What is your experience going home each year?

[Agent Sumo]

5 hours ago, yogi100 said:

 

Come to London and show me some. Get on a London bus and for every white single mother you clap eyes on you'll see five black ones. That's if you see any white ones at all. It was London I was referring to in my post.

 

What is the Boo Hoo comment meant to mean? Was that made in sympathy or were you mocking me.?

 

No need for me to come to London

 

Just go to the following areas:

 

Woolwich, Plumstead, Thamesmead, Lewisham, Enfield, Tottenham . . . I could go on but you get the picture

 

Like it or not, Britain had the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in the developed world long before the most recent rush of immigration began.

 

Every time things get difficult in the UK (and other countries too, I might add), the first people to get blamed are the immigrants and this time is no different. This happens despite evidence which clearly shows that Britain gains a net benefit from the presence of immigrants most of whom do go there to work, not to claim benefits.

[i claudius]

17 hours ago, ChidlomDweller said:

 

I have lived in 3 European countries and worked for extended periods in probably 5 more.  Also lived in NY, Boston and DC.  I don't recognize any of these places as the overregulated nanny-states so many here seem to perceive.  In fact, I rather like it when the air smells of nothing, drivers stop for red lights, corruption gets punished, cops can't be bribed, tour buses don't leave their engine idling for an hour in front of my condo, people mow their lawn at reasonable times...  Like someone once said about Singapore's silly nanny-state laws, "All of these are things your mother should already have taught you anyway."   Rather than over-regulated, I wish my neck of the woods (Belgium) were a lot tougher on criminals, corruption, and things like drink-driving.  

 

In fact, the nanny-state is much more intrusive in this country.  For instance the very frequent censorship of opinion, stupid high alcohol prices because the good people consider it a sin.  And don't get me started about the lawlessness here, for instance the behavior of "nanny-free" Thai drivers.

 

So why do you live her ,if it is so much better "back home"

[i claudius]

51 minutes ago, Agent Sumo said:

 

No need for me to come to London

 

Just go to the following areas:

 

Woolwich, Plumstead, Thamesmead, Lewisham, Enfield, Tottenham . . . I could go on but you get the picture

 

Like it or not, Britain had the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in the developed world long before the most recent rush of immigration began.

 

Every time things get difficult in the UK (and other countries too, I might add), the first people to get blamed are the immigrants and this time is no different. This happens despite evidence which clearly shows that Britain gains a net benefit from the presence of immigrants most of whom do go there to work, not to claim benefits.

Actually evidence doesnt show this , can you give facts?

[SpokaneAl]

When one travels back to his/her home country every few years to visit, check out old haunts, attempting to reconnect with friends/family and taste some food that, over time, has become legendary in his/her memory cells, he/she has no home there and it seems like they wander, a bit angry and/or frustrated that the experience does not measure up to the version of what it should be, while comparing everything to their current life in Thailand. That just seems, to me at least, to be significantly different from the OP's original question and a much different experience than those of us who actually do maintain homes, friends and families in both countries. Not better or worse - just different.


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[Agent Sumo]

12 minutes ago, i claudius said:

Actually evidence doesnt show this , can you give facts?

 

Sure

 

http://voxeu.org/article/fiscal-effects-immigration-uk

[i claudius]

44 minutes ago, Agent Sumo said:

 

Sure

 

http://voxeu.org/article/fiscal-effects-immigration-uk

So  this is just a study done between 1995 and 2011 by a  guy from the university of Milan , and a guy from  the university college of London ,  not a govt survey ? wow that works for me !!!

Edited September 12, 2016 by i claudius

[NanLaew]

1 minute ago, i claudius said:

So  this is just a study done between 1995 and 2011 by a  guy from the university of Milan , and a guy from  the university college of London ,  not a govt survey ? wow that works for me !!!

...in lieu of what? A more recent, government-funded report that indicates that from 2011 to 2016, the situation suddenly reversed? Hard to dig out any statistics to back your contention when there are no facts to back your contention. Most governments go to such agencies as CRAM for specialist and detailed analysis whereas the average UKIP'er refers to the Daily Mail, Sun, etc..

 

I guess you can quote the recent UKIP garbage to the contrary? That's as close to any wannabe right wing government 'facts' you are ever going to want to hear get. The same right wing claptrap that a certain US presidential candidate espouses. Just because one speaks one's mind or says what the people want to hear, it still doesn't make it possible, correct or even remotely factual.

[i claudius]

When i speak about immegration , to be honest i have no problem with Poles ,French Germans etc they on the whole do work hard when they come to the UK ,the likes of the Romanians , and ones from the African sub continent etc just scrounge off the system , in my mind there are two sorts of Immegrants , and most seem to fall into the second batch .

[ChidlomDweller]

1 hour ago, i claudius said:

 

So why do you live her ,if it is so much better "back home"

There are many things I like about Thailand too, see my earlier post in this thread.  Why reduce it to a one-dimensional all or nothing thing? Where to live and when to move are complex decisions.

 

My point in the post you quoted was more that I don't get what bothers people so much about the "nanny state" back home, or exactly what are the exalted freedoms here they like so much.  

Edited September 12, 2016 by ChidlomDweller

[Agent Sumo]

46 minutes ago, i claudius said:

When i speak about immegration , to be honest i have no problem with Poles ,French Germans etc they on the whole do work hard when they come to the UK ,the likes of the Romanians , and ones from the African sub continent etc just scrounge off the system , in my mind there are two sorts of Immegrants , and most seem to fall into the second batch .

 

So you're allowing your own personal prejudice to colour reality and then have the gall to suggest that the data in the link I provided is somehow invalid because it doesn't confirm your bias?

[cheapskatesam]

A lot of these studies conveniently only include DWP benefits such as JSA and Income support into their figures.. When it comes to TAX CREDITS. They completely ignore them.

If you think the post 2004 wave of Eastern Europeans have made a contribution to our system you're a fool.

 

Low-income Brits pay bugger all tax and claim far more in top up benefits.. so why would Europeans be any different? The vast majority of them are low income workers.. they pay bugger all tax and that's the best case scenario.

 

You think Magda, who turned up last year, worked for a few months in a factory, fell pregnant, gave birth on the NHS, started claiming maternity, went into social housing, started claiming Working Tax Credits (we can hope), has REALLY made a contribution to our country?

 

Nah. The vast majority of them are foreign parasites. 

[yogi100]

4 hours ago, i claudius said:

Actually evidence doesnt show this , can you give facts?

 

Of course he can't Claude he's just trying to wind people up.

 

The areas he's referred to are areas in which you rarely see a white person and he might even possibly know it. He's got nothing to contribute to the topic himself because he's incapable of doing so and because he's probably too thick. Instead he prefers to sabotage the efforts of those of us that do.

 

Until the 1950s and even well into the 1960s it was virtually unheard of for an English girl to become pregnant out of wedlock and when it did occur the baby was often taken from the mother by the authorities and put up for adoption. Some children were even sent out to the Dominions under the so called care of the Church and various Christian organisations.

 

I remember the 'naughty girls homes' in the 1970s where they housed women with illegitimate infants. It was only in that decade that they started giving them council accommodation, most other housing organisations still would not entertain 'em.

[thaibeachlovers]

2 hours ago, yogi100 said:

 

Of course he can't Claude he's just trying to wind people up.

 

The areas he's referred to are areas in which you rarely see a white person and he might even possibly know it. He's got nothing to contribute to the topic himself because he's incapable of doing so and because he's probably too thick. Instead he prefers to sabotage the efforts of those of us that do.

 

Until the 1950s and even well into the 1960s it was virtually unheard of for an English girl to become pregnant out of wedlock and when it did occur the baby was often taken from the mother by the authorities and put up for adoption. Some children were even sent out to the Dominions under the so called care of the Church and various Christian organisations.

 

I remember the 'naughty girls homes' in the 1970s where they housed women with illegitimate infants. It was only in that decade that they started giving them council accommodation, most other housing organisations still would not entertain 'em.

One of the reasons that I like Thailand is because it doesn't tax the **** out of hard working people to give it to silly girls that won't insist on a condom to bring up delinquents that will probably mug me.

That was part of the reason I left the country to work elsewhere as it was getting so excessively in my face.

It's so bad back in the homeland now, that girls are reputedly getting pregnant on purpose, just to get the benefit.

Edited September 12, 2016 by thaibeachlovers

[NanLaew]

18 hours ago, yogi100 said:

 

Of course he can't Claude he's just trying to wind people up.

 

The areas he's referred to are areas in which you rarely see a white person and he might even possibly know it. He's got nothing to contribute to the topic himself because he's incapable of doing so and because he's probably too thick. Instead he prefers to sabotage the efforts of those of us that do.

 

Until the 1950s and even well into the 1960s it was virtually unheard of for an English girl to become pregnant out of wedlock and when it did occur the baby was often taken from the mother by the authorities and put up for adoption. Some children were even sent out to the Dominions under the so called care of the Church and various Christian organisations.

 

I remember the 'naughty girls homes' in the 1970s where they housed women with illegitimate infants. It was only in that decade that they started giving them council accommodation, most other housing organisations still would not entertain 'em.

 

Teen pregnancy.... always the English girls fault, eh?

 

15 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

One of the reasons that I like Thailand is because it doesn't tax the **** out of hard working people to give it to silly girls that won't insist on a condom to bring up delinquents that will probably mug me.

That was part of the reason I left the country to work elsewhere as it was getting so excessively in my face.

It's so bad back in the homeland now, that girls are reputedly getting pregnant on purpose, just to get the benefit.

 

Teen pregnancy... always the Thai girls fault, eh?

[don55201]

ugh.  You want to go back to the US???  I only return to the US when I need money.  I can make a  lot of money in the US.  It is not that good for living though.  After a few months in America, I am ready to <deleted!>

Edited September 13, 2016 by metisdead
Profane acronym removed.

[Ace of Pop]

. This sums up Today's P.C. Lefty Mob In permanent denial mode


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[spidermike007]

I go back to america each year for a few months. I have a 1 year visa in Thailand and get it extended each year.
Kinda strange, but I would like to know your views on living in Thailand after returning home for several months?

Here are my views.
Food is much better and healthier in America when shopping in the market. Much better for you IMO.

 

There is certainly alot more variety, and access to alot of healthy food, no doubt about that. But, the healthier the food, the more expensive it is in the US. It is alot more expensive to eat out. Especially when you factor in sales tax, and the "mandatory tip" of at least 15%, in order to avoid getting abused by the staff, many of whom have an attitude of great entitlement. Generally, I find most of the Thai wait staff to be infinitely more pleasant, and lacking in the expectation of a big tip. And the most pleasant aspect is that then they do get a 20, or 30, or 40 baht tip, I get more gratitude from them, than I do from a $20 tip in the US. The upside in the US is that you can communicate with the staff, and they are generally alot more knowledgeable about things such as food and wine. Of course, the wine selection blows away anything you find in Thailand, including most five star hotels. And they are able to answer questions about the wine. That is pleasant.

My neighborhood is VERY clean. After living in Thailand for years it is nice to come home and not see so much trash thrown everywhere.

It depends alot on where you live. Generally it is cleaner in the states. If you live in many areas upcountry, especially the areas backward enough, and without enough consciousness to have devised a trash pickup system, I agree about the out of control trash problems. 

You cannot own property in Thailand and I enjoy coming home and working on my home and knowing it is mine. Peach of mind more than anything else for me.

Hard to argue with that point. The fearful and xenophobic property ownership laws in Thailand are outdated, antiquated, and absolutely ridiculous. 

Women? I personally much prefer Asian women. As I get older I find they age much better, and sexual hang ups are not near what they are here in America. As well as the total nonsense you have to put up with here in America. A much easier, and pleasant experience with Asian women.

Absolutely agree. I find most American women to be far too masculine, and far too insistent on absolute control over their men. How boring. How trite. How emasculating. According to the vast majority of my friends, who live there, and are either married, or involved in relationships, or dating, most American women just do not have much need, or desire to have sex. No need to go there, thankfully. For this alone, I am grateful every day of my life. 

Healthcare in America is much better IMO. No comparison.

I completely disagree. I find Thai healthcare to be at least as good as that found in the US, or better. And the cost is affordable. The health care insurance in the US is insane. I have friends who pay $800 a month for their health care coverage. And they still have deductibles. It is the biggest scam on the planet, and the American people tolerate it. That alone is cause for a revolution. Have you been in an American hospital lately? Most of the nurses are fat, ugly, and surly. And most of the doctors are unwilling to offer you more than 40 seconds of their precious time. In Thai hospitals, many of the nurses are adorable, friendly, helpful, pleasant, upifting to the spirit, and humorous. Talk about an environment that helps with the healing process. Many of the doctors are willing to take the time to discuss treatment options, unlike in the US, where they are self righteous beyond the limits of my imagination. The good hospitals here are spotless, the equipment is first rate, the services approximate that of a good resort, the food is far, far better, and the doctors are every bit as good as those in the US. 

Anyone else care to weigh in? After living in Thailand for years I find it increasingly difficult to break my ties with my home country. And, even long for my trips home.

 

I enjoy my trips back to the states. I get to go back twice a year, for a month to six weeks. It is enjoyable. I love the live jazz, the theatre, the independent film, the great bakeries, the access to such a variety of great food and wine, hanging out with good friends and family, the cooler weather, and more. It is a delightful change of pace. But,  I am always thrilled to return. Most Americans these days, I find are disillusioned, without humor or a light heart, and disappointed in their country, and the direction it is moving. As well they should be. All but the rich are being left with a lower standard of living, stagnant wages, and more difficult jobs, with less benefits. The quality of life is declining rapidly, and the standing of America within the world community is diminishing too, after four disastrous administrations in a row, and several severely misguided, incredibly costly, and failed overseas adventures.

 

The America I knew as a young man, is no longer the country I see when I return now. It has changed on so many levels. Reality TV may be one of the biggest culprits. The quality of life has diminished for all but the wealthy. The culture is getting dumbed down to an astonishing degree. It has degenerated to the point where we now have an election between a snake oil salesman, selling a completely imaginary vision of the renewal of American greatness, and a completely dishonest, disingenuous, power and money hungry, charmless opponent, who cannot campaign her way out of a paper bag. 

 

Since 9/11 I barely recognize the country I used to call home. No longer. The US is no longer my home. But, I do like to visit occasionally. 
 

 

Edited September 16, 2016 by spidermike007

[Gecko123]

Last year I spent a week in Seattle on a shopping trip, mainly clothes, household and food items I couldn't find in Thailand. I stayed downtown, and hoofed it down to Whole Foods on Westlake Ave just about every day. I have fond memories of gorging on all the foods I missed the most: smoked salmon, Alaskan crab meat, perfectly ripened Haas avocados, sourdough bread, French cheeses and pâtes, taboulli salad, pinenut salads, olives, berries, peaches, nectarines and trying out unfamiliar imported beers and wines. I fell in love with a mesmerizingly pretty girl who was handing out free samples in the deli foods section, and ended up chatting with her just about every visit to the store. She was about as tall as me and it was nice talking to a woman at the same eye level as me for a change. One afternoon I fell asleep in my hotel room and woke up around 9 PM. I had forgotten how long it stayed light out in the summer, and thought it was the next morning already.

 

My dining out experiences were less memorable. Craving pizza for over ten years, I managed to select a pizzeria which served the absolutely worst pizza I have ever eaten in my life. A $30.00 meatloaf entree was served with cold mashed potatoes, and I was appalled at the buffet offerings at what had once been my favorite Mexican restaurant in Seattle. In general, I found restaurant food to be astoundingly poor value. Another indelible memory was the $2.00 shelf price label for a tiny 6 ounce bottle of water at Walgreens. I was so incredulous I actually asked a store clerk if that was really the price.

 

I saw a fair number of panhandlers. Though there were lots of people out exercising, jogging, roller blading, I was struck by how many women smoked, something you don't see that much of in Thailand. One morning, waiting for a store to open, I hung around Pioneer Square for several hours. I saw a number of people sleeping in doorways, mentally ill people, even a couple openly smoking crack.

 

One or two of the old-timer Pike Place Market vendors still remembered me. I took several long walks along the waterfront, and even all the way out to the University District. Each time the air was wonderfully cool and crisp. Walking downtown from Capitol Hill one afternoon, I passed this woman with a pretty big derriere, and I turned my head to take a longer look. This guy happened to be right there, and I asked him if he found her butt attractive. He answered, "Yeah, that's a nice looking butt." I thanked him for his time, and wondered the rest of the way home why I didn't appreciate big-butted women as much as some other guys. 

 

Edited September 16, 2016 by Gecko123

[Fookhaht]

Being from Seattle, the previous poster had me right up to where he ruined it with his last four sentences--which tells me decent, respectful, anti-womanizing Seattle culture never rubbed off on him, IMHO.

Kudos for finding at least one other like-minded creature there--and that the guy didn't end up being your ogling-target's big brother.

The poster is probably happier coming back to a less-developed country where the opportunities are rife to actually pinch those derrières at any number of seedy venues.

Aside from all that, love his Pacific Northwest culinary tastes.

Cheers,
Fookhaht

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[spidermike007]

1 hour ago, Gecko123 said:

Last year I spent a week in Seattle on a shopping trip, mainly clothes, household and food items I couldn't find in Thailand. I stayed downtown, and hoofed it down to Whole Foods on Westlake Ave just about every day. I have fond memories of gorging on all the foods I missed the most: smoked salmon, Alaskan crab meat, perfectly ripened Haas avocados, sourdough bread, French cheeses and pâtes, taboulli salad, pinenut salads, olives, berries, peaches, nectarines and trying out unfamiliar imported beers and wines. I fell in love with a mesmerizingly pretty girl who was handing out free samples in the deli foods section, and ended up chatting with her just about every visit to the store. She was about as tall as me and it was nice talking to a woman at the same eye level as me for a change. One afternoon I fell asleep in my hotel room and woke up around 9 PM. I had forgotten how long it stayed light out in the summer, and thought it was the next morning already.

 

My dining out experiences were less memorable. Craving pizza for over ten years, I managed to select a pizzeria which served the absolutely worst pizza I have ever eaten in my life. A $30.00 meatloaf entree was served with cold mashed potatoes, and I was appalled at the buffet offerings at what had once been my favorite Mexican restaurant in Seattle. In general, I found restaurant food to be astoundingly poor value. Another indelible memory was the $2.00 shelf price label for a tiny 6 ounce bottle of water at Walgreens. I was so incredulous I actually asked a store clerk if that was really the price.

 

I saw a fair number of panhandlers. Though there were lots of people out exercising, jogging, roller blading, I was struck by how many women smoked, something you don't see that much of in Thailand. One morning, waiting for a store to open, I hung around Pioneer Square for several hours. I saw a number of people sleeping in doorways, mentally ill people, even a couple openly smoking crack.

 

One or two of the old-timer Pike Place Market vendors still remembered me. I took several long walks along the waterfront, and even all the way out to the University District. Each time the air was wonderfully cool and crisp. Walking downtown from Capitol Hill one afternoon, I passed this woman with a pretty big derriere, and I turned my head to take a longer look. This guy happened to be right there, and I asked him if he found her butt attractive. He answered, "Yeah, that's a nice looking butt." I thanked him for his time, and wondered the rest of the way home why I didn't appreciate big-butted women as much as some other guys. 

 

 

 

Funny post. Yeah, that big butt thing is something I have never gotten either. When i visit LA, it is remarkable how much the homeless population is exploding in the US. Something that is just not talked about by the current administration, who are too busy dispensing false reports about how healthy the economy is, and how well the average American is doing. They are also quite busy talking about how low inflation is. Yet, rents are rising at a rate that most find alarming. In Santa Monica, basic two bedroom apartments are in the $3,000 a month range. Nice 2 bedrooms are between $4,000 and $5,000 a month. I saw a small cottage in N. Hollywood, which is not a particularly nice area, renting for $2,900 a month. Retail space is $3 a foot, and up. For a mom and pop store to pay $6,000 a month in rent, it becomes quite difficult to survive. And yet, there is little to no inflation. Theater tickets in Manhattan are averaging about $200 now. More evidence of low inflation. A bag of groceries at Whole Foods is $100 to $200. More evidence of low inflation. Many who were paying $700 a month rent, who had their rents suddenly jacked to $3,000 find it unsustainable, move out, and cannot find a new place to live. Many end up homeless. Many Americans live hand to mouth, without savings. Once you become homeless there is little hope of recovery. 

 

As far as the food goes, I seldom eat in random restaurants in the states. If I use a guide like trip advisor or yelp, or get recommendations from friends, I am often able to find outstanding food. But, it is very overpriced. That is for sure. Whole Foods is a real delight. But bring a boatload of cash. I am usually astonished at how much I spend on such a small amount of stuff there. It has gotten so expensive to live in the states. And yet, there is little to no inflation. Yeah, just like unemployment is at 4%. Right. There is a very good reason most people do not trust the government. 

Edited September 16, 2016 by spidermike007

[garyk]

9 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

 

 

Funny post. Yeah, that big butt thing is something I have never gotten either. When i visit LA, it is remarkable how much the homeless population is exploding in the US. Something that is just not talked about by the current administration, who are too busy dispensing false reports about how healthy the economy is, and how well the average American is doing. They are also quite busy talking about how low inflation is. Yet, rents are rising at a rate that most find alarming. In Santa Monica, basic two bedroom apartments are in the $3,000 a month range. Nice 2 bedrooms are between $4,000 and $5,000 a month. I saw a small cottage in N. Hollywood, which is not a particularly nice area, renting for $2,900 a month. Retail space is $3 a foot, and up. For a mom and pop store to pay $6,000 a month in rent, it becomes quite difficult to survive. And yet, there is little to no inflation. Theater tickets in Manhattan are averaging about $200 now. More evidence of low inflation. A bag of groceries at Whole Foods is $100 to $200. More evidence of low inflation. Many who were paying $700 a month rent, who had their rents suddenly jacked to $3,000 find it unsustainable, move out, and cannot find a new place to live. Many end up homeless. Many Americans live hand to mouth, without savings. Once you become homeless there is little hope of recovery. 

 

As far as the food goes, I seldom eat in random restaurants in the states. If I use a guide like trip advisor or yelp, or get recommendations from friends, I am often able to find outstanding food. But, it is very overpriced. That is for sure. Whole Foods is a real delight. But bring a boatload of cash. I am usually astonished at how much I spend on such a small amount of stuff there. It has gotten so expensive to live in the states. And yet, there is little to no inflation. Yeah, just like unemployment is at 4%. Right. There is a very good reason most people do not trust the government. 

Those prices are insane! I believe it. I was in business here in San Antonio Texas for years and the number of people moving here from the L.A. area (California as a whole) was unreal. They could come here and live like kings on what they were paying in California. Many relocated here to find a good job and reasonable and affordable housing. On my trips back home to this area I see unemployment extremly low? Very few homeless that I see. Construction is everywhere, jobs seem plentiful. 

So IMO it is,  are you willing to relocate to an area that is more job and housing friendly. Actually Thailand is the same in many respects.

When I was working in Austin Texas I saw the same thing. Housing prices went threw the roof. I simply relocated to San Antonio when I retired(from the high tech job in Austin). 50% cheaper and very healthy economy. 

I agree that California is extremely expensive in general. Compared to my home state. 

Edited September 16, 2016 by garyk

[SpokaneAl]

Those prices are insane! I believe it. I was in business here in San Antonio Texas for years and the number of people moving here from the L.A. area (California as a whole) was unreal. They could come here and live like kings on what they were paying in California. Many relocated here to find a good job and reasonable and affordable housing. On my trips back home to this area I see unemployment extremly low? Very few homeless that I see. Construction is everywhere, jobs seem plentiful. 

So IMO it is,  are you willing to relocate to an area that is more job and housing friendly. Actually Thailand is the same in many respects.

When I was working in Austin Texas I saw the same thing. Housing prices went threw the roof. I simply relocated to San Antonio when I retired(from the high tech job in Austin). 50% cheaper and very healthy economy. 

I agree that California is extremely expensive in general. Compared to my home state. 

Well yeah, depending on the location, prices for goods and services could be significantly different. Compare prices in any US large city vs out in the burbs. The same disparity exists when comparing countries.



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[spidermike007]

10 hours ago, garyk said:

Those prices are insane! I believe it. I was in business here in San Antonio Texas for years and the number of people moving here from the L.A. area (California as a whole) was unreal. They could come here and live like kings on what they were paying in California. Many relocated here to find a good job and reasonable and affordable housing. On my trips back home to this area I see unemployment extremly low? Very few homeless that I see. Construction is everywhere, jobs seem plentiful. 

So IMO it is,  are you willing to relocate to an area that is more job and housing friendly. Actually Thailand is the same in many respects.

When I was working in Austin Texas I saw the same thing. Housing prices went threw the roof. I simply relocated to San Antonio when I retired(from the high tech job in Austin). 50% cheaper and very healthy economy. 

I agree that California is extremely expensive in general. Compared to my home state. 

 

 

There is a mass exodus from the state of California taking place, at this time, amongst the wealthy. Phil Mickelson recently moved. He said on an income of $63 million per year, it made no sense for him to live in California. It cost him about $7 to $8 million a year extra, for the honor of living in the N. San Diego county area. Taxes are insane. The state has experienced decades of politicians lacking in creativity. So, they just raised taxes. California's glory days are way, way behind. It is a gorgeous state. But, Southern California is getting very overdeveloped and congested, and Northern California has gotten to be out of control expensive. There are still some nice rural areas left. But, the whole state is expensive, and not sure the quality of life is worth it, anymore. 

[spidermike007]

20 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

 

 

There is a mass exodus from the state of California taking place, at this time, amongst the wealthy. Phil Mickelson recently moved. He said on an income of $63 million per year, it made no sense for him to live in California. It cost him about $7 to $8 million a year extra, for the honor of living in the N. San Diego county area. Taxes are insane. The state has experienced decades of politicians lacking in creativity. So, they just raised taxes. California's glory days are way, way behind. It is a gorgeous state. But, Southern California is getting very overdeveloped and congested, and Northern California has gotten to be out of control expensive. There are still some nice rural areas left. But, the whole state is expensive, and not sure the quality of life is worth it, anymore. 

 

 

The aspect of this equation that really boggles my mind, is the people who choose to retire in California. Why come to the most expensive state in the country, on a fixed income. As Garyk stated, there are far more reasonable places to live. Why not take advantage of that? I would choose to live overseas, as I have already, but even for those that would not make that choice, California of all places? Really? Is that just a lack of creative juice? Many talk about the climate? Personally, I find no rain, no wind, no storms, a barely perceptible change in seasons, constant temperatures, and perpetual blue sky to be hellaciously boring. I will take real weather over that, any time. 

Edited September 18, 2016 by spidermike007

[cheapskatesam]

12 hours ago, returnofthailand said:

I can not live in Europe anymore. it s expensive and boring now.
when I have relatives visiting me in Thailand, they asked me why all these farangs around don't go back anymore to their homecountry . I replied it s Better here in Thailand, why should they go back ?
they said probably they are a bunch of losers and can not afford to go back.
I replied with a smile , sure with 10x more money here In Thailand they certainly don't want go back.
 

 

 

You are right..

 

I just bought a subway sandwich + coffee for about £5 today.. when i was eating it i was thinking what else i could have bought for 250 baht in Thailand instead.

 

I could have bought 4 bottles of beer from 7/11

A nice seafood dinner 

5 noodle soups

 

[DMC1]

 

You are right..

 

I just bought a subway sandwich + coffee for about £5 today.. when i was eating it i was thinking what else i could have bought for 250 baht in Thailand instead.

 

I could have bought 4 bottles of beer from 7/11

A nice seafood dinner 

5 noodle soups

 

You could've bought a subway sandwich and coffee in Thailand for not much difference than ฿250 !

[DeaconJohn]

Went to visit my old neighborhood in Camden, N.J. last summer.

The city has become a menacing disaster. The signs in shop windows cue you into where you are:

"See an overdose? Call 911 immediately."

"REWARD $12,000 For information leading to the arrest and conviction in the shooting of an 8-year-old girl."

"Demeal Rudolph has been missing since Monday 7-1-16. Age 15."

"DO NOT ENTER WITH MASK OR HOOD. IF SO YOU ARE NOW TRESPASSING."

It really felt good to get back to Thailand.

Edited September 20, 2016 by DeaconJohn
typo

[garyk]

1 minute ago, DeaconJohn said:

Went to visit my old neighborhood in Camden, N.J. last summer.

The city has become a menacing disaster. The signs in shop windows cue you into where you are:

"See an overdose? Call 911 immediately."

"REWARD $12,000 For information leading to the arrest and conviction in the shooting of an 8-year-old girl."

"Demeal Rudolph has been missing since Monday 7-1=16. Age 15."

"DO NOT ENTER WITH MASK OR HOOD. IF SO YOU ARE NOW TRESSPASSING."

It really felt good to get back to Thailand.

Wow, that sounds more like a war zone!

[DeaconJohn]

Spot on, bro.

And it's not just Camden.