture is really different than European cultures. I mean, most people are workaholic. They work a lot more than Europeans and they seem to not enjoy life very much. Most of my friend graduated from college and they immediately get a job at Wall Street and they work mostly 10-12 hours a day. I still hang out with them once I visit New York but I don't really get the life they are living in.

They wake up, go to work at 8.30, get out of work around 7 pm. They get something to eat by 8ish, they get home at 9 pm and fall to sleep on the couch. Repear, rinse, cycle for a week.

Well, as an Italian, we think that we didn't come to this world just to work. We want to enjoy it as well since we're here limited time.

There are TONS of places in NJ where you can walk. Ever been to Hudson County? Ever been to nice cities in Morris County or walkable beautiful suburbs in Bergen County? There are literally hundreds of walkable towns in NJ and many other northeastern states.

I agree that Americans are workaholic - that's precisely why I like the culture. This whole "mañana mañana" attitude is stifling and makes things go way too slow for my taste.

I don't know Italy too much but know that in Spain many many people work LONG hours. They work LONG "chinese" style hours for very LOW pay. Which Americans have you been meeting? I don't know that many who get something to eat as late as 8 pm and then go to bed immediately after. Not saying it doesn't exist...but I don't know many who would have dinner so late.

Just as you don't get the Wall Street mentality, I don't get what's so attractive about sitting in a plaza all day long surrounded by pigeon crap and talking about what exactly? My impression is that in Mediterranean cultures people just sit for hours over coffee or beer talking about well..."much ado about nothing". That's not the life I was meant to live and I am glad I was able to see for myself just how living in Europe long-term is not a place to be if you want to be really successful in life.

Post: #119

(05-25-2017 01:41 PM)Vicious Wrote:  OP you stayed and was miserable for 10 years but remained because of work.

How am I supposed to respect a man that puts work before his personal well-being on a self-improvement forum?

I was NOT miserable for 10 years. NOT AT ALL. The first several years actually were like one long party. The trouble is that, like after most long parties, the hangovers are terrible and then reality sets in and you see that Spain is not a place for ambitious types. And work, especially if it contributes to your prosperity, is MOST CERTAINLY personal well-being. To work is to have dignity. Retirement would never be a word in my vocabulary.

Post: #120

(06-01-2017 11:50 AM)Baldrich Wrote:  There are TONS of places in NJ where you can walk. Ever been to Hudson County? Ever been to nice cities in Morris County or walkable beautiful suburbs in Bergen County? There are literally hundreds of walkable towns in NJ and many other northeastern states.

I agree that Americans are workaholic - that's precisely why I like the culture. This whole "mañana mañana" attitude is stifling and makes things go way too slow for my taste.

I don't know Italy too much but know that in Spain many many people work LONG hours. They work LONG "chinese" style hours for very LOW pay. Which Americans have you been meeting? I don't know that many who get something to eat as late as 8 pm and then go to bed immediately after. Not saying it doesn't exist...but I don't know many who would have dinner so late.

Just as you don't get the Wall Street mentality, I don't get what's so attractive about sitting in a plaza all day long surrounded by pigeon crap and talking about what exactly? My impression is that in Mediterranean cultures people just sit for hours over coffee or beer talking about well..."much ado about nothing". That's not the life I was meant to live and I am glad I was able to see for myself just how living in Europe long-term is not a place to be if you want to be really successful in life.

I'm not sure, if you want to walk in Newark or Jersey City in NJ. Not a really pleasant place to walk, especially when it gets dark.

Only places that's alright walking around is Weehawken and Hoboken. Just because those places are like 5 mins away from Manhattan. %99 of the New Jersey is not walkable. I mean, state is pretty much %80 made out of highways.

Since I majored Finance in college in New York, most of my friends work at banks and Wall Streets. After living 10 years in US, I still don't understand Americans most of the time. What's the purpose of working 12 hours a day? Did you just come to world, just to play around numbers all day everyday and pay the bills?

My best friend's father is 66 year old. He owns 5 restaurants in the city and my friend says, he has over $20 millions in the bank. His father also owns 3 apartment's in Manhattan and 1 in Miami.

His father still catches 10.20 am Long Island Railroad train everyday to Manhattan everyday and get back home at 11 pm.

Dude is 66 year old. He has $20 million cash, owns 3 apartments in the city, renting out. Also owns his house on Long Island, plus 1 summer place in Miami.

Why is he working? He's 66 year old. He got maybe 10 years to live on this earth, maybe not. I'm pretty sure, he won't be able to spend all his money in 10 years unless he does some stupid shit, like gambling or investing on shit that he doesnt know.

But I know why he's working. Because he doesn't know anything else to do other than working like a slave. How will you have a hobby when you work 12 hours/6 days every week? That's all he did rest of his life. That's American style of living.

I didn't even begin to tell you Wall St life yet. That's even worse than other industries.

If you think being successful is, having many zero's in your bank account by the time you're 66 and waste your young years by working 12 hours a day, I surely don't want to be successful when I'm old.

I'd rather enjoy the world when I'm young and healthy.

Post: #121

(06-01-2017 09:05 PM)Rossi Wrote:  Why is he working? He's 66 year old. He got maybe 10 years to live on this earth, maybe not. I'm pretty sure, he won't be able to spend all his money in 10 years unless he does some stupid shit, like gambling or investing on shit that he doesnt know.

Obviously the guy isn't doing it for the money which is why he is successful to begin with.

It seems many guys don't quite understand some people enjoy what they do. I can see why. Many of you guys are working for someone else dreaming of when you can retire so you can do... something else. Most of the guys dreaming never really say what it is they will do. I can guarantee that you will end up in some routine no matter what you do. Just like this guy has a routine.

It keeps them busy. It gives them purpose.

You can go to third world countries and see how retired foriegners spend their days to see an alternative. Many if not most sit in bars and drink beer day after day.

That sounds terrible to someone like me.

Part of happiness is having something to look forward. This guys has something that gets him out of bed everday. Sounds pretty good to me.

Post: #122

Honestly have never seen someone as bitter and cynical as OP on the forum. He'll even tell you that being outside and enjoying life is a bad thing. It's actually hilarious. This is his third thread (by my count) of constant bitching and whining about Spain and Europe. Even the most desperate, sexually frustrated advice seekers over in the Game forum don't lash out like he does. Is that what no sex for 10 years does to you? Or maybe he got scammed? Either way, I can't see someone with such a penchant for wallowing in misery and putting others down succeeding anywhere, be it Europe or the US. As was pointed out before, constant whining about an environment that doesn't adapt to you and putting the blame on others is exactly what many Spaniards love to do.

Post: #123

(05-30-2017 06:59 PM)Rossi Wrote:  I mean, it was really awkward to live in, for example, in New Jersey or in LA when you don't have a car. You can't even go to supermarket.

This is what kills me about most Europeans. Get a bloody car.

European public transit outside of the major cities is crap. The first thing I did when I moved to Europe was buy a cheap car. I proceeded to drive it around the entire continent for the same price as a train ticket to every major city. Privacy, cleanliness, and the best part is not having to deal with other riff raff.

America is a car paradise, especially Los Angeles. If you came to America and didn't rent a car you did it wrong.

Post: #124

(06-02-2017 12:24 AM)The Beast1 Wrote:  This is what kills me about most Europeans. Get a bloody car.

European public transit outside of the major cities is crap. The first thing I did when I moved to Europe was buy a cheap car. I proceeded to drive it around the entire continent for the same price as a train ticket to every major city. Privacy, cleanliness, and the best part is not having to deal with other riff raff.

America is a car paradise, especially Los Angeles. If you came to America and didn't rent a car you did it wrong.

I hate driving. It's waste of money. You have to pay for the car, you have to pay for the insurance, you can't drink and drive, you have to do the watch out for traffic rules, you have to watch out for cops, you sit in the traffic, you have to change oil, you gotta repair, you gotta find a parking spot etc.

It's too much work. Thats why I loved Manhattan. I paid almost twice as more rent in Manhattan than what I was paying in LA but I didn't have to buy a car and not deal with that.

What's the purpose of living in the city if you have to drive? The meaning of the living in the city is that you're in center of everything where you can reach by walking. This is not the case in many of cities in US. I was living in West Hollywood but I had to drive 40 minutes every day to get to school.

I enjoy walking, being active, checking girls out, sitting at cafe's and watching people. You can't really do that with a car. I had car when I lived in LA for 2 years but I hated every single minute of it. I have a car in Milan too but it's getting rotten in parking lot. I rarely drive.

Post: #125

Rossi is on the money. Ideally the best isnt even to use pt but to walk everywhere. In Wien I used PT 40-50 percent or walked everywhere. Never had a car ,its really liberating. Back in the states I managed to make it work also w/o a car waking to highschool /town /train to manhatten living at uni. I really cannot for the love of God understand car culture.

Was reading this thread with interest. The OP is from spain,Im understanding more and more why med guys shit on med countries and why they would prefer the US or other Anglo nations. Im currently with a good buddy right now on the med in Sicilia and his brother really likes America and my friend prefers Northern Europe. Both of them are also somewhat red pilled and pulled 8s from other nations.

Latin socities at least in Western Europe are very inflexible and the expression more often than not breaking balls is used whenever describing interactions with women. Many people here in Sicilia have Romanian gfs or wives. The Balkans which has a more latin vibe than the rest of Europe the girls are less erratic and more direct than Italy or Spain.

Its like a false patriarchy here,women are hotter than the north and a bit more traditional but they boss their men around or are extremely annoying just as their moms do to their sons. Similar shit to my own (((chosen))) culture.