Impressions: Best and worst

[Aubrey 10]

Please indicate if you are the U.S. Citizen or immigrant SO. List one, four, ten -- up to you. Discuss!

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I am the USC.

Best of U.S. :

- Freedom (I can paint my house any ridiculous color I want, for example)

- Plethora of choices of goods to buy at cheap prices

- Beautiful countryside

- Stuff is open on Sundays, open 24 hours, etc.

Worst of U.S. :

- Lack of universal, affordable, and good health care

- Two party political system (under/over-represents groups, things don't get accomplished... I won't go on)

- Ignorance/poor education (watch Jay Leno's "Jaywalking" if you don't understand me)

- Excessive pride leads into unnecessary conflicts (Vietnam, Iraq...) and pulling away from international cooperation

Best of Germany:

- Few people fall between the cracks (aid for the poor, unemployed, etc)

- Cheap higher education

- Great innovators (best games, good cars, top designers, etc)

- Public transportation

Worst of Germany:

- Strangers often cold and unfriendly

- Store hours are short

- Expensive

- The language (sorry dear). (such as combining words to make really long

über

words)

[pedroh 21]

hey, if you worked in retail, you'd like short hours.. I know I would..

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I don't know...it's pretty hard to compare a Third World country to the U.S. The Philippines are a nice place to visit, but I couldn't see myself living there.

[Ban Hammer 13,337]

the op left out great beer for germany.

[almaty 19]

aye...germany beer ftw!

[Ms. Squirrel 11]

Another plus for Germany: Healthcare for everyone

[Gemmie 142]

I think you can paint your house any colour you like (as long as you own it) anywhere.

[Ban Hammer 13,337]

I think you can paint your house any colour you like (as long as you own it) anywhere.

ever heard of a homeowner's association?

[pedroh 21]

Another plus for Germany: Healthcare for everyone

[_Simpson_ 250]

I don't know...it's pretty hard to compare a Third World country to the U.S. The Philippines are a nice place to visit, but I couldn't see myself living there.

Kind of my thought too.

Some good things about Tacloban Philippines

Most people were very nice too me, well except at the ticket counter at the airport, some rude people there. It seemed though that the agents in the terminal were very nice.

Always plenty of food at a get together.

No shortage of karaoke machines.

Some bad things

The way people drive!

No NFL network.

[Aubrey 10]

the op left out great beer for germany.

I don't drink beer.

[Otto 83]

USC Spouse (born/raised in Germany)

Best of Germany:

• Cars and the roads to drive them on
• Food/Chocolate/Cakes/Eis-Ice Cream
• The people - very much in the 'cool' category - in general, very welcoming
• Music - rock and roll is still valued there
• Pricing of products in stores (if it says 10.00 EU, it's 10.00 at checkout)
• Beer (not a heavy drinker but...BEER)
• Soccer

Worst of Germany (and to be fair, in many parts of Europe):

• Parking (lack of and lack of free parking)
• Popcorn - not a sweet popcorn fan and lack of salted microwave popcorn
• Expensive (you pay a fee everywhere)
• Grocery Shopping (bag your own baby..)
• Can be cold
• Big words (as stated above)

[Ms. Squirrel 11]

This is geting a bit one sided

I agree with what Audrey and Otto said and have a few things to add.

Best

Healthcare mandatory; either self paid or provided by government

easy recycling, every household provided with different rubbish cans for paper, plastic, compost and general trash

Spousal visa for free and a 3 year PR card takes a few hours to get

25 - 30 days paid vacation for full time employment, sick days count seprate and are unlimited

job lay-off protection

Worst

Tax (church tax, 19% sales tax)

German rail super expensive and unreliable

gas prices

career changing difficult (you need a 3year apprenticeship or have studied in that field to get a good job)

joining the military is not voluntary, young man are required to do basic traning for 12 months or do social work

Edited September 18, 2009 by Ms. Squirrel

[Aubrey 10]

Thank you Otto/Karin and Squirrel! Let's hear from some other country reps, too!

[Ban Hammer 13,337]

the op left out great beer for germany.

I don't drink beer.