Nameless, I wasn't (at least it wasn't my intention) talking trash about the UK. But I was comparing some points with life in Portugal.
Portuguese people are usually very emotionally tied with the weather and some simple but unique cultural details.
Mos portuguese people drink a very short and strong coffee (we call it a "bica") for example. It's the most basic thing here, and absolutely impossible to get in the UK.
You may think that is a bullshit example of something so minute, but it extends to everything.
The UK has a constant rainy weather, and generally people aren't as friendly as Portuguese folks. Mainly because of the high crime levels and overall lack of confidence in your neighbors (I'm talking from my family's experience).
Housing in the UK is the most expensive in Europe (bar Monaco) while Portugal has some of the cheapest housing in the developed world. And the construction in the UK is inferior as well.
The UK government gives money-troubled emigrants a shit ton of benefits and charities, but you won't be able to maintain the same lifestyle you would have with an equal job in Portugal.
"lifestyle" is in bold because in the UK people have MUCH MUCH more money. But they spend much much more as well.
You can't get a full 6 giant picanha steak meal with exotic fruit and fries for 3ppl for 15 euros in the UK.
Portugal has some of the best healthcare as well. Problem is, since we're short on doctors, unless you have some major condition, it's very slow.
UK's car insurance is pants. Fucking pants. Even worse for foreigners who have no credit to begin with.
The UK has more opportunities to have money and living a more consumerist life. That's why Portuguese people who go there get fascinated even with lesser lifestyles. Some people love living fast.
But ultimately life's hard everywhere at the moment.
Portugal is in the shitter. Politics are hitting the fan, and the economy is pants on head retarded. But it's still our home country you know.. And I'm still proud of that.
I've heard a lot of good stuff from New Zealand and have thought of starting my life there.. But it's really far.
lol, it's no worries dude. I don't think you'd insult the UK without good reason (and I have my own as well).
Interesting...maybe should I visit Portugal I should try this out?
I guess I am privileged that despite my poor background, our neighbours aren't that bad (and they are friendly despite their...ahem...shady tactics).
Depends what you mean by high crime though...it depends on the area you live in. Overall, crime rates are just above average...but again it depends on the areas of the UK...
Yeah, prices here are ridiculous, but I slightly disagree with the inferior housing...it's basic, yes, but it's mostly reliable...and I would say (without offending anyone), that it's better then some US areas with worse structure.
I see...I can't disagree with that, we do spend more money...but it depends on where you spend it I guess...being on a Welfare State like ours is bad in terms of not getting people to work (native or foreign).
We have specialist stores for that dude, you can't blame the UK for that type of stuff, no offence of course.
I agree there, someone I know said how effective paracetamol was over there!
Agreed again, I don't like the state of Car Insurance here...but I got lucky because I looked on the internet for the best deal.
Fair enough, I wouldn't deter anyone from coming over here, but I will point out the downsides of living in England. Sharky has one up over me in terms of Tax for example..you are best living on an island that belongs to the UK for lesser tax.
I am sorry to hear that dude...I know what you mean about being patriotic though! I have little knowledge to know how bad Portugal is, so it's interesting to know from you.
Far? The world is connected by the internet dude! The world is getting smaller in terms of communication...just be warned that electronic prices there are so high...you are best taking your systems with you and hoping for a current converter (I would be fine in that regard, I recall them using the UK Plug Pins).
Did you know that the Dutch found New Zealand first? Zealand is an area in the Netherlands, it seems we took it from them...which is pretty cruel, lol.