Americans Abroad

...it's just we do not see any reason to EVER move back. Most Americans are so egocentric and so isolated they never realize that there are better locations for quality of life than most of the US. And in this current politico-economic environment I do not see that getting better anytime soon. What do I mean by "better"? Do not misunderstand me, I love much about America...but the best places to live are now out of my price range. Like many people I lost ( a lot) during the recent downturn...no details necessary. Employment that allowed me to pick up the pieces came from Eastern Europe. Soon I was recovering financially. But along the way as I now traveled to Brussels, Copenhagen, Rome, Paris, and Geneva for my work just like I used to frequent Washington, NYC, Chicago, San Francisco etc. I began to see that, yes, Europe has it's problems too, but....there are so many things that Republicans scoff at like: environment, public transit, intercity rail, quality medical care, pedestrian and bike friendly streets, access to world class culture often at affordable prices...I could go on. No, not every place on this side of the pond has its act together but I will tell you that I now understand why all those polls on qualtiy of life, low corruption, low crime, human services, happiness, etc etc.all start with countries in northern Europe. On these same measures, the US seems to fair no better than 20 something or worse. I choose to live in Vilnius, Lithuania a nation still shaking off lingering effects of Communism but is clearly destined for the same quality of life as its Scandinavian neighbors. And I recently bought a home in a reknowned spa town of about 20k population...(like an American University town). The purchase prices was about $130K and am renovating/upgrading it. Might be that much in it again, but...when I do...I will have access to not only spas but 100's of Km of bike and ski trails, quality culture, health care, water sports, and on and on. all walking distance by the way. Try buying a home in Sonoma, Calistoga, or Saratoga Springs for that kind of money. Lithuania wouldn't be for everyone...too dark and cold at times though I do love summer without airconditioning. Warm loving folks might look further south at property in Portugal or Spain. Except for the most Southern province, Algarve, Portugal is dirt cheap right now and both governments will pull out of their current slump. By the time they do though,the real estate will not be so cheap anymore. English is now a growing second language in Portugal, too. Very friendly people