Post: #226

(06-05-2017 04:35 PM)Kid Twist Wrote:  Here's the issue with places like that now (and I've been to Spain several times) which sorta reinforces Baldrich's point, though that's not my aim here: They have all these traditions but [virtually] no one actually believes in them anymore. What does this mean or how does it work itself out? It has lost its aspects of what you would think would be a traditional society and that allure; now, it's just a modern country with essentially fake or quasi traditions and a socialist way of thinking in general and as a result, obviously with much less opportunity than the USA.

Very much.

When I lived in Europe for 3 years, and during the multiple times after that I visited, I noticed that modern Europeans have very little to do with any of the things that make European culture the best (principally architecture, visual arts, and music). They are coasting on the fumes of far older generations, and barely adding to it (yet, thankfully, preserving some of it).

I say this as someone who longs for Europe when I am not there, yet I can't pull the pin on deciding to move there full time.

In terms of "what have you done for me lately", USA is a pretty clear frontrunner.

Post: #227

(06-07-2017 03:36 PM)britchard Wrote:  

(06-07-2017 03:03 PM)Baldrich Wrote:  Good to see Spain has such a cult following...reinforces all my earlier points. The pro-Spain fanaticism of some people is truly astonishing.

As opposed to the US is the best cult?

Dafuq you tryin' to say English Muffin?

Post: #228

(06-03-2017 05:02 AM)Baldrich Wrote:  You say we are here to "live"...that's precisely why Southern Catholic Europe is POOR whilst the hard working saving NORTH is RICH. To me, sitting in a plaza bullshitting all day is NOT progress or "living". It is actually, rotting away slowly making no progress until you die and then after you die, what have you left in this world to show for? Nothing nothing. Your definition of living is not mine. To retire is to expire. Slavery? How can being in so much debt to a government that takes more than half your paycheck, as many Euro governments really do, not be slavery? How can not being allowed to have a gun to defend yourself be in any way compatible with freedom? What, so you can just sit in the pizzeria all day hanging out? Hanging out is for children. Believe me sir, I went through the phase you're going through and it gets to the point where you either accept mediocrity or you do something about it.

I like your idea about living from rents but NOT everyone can do that unless they've had the opportunities you've had. Do you really think most Euro people in Spain own several apartments and just live from that instead of working their long 10+ hour days in exchange for, IF LUCKY, 900 euro to 1000 euro NET pay a month? Oh right, they've got "free" lol healthcare. OK, fine. Keep it.

It was thanks to a rich country like the US where someone like you had the opportunity to work and make money. See? Thank to those mean party pooper protestants or "protestant culture".

We have very different worldviews.

I don't have to thank rich country like the US where I had opportunity work and money. Rich country like US got my $40k per year for college and then $60k for mba. I just made all that back and little bit more when I worked. So, technically I don't have to thank anybody. I did it myself.

You're all over the place, since you can't stick to one topic and answer it logically. What does owning gun have to do with what we are saying? Yeah, we don't have guns in Italy or in Spain. Guess what? No one goes to schools and start shooting random kids, like you guys do it. Thank

I'm paying %24 tax in Milan. Who told you that government is taking more than half paycheck? Are you sure, you've lived in Europe? I don't think %24 is more than half check. My tax rate was between %38-45 in New York City when I was working at Credit Suisse. If I didn't work in Finance, maybe I would have believed anything you said about taxes as well but too bad, it's my profession.

I asked you simple question over and over. You still couldn't answer it. You're taking subject to guns or whatever to not answer it.

What's the purpose of working 6 days/12 hours when you have $20 millions when you are 66 year-old?

In the end, if someone has to make generalization, in most percentages:

In Europe, people make money to live comfortably.

In US, people live to make money and not live the life.

I'm making close to €5000 from rents as of now. I usually make net, €3500-4000 (depends on the commission after tax) per month. Some of the people I started working with at Credit Suisse, now make around $15,000 - $20,000 now. I'm still talking to them, even though I make half of what they make, I live much better them because they all have to work 15 hours a day, with maybe 5 days vacation per year, pay minimum $4000 per month rent in New York.

I don't judge their philosophy on life. They like to slave and miss on their young years at working in cubicle, I enjoy my 35 day-paid vacation per year in Europe and living it off.

Two different lifestyles.

Post: #229

Op reminds me of another bald American who is unsuccessful with women





Maybe this approach will work, instead of being an obnoxious moaner then trying doing the opposite

Post: #230

(06-07-2017 10:28 PM)Rocha Wrote:  

(06-07-2017 05:19 PM)Baldrich Wrote:  Nice! Really mature. Let's just all gang up on OP since we don't like his opinions. Ohh nooo I am so hurt I can't even sleep! The horror! He just blasphemed Spain mom!

This could be "The Asperger Syndrome thread".

Well...at least it isn't the "low IQ" thread...you deserve a pat on the back for your incredibly astute, indeed Noble-Prize winning observations.

Post: #231

Rossi Wrote:I don't have to thank rich country like the US where I had opportunity work and money. Rich country like US got my $40k per year for college and then $60k for mba.

You know, one would think that for all that money you say you spent and all those degrees/opportunities, your English would be far better than it is. Even if the US taxed you, you still would NOT have been able to do all that in your precious Italy. The most you could have aspired to in Italy, if not very well-connected, is maybe work at some small company owned by a family and working very long hours in exchange for crap pay. You know it, I know it. So that's why you packed your bags and went to good ol' USA.

You may have EARNED it yourself, but it was still thanks to a country that puts work ahead of leisure. Even if someone had merits in a country like Italy or Spain, they would never have been recognized. So this debate is absurd. You don't see people flocking to go work in Italy and live your "dolce vita". Why? Because people need to MAKE MONEY first and foremost and Italy is NOT a place for ambitious people, just like Spain isn't.

All over the place? I've responded to all your easily refutable points with facts. Sorry you don't like my answers (Well, not really sorry...more like, too bad for you, because I use facts).

I am well aware you don't have school shootings. You also don't have a population of over 300 million and INCREDIBLY diverse in every respect. But the fact of the matter is that if someone breaks into your house in Spain and you even dare shoot the intruder, you go to jail. Fuck that. And that's a fact you can easily look up. A lot of homeowners have been attacked by intruders in Spain and they cannot defend themselves.

And "you guys"? "We" don't all go into schools to shoot students.

I don't know the tax rates in Milan or Italy - I do know them in Spain. The top rate of income tax in Spain is: 49% PERSONAL INCOME TAX + you have to add the comunidad autónoma fees if applicable. 49% THE TOP RATE. Of course, smart people here just created a "sociedad" or some other company and avoid the tax or simply not pay tax at all (like most politicians here who have offshore companies. Look at what is happening now with Pujol in Catalonia). So there's that - if you're very creative you don't even pay the taxes here.

In the US taxes can be high, to some degree but if you make a lot of money or have inheritance to deal with, it is a much better tax regime than Spain or Germany.

My profession was finance too. I'm not impressed.

I've already answered your loaded question. To retire is to expire. I'm not going to repeat what I've said already.

And again, if Europeans are SO comfortable as you say why do so many Spaniards wish to move to the USA? Why do the wealthier Spaniards LEAVE and live ELSEWHERE? I don't know about Italians as much (nor do I care to be honest) but I can tell you Greeks and Spaniards who I've met are very much in favor of leaving and going to better places. Heck, even lots of Irish and Brits...I don't know maybe mama's pasta in Italy is really tasty and compensates making less money just for that.

You enjoy an unsustainable socialist lifestyle (unless you are your own boss and pay for those alleged 35 day paid vacation days per year). Do you really believe that ALL Europeans, let alone Spaniards, enjoy 35 day paid vacation? A lot of people would laugh in your face at either your willful ignorance of the poverty situation of millions of Spaniards working in crap temp jobs or you are in a position of privilege that is unheard of for MOST Europeans. Stop pretending that all Europeans live as well as you claim to live. There are plenty of poor souls eating out of garbage containers and sleeping rough on the streets of Madrid. Maybe Milan is heaven on earth.

You can pull that off with an American who has never visited Europe and thinks it is a romantic fairy tale, but you're not going to fool me.

Post: #232

Here's one very funny exercise for people to try out:

Read one page of this thread, then read another page of the "Is there any reasons NOT to expatriate from USA" thread, rinse and repeat.

I didnt know a hamster wheel can run both ways.

Post: #233

Baldrich, do you have any self awareness at all?

Really man, re-read your last post and try to pretend for just for a moment to be a neutral observer. It is 100% dickish and needlessly insulting and combative. Criticizing his English, really? The whole thing is snark and petty with a heavy dose of being out of touch with how to interact with people. This is why someone said the thread is "aspie".

Look, again, I do not even disagree with your conclusions on EU vs USA for the most part. So this has nothing to do with "Spain shills" etc. It's that you are now on a angry mission to pound your thoughts into the skulls of all who pass, and goddamn it they better take it and like it.

It gets you nowhere, and it makes people completely dismiss what are valid points.

Your latest post is a perfect example of what I said on the last page. PERFECT. Do you not see it? How is this incorrect?:

(06-07-2017 04:24 PM)GlobalMan Wrote:  you see every comment as if it is a battle in court room, and you must refute and deny any other reasoned and experienced outlook or conclusion. And in doing this there is a sort of deficit of social awareness.

You keep arguing with anyone who says EU has its positives, or that they appreciate X in EU, like there is some right or wrong perspective. And if it's the "wrong" perspective you go on a rant, usually laced with insults, to "correct" them. Why do this?

At this point the thread is just your personal cathartic release. On top of that, we already did this in your other identical thread. And there's a third "Thoughts on Spain"

Will there be a forth titled "My Final Final Thoughts on Spain, And Why You Can Go Fuck Yourself" ?

Post: #234

You should probably do what you want to do in order to see it it works out for you, if you already decided move to the US.
I would strongly suggest to pick some conservative state with good looking females. There are actually not too many left in US.
One of the best places could be Phoenix, AZ (with emphasis on Scottsdale, AZ)
People forget about it, but it worth the shot. Better taxes, lower prices on everthing, red state, hot climate.

Just don't go to Cali as it goes full SJW nowadays, unless you want to be surrounded by them, you should be good to go.

Post: #235

GlobalMan Wrote:Baldrich, do you have any self awareness at all?
Really man, re-read your last post and try to pretend for just for a moment to be a neutral observer. It is 100% dickish and needlessly insulting and combative. Criticizing his English, really? The whole thing is snark and petty with a heavy dose of being out of touch with how to interact with people. This is why someone said the thread is "aspie".

I could care less about Rocha's opinions about me. He has been trying to insult me for a very long time now with no success.

What? I can't critique someone who says they have an MBA and been in the US for so long and yet be surprised at the level of English? A critique or a question is not an insult. I am very well aware of things and don't need you to point things out for me. Worry about your own life and carry on. If someone is bs'ing me (or if I perceive they are), I call them out on it. I don't need you to lecture me on how to interact with people. It hasn't done so badly for me, considering I am a relatively successful person.

GlobalMan Wrote:Look, again, I do not even disagree with your conclusions on EU vs USA for the most part. So this has nothing to do with "Spain shills" etc. It's that you are now on a angry mission to pound your thoughts into the skulls of all who pass, and goddamn it they better take it and like it.

What are you talking about? Really, calm down. Why do people get so nervous when someone criticizes them? If anyone here is acting angry it's YOU guys. Look at the reactions of so many shills on this thread. It's not normal. I have never seen such hatred in my life about a PERSONAL OPINION ON MY OWN EXPERIENCES living in Spain. I am determined, yes, to speak the truth as I SEE it about Spain (and MANY people agree with me). The problem of course is that there will always be some hateful pricks who just can't stand anything that gets in the way of their fantasies. You keep talking about anger and yet I'm not the one on a mission to insult others or call them Aspies or make stupid comments that are supposed to be "funny" just to get group approval. I'm a grown man and don't need approval from others.

I have not insulted anyone...but I guess calling me an aspie and incorrectly dismissing me as "angry" is no problem. Oh the irony!

I'm done talking to you...unless you stick to the topic of the thread and not any of your fantasies about your personal evaluations on my character or whatever, don't bother to address me.

Post: #236

So, no then, no self awareness.

Post: #237

(06-08-2017 04:20 AM)GlobalMan Wrote:  So, no then, no self awareness.

Yes, nothing like a good dose of your perceptions about the personal characteristics of a total stranger. Pat yourself on the back and say "I'm so smart!!"

Post: #238

Anyone communicating in their second language on an online forum gets the utmost respect from me. Unlike you Baldrich not all of us were brought up bilingual so we had to learn as adults. Have you learnt a language other than English or Spanish? Could you write it perfectly every time?

It's been almost a year since you 'decided' to return to the US, why haven't you moved back already if it is so bad?

Post: #239

(06-08-2017 04:50 AM)britchard Wrote:  Anyone communicating in their second language on an online forum gets the utmost respect from me. Unlike you Baldrich not all of us were brought up bilingual so we had to learn as adults. Have you learnt a language other than English or Spanish? Could you write it perfectly every time?

It's been almost a year since you 'decided' to return to the US, why haven't you moved back already if it is so bad?

I am going to the US in a matter of days and will write a post about my experiences...good and bad aspects of whatever I observe.

As for languages, I speak Catalan as well (totally fluent, spoken and written) and can speak French (but don't care to since I don't like the language).

Anyway, I'm moving on to other things. Thank you for your comments.

Post: #240

(06-08-2017 02:32 AM)Baldrich Wrote:  

(06-07-2017 10:28 PM)Rocha Wrote:  

(06-07-2017 05:19 PM)Baldrich Wrote:  Nice! Really mature. Let's just all gang up on OP since we don't like his opinions. Ohh nooo I am so hurt I can't even sleep! The horror! He just blasphemed Spain mom!

This could be "The Asperger Syndrome thread".

Well...at least it isn't the "low IQ" thread...you deserve a pat on the back for your incredibly astute, indeed Noble-Prize winning observations.

The Low IQ thread will be called: "Still have not made it to the US, but a few more final thoughts about Spain and Europe in general".

"Asperger Symptoms: Problems with social interactions, restricted and repetitive behavior"

Post: #241

(06-08-2017 04:11 AM)bulldog Wrote:  You should probably do what you want to do in order to see it it works out for you, if you already decided move to the US.
I would strongly suggest to pick some conservative state with good looking females. There are actually not too many left in US.
One of the best places could be Phoenix, AZ (with emphasis on Scottsdale, AZ)
People forget about it, but it worth the shot. Better taxes, lower prices on everthing, red state, hot climate.

Just don't go to Cali as it goes full SJW nowadays, unless you want to be surrounded by them, you should be good to go.

I agree. There are many places now in the US filled with SJW undesirables, but I think it is a big enough country and varied to have a growing niche for those of us who are part of the growing backlash.

Post: #242

I think we all knew how this needed to end.

I'll say that the OP had some good points along the way. I could see a lot of what he mentioned about Spain goes for Mexico as well, which makes sense given the history of colonization. For example, 'mamitis' (failure to separate from one's mother as an adult) and spending Sundays with your dreary extended family. Those patterns can really kill creativity and growth in a society.

I do wonder how much of what he claimed is actually about Spain per se. I suspect that most countries are closer to Spain in culture than to the US. I only know two countries well, so sometimes it's hard for me to see which is the true outlier.

Post: #243

(06-08-2017 01:27 AM)Rossi Wrote:  What's the purpose of working 6 days/12 hours when you have $20 millions when you are 66 year-old?

I already answered that question. Same reason billionaires like Buffet continue to work. You just don't understand because you do things for money which is ironic. You act just like Baldrich when it comes to sweeping generalizations and being obtuse. If it wasn't for guys like that millionaire you wouldn't have a job.

Quote:I'm making close to €5000 from rents as of now. I usually make net, €3500-4000 (depends on the commission after tax) per month. Some of the people I started working with at Credit Suisse, now make around $15,000 - $20,000 now. I'm still talking to them, even though I make half of what they make, I live much better them because they all have to work 15 hours a day, with maybe 5 days vacation per year, pay minimum $4000 per month rent in New York.

Why are you even working at all? Surely 5k a month is good enough to live life or whatever that means.

Post: #244

(06-08-2017 05:09 AM)Baldrich Wrote:  I am going to the US in a matter of days and will write a post about my experiences...good and bad aspects of whatever I observe.

As for languages, I speak Catalan as well (totally fluent, spoken and written) and can speak French (but don't care to since I don't like the language).

Anyway, I'm moving on to other things. Thank you for your comments.

I don't think, we'll be able to read your post about your experiences in US from now on

Let me guess, you'll probably move to China and live there 10 years before coming here and moan like 15 year old all day.

If you don't like the way it is, don't spend 10 years there, man. Like me, I didn't like New Jersey, Boston, LA, Dallas, I stayed there few months. I loved New York, I lived there 7 years.

But you're little slow. It takes 10 years for you to understand that you don't like the environment you're living in.

Post: #245

He will go silent once he returns to the USA, once the honeymoon period is over he will say what the fuck am I doing here.

Same thing happened to me when I returned to Canada.

I want to live like Rossi, live life and enjoy different cultures.

I don't want to be like those "rich" guys working long hours 6 or 7 days a week. There are plenty of those guys in the West, their children aren't going to work as hard. They are going to lick their lips and secretly hope they get their inheritance soon.

When you have been too a couple of funerals and see people your age or younger dying. Then you realize life is too short and money can only do so much.

Oh, I see he got banned.

Hopefully, he signs back in under a different username and starts a thread "How awesome life in America is, compared to Spain". lol

Post: #246

(06-08-2017 12:09 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  He will go silent once he returns to the USA, once the honeymoon period is over he will say what the fuck am I doing here.

Same thing happened to me when I returned to Canada.

I want to live like Rossi, live life and enjoy different cultures.

I don't want to be like those "rich" guys working long hours 6 or 7 days a week. There are plenty of those guys in the West, their children aren't going to work as hard. They are going to lick their lips and secretly hope they get their inheritance soon.

When you have been a couple of funerals and see people your age or younger dying. Then you realize life is too short and money can only do so much.

Oh, I see he got banned.

Hopefully, he signs back in under a different username and starts a thread "How awesome life in America is, compared to Spain". lol

I think I am a little younger than you and have had some friends die along the way so I understand where you're coming from. I still wouldn't do anything different because I enjoy what I do.

I work a lot of hours but what are you going to do with your time? Watch television? I still hit the gym, still enjoy family and friends, still sleep 8 hours a day and wake up when I want.

I don't get why you are still in Toronto when you seem to want to be in Europe. On top of that you want a family which at our age is getting a little late in the game.

You may not want their lives but you seem to be stuck in a place you don't want as well. Get the hell out of there man.

You guys are coming at this topic with a mindset of making money because you need money. Instead of doing something that you enjoy that also makes money. These rich guys have choices like working or not working. Most of ya'll don't have those options. It looks like many of you are working jobs you don't like with dreams of retiring early to live life and do the things you want (I'd be interested in hearing how you would fill your days). On the other hand, the people you think are crazy are doing work they enjoy and continue to enjoy while you waste years doing stuff you don't like.

Rossi said he still works part time.

Post: #247

(06-08-2017 12:14 PM)worldwidetraveler Wrote:  

(06-08-2017 12:09 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  He will go silent once he returns to the USA, once the honeymoon period is over he will say what the fuck am I doing here.

Same thing happened to me when I returned to Canada.

I want to live like Rossi, live life and enjoy different cultures.

I don't want to be like those "rich" guys working long hours 6 or 7 days a week. There are plenty of those guys in the West, their children aren't going to work as hard. They are going to lick their lips and secretly hope they get their inheritance soon.

When you have been a couple of funerals and see people your age or younger dying. Then you realize life is too short and money can only do so much.

Oh, I see he got banned.

Hopefully, he signs back in under a different username and starts a thread "How awesome life in America is, compared to Spain". lol

I don't get why you are still in Toronto when you seem to want to be in Europe. On top of that you want a family which at our age is getting a little late in the game.

You may not want their lives but you seem to be stuck in a place you don't want as well. Get the hell out of there man. You guys are coming at this topic with a mindset of making money because you need money. Instead of doing something that you enjoy that also makes money.

Oh, I am sorry have WE met?

We all work 8 hours a day and some of us work more.

Some of us are trying hard to escape the 9 -5 cubicle with the two week holiday lifestyle that is popular in North America.

Despite what others say, I do like living in Toronto for many reasons which I don't care to list. The women aren't a problem for me.

I am fond of Europe for the social aspect and the opportunity to visit many countries for next to nothing. There are some things about Europe I find hard to adjust, living in Canada has spoiled me in certain ways.

I have a close friend who moved to the USA and is earning $350K per annum, you aren't going to make that kind of change in Canada or Europe. So yes I agree USA is a great place to earn money, but then again how many people are making close to that.
The funny thing, he keeps texting me and asking if he should come back to Canada. I tell him what the fuck for, it will always be here.

As a man, you are never too old to have a family.

Post: #248

(06-08-2017 12:48 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  Oh, I am sorry have WE met?

I only know what I read on this forum.

Quote:Some of us are trying hard to escape the 9 -5 cubicle with the two week holiday lifestyle that is popular in North America.

Exactly my point. You look down at the crazy millionaires who work because they enjoy it only to try and escape your current working life. Who is living?

Quote:Despite what others say, I do like living in Toronto for many reasons which I don't care to list. The women aren't a problem for me.

You haven't express wanting to leave Toronto for Europe? I apologize if I got it wrong.

Quote:I have a close friend who moved to the USA and is earning $350K per annum, you aren't going to make that kind of change in Canada or Europe. So yes I agree USA is a great place to earn money, but then again how many people are making close to that.

Sure, the US is a great place to make money. No doubt one of the best. That isn't what we are talking about, though. We are talking about living life and doing what you enjoy. My point is the guys you are making fun of are doing what they enjoy while many of you are wasting years going after money so you can do something else.

Quote:The funny thing, he keeps texting me and asking if he should come back to Canada. I tell him what the fuck for, it will always be here.

The US isn't for everyone. Nothing wrong with that. I surely wouldn't want to live somewhere that I didn't like just for the money. I tried that early in my career. I was making roughly 5k to 6k usd a week. I hated it and ended up leaving to work for myself.

Quote:As a man, you are never too old to have a family.

I agree if we are talking about getting a woman pregnant. I would disagree when it comes to being a dad.

Post: #249

OP, I think there is a lot of validity to your comments in general. However, it also seems that you are experiencing culture shock. There are several stages to it. No need to describe it here. Eventually I think you will find that when you return tothe US after a prolonged aspects, there willbe certain aspects of life in Spain that you will miss. The key,inmy experience, is to understand that no place will fit you like a glove, and every place has its minuses, and part of life is finding ways to experience the best of both worlds.

Post: #250

The OP expressed his dislike for Spain and listed the reasons why he was leaving. This no one has a problem with and he is probably making the right move because I don't think Spain has a good economy.

The problem I had was how hard he was defending America and trying to debate every person who had something negative to say about America.

For example he complained about Spanish children being annoying, that seems a little petty to me. I am sure all children in America are lovely, I know they are angels in Canada. (Sarcasm)

Yes, I am somewhat interested in moving back to London. I am not sure if I want to give up certain things to do so.

The whole money argument, I am not sure what you are trying to say.

I wasn't making fun of anyone, I just wouldn't want to work long hours 7 days a week/ 12 hour days with no vacations.