posted on Dec, 9 2006 @ 05:16 PM
I've been to every state in America, every country in Europe...even Andora and most of South America. I have been in Asia now for two years and after
seeing ,living almost everywhere except Africa and the middle East, I would choose the following places. These are just my opinions, feel free to
disagree or trash them. This is just my top 4 places now. 10 years ago my ist would have been much different, including Sweden and Germany but they
are way too expensive for Americans now.
1)Argentina- Specifically Buenos Aires (The Paris of South America). Great people, vibrant living. The country exudes class. The food is awesome (read
everything beef). Prices are about 40-50% of the US. The ratio of gorgeous people is hard to beat anywhere in the world. The music is fantastic.
Downsides- You'll get a little Anti-Americanism. Not much. The government and financial situation is a bit tenious. It's a little dangerous off the
beaten track in the major citys.
2) Thailand- It's called the land of smiles officially. The people are first rate, it's very affordable, they love everyone (even Americans). I've
never heard a Thai speak a harsh word about Americans. All Americans convieniances are here at about 30% of the price in America. Internet, American
fast food, bookstores etc. etc. The country is beautiful. The food is some of the best on the planet.
Downsides are: The language is tough and Thais don't speak much English. There are enough Expats from all over the world. Thailand has a warped image
in the minds of most westerners. There ideas of what's important in life are 1000% different than Western values.
3) Spain- Costa Del Sol. Paradise with Sangria. The people are wonderful. The days are lazy and the nights are an all out party. The living costs are
about 80%-120% of the US. US standards of almost everything..some things are a higher standard than the US.
Downsides-European tourist central and they will definitly give you problems about the US government. You'll hear it day in and day out. Other than
that it's US light as most of Europe is. Sorry to say that but it's true.
and one more for the adventerous:
4) Cambodia- I was scared as hell to go there the first time. Wow was i being paranoid. The young people ALL speak English there now. It's still a
bit "wild-west" but I never felt in danger at any time. It is CHEAP.. SO SO CHEAP. $150 a month will get you a 2 bedroom house with maid's
quarters. The people are the friendliest I've met except for Poles in the early 1980's under Communism. You are truely free here. You can do pretty
much anything you want as long as you don't hurt anyone. Wanna open a bar. Just open it. No licenses. No pharmacies really. Just goto the super
market and buy whatever you need. Heck the national dish is "Happy" pizza and Bubble tea. Happy=Hemp.(I don't partake mind you.. just saying). The
beaches are some of the best anywhere in the world. Seriously.. The people are unreal. Khmers rock !
Downsides- The poverty can be stifiling at times. It just breaks your heart and you can't help everyone. The trash collection is laughable but it's
getting better. Cambodia had a MAJOR brain drain. Anyone with the slightest bit of education was killed under the Pol Pot regime. So you have a very
uneducated society. It's changing with this new generation but progress is as you would expect. Cambodian food is crap. EEk !