My last post garnered more comments than any before it. There’s something about seeing people sing and dance that really strikes a chord. It’s joy. I don’t really care what the motivation behind the stunt was, the emotion it stirs up when seeing it, the emotion on the faces of those that witnessed it was pure, innocent joy. We don’t get much of that anymore, do we?
When was the last time you felt like this?
I said that I was moving to Europe because it’s hard to imagine that sort of thing happening in America. One of the luxuries/hypocrisies of being a fairly well-off American is constantly criticizing America. I could go on and on about the culture of greed, the rampant lack of common courtesy, the broken healthcare system, the symbiotic relationship between politicians and big business that only serves .01% of Americans, etc. We are a nation of brazen consumers (myself included), and it’s finally starting to catch up with us. Liberal Americans such as myself are constantly threatening to move to Europe/Canada/New Zealand/Australia because we have these places romanticized in our heads. In our minds, they are oases of civil, genteel people who talk about film and art at dinner parties instead of money and work and people who weren’t invited to the party. I’m not entirely certain where these ideas come from, probably foreign films and upper-level humanities courses, and because the tourists from these places are so well-behaved and kind. Because they take care of their own. Because they have public transportation and nicer architecture. Because it doesn’t cost a gazillion dollars to get a proper education. Because the men wear pants that fit properly. Because they have better food. And because if you’ve seen Sicko and haven’t been stricken with the desire to move to Europe, something is seriously wrong with you.
At least I think so. I have never actually been to Europe or New Zealand or Australia, so I couldn’t say for sure. But I have been to Canada, and oh Canada! I have so many nice things to say about Canada! Canadians are just the loveliest people one could ever hope to meet. They are so polite, which is probably my number one qualifier for being a good person.
Seeing that video made me happy, but it also made me feel rather melancholy because I just couldn’t imagine it happening here. I just couldn’t. We’re all too cynical and busy. And it is a well-known fact that most Americans are terrible dancers. (Not me, of course. I lived in Mexico, where dancing is not optional.)
I am not rich. I haven’t finished school. I have lots and lots of pets. Thus, I have no immediate plans to move, but I do have to say, the urge to bail is getting harder and harder to resist. I took a quiz on Facebook that said I should move to Sweden. And you know, it’s totally fine to base lifechanging decisions on Facebook quiz results.
So here’s my question to the well-traveled: Europe or America? What is your dream city? The loveliest place you’ve ever been? So far, I’d have to say Mexico City, and if that answer surprises you, well then you need to go there and check it out, because it’s AWESOME. Seriously.
After going through Europe, I can say that it was nice, the people were polite in Germany, but not France or Italy. The people there are no so high-falutan as you would like to think though. Nearly everyone in their 20's and below are more into going to the Disco and keeping up with the latest fashion (particularly in Italy) that social movements and art. And those that are into social movements are just like those in America who repeat what is popular, which is usually anti-American propaganda, but hey, we have our trendy politics here too. If I were to live in Europe somewhere it would definitely be in Germany, but the difference between here and there are negligible IMO Chase Brammer’s last blog post..Proxy Debugger
teehee http://www.thisnext.com/item/2135452E/5D04F197/IKIMONO-110-film-camera Diana’s last blog post..Fore Edge Painting
I love your posts dear Andrea. Very much relate to this one especially... Know what you mean about having fantasies about moving from the states, but I think you're right about it largely being based on romantic views of what living away from here might be like. I have a very good friend in Switzerland who in conversation I once told I didn't understand why anyone would move here and he went on to tell me how Los Angeles is viewed as a place where dreams come true, filled with glamor and films stars. Then I thought of how I fantasize about about Spain and taking naps in the middle of the day and how quickly I would trade LA for a calmer quieter way of life. I guess maybe it's the whole grass being greener thing...? But I definitely need to visit Mexico City now... wonderful photo, gracias por compartir!
i must say i agree with gabbi in a way, but i certainly cant picture myself living anywhere else besides australia. yes every now and then you have racist people but generally they are just so relaxed and easy going. it must be all the sun. E’s last blog post..
Hi Andrea! Yes Europe... ;) what a nice place to be! When I was a kid I lived abroad for many years in both USA an Uk and eventhough I love England and appreciate the easy american lifestyle, I could never say goodbye forever to Italy! My heart is here :) I do believe though that many films that portray Europe are built on fantasies .. Europe is beautiful but it's very hectic, Italy too, but I see it as *LOVELY*chaos eventhough it can be a pain at times. What I love about america is that when you are in a queue you know who is next.. in Itlay you don't always see a nice clear queue and you wonder who is next. America also gives young people lots of possibilities that are great and that are possible in Europe too but not as often and here it's also a question of luck! if I were to chose I'd live in Europe because I feel at home here.. but I wouldn't mind a few years in the States when I'm still young.. :) Good Luck! Francesca Certain Creatures’s last blog post..Sunny Spring Necklace
I've never been outside of America, but like you, I have a lot of romantic ideas about Europe. :) However, I don't think they're all just fantasies - from what I've seen of people online who are from other countries, they are generally more well-behaved, polite, and just... cute. Haha, I don't know! I would *love* to visit Sweden. Everything I've ever seen or heard about it is delightful. And I can't stand all this talk that's going on about how America is going to become "socialist" and turn into Sweden. For one thing, what's wrong with Sweden? There was actually a piece on that last night on The Daily Show with John Stewart. It was hilarious... they went to Sweden to see all of the deprived citizens, and everyone they interviewed was basically a sweet, young girl who had no complaints. I dunno.. America is so silly sometimes! Rebecca’s last blog post..lemon
oh, I'm European, though Portuguese people are not the best, I guess Europe has it's good and bad things. actually I am thinking of moving to live for a while in the UK or USA to experience something different, but just for a few years. And despite I love Europe, it's not all that nice as you think, bad things happen! About Sweden, that's funny! I was with 2 Swedish teachers yesterday and they presented their country! It's too freakinn cute and people look so polite, but also Norway is too. I think every country in Europe is wonderful in it's own way, well maybe not France, they are too stupid and too self-centred haha, most of them! well, anyway, I think only you can choose, why not some vacation first? :) you're welcome to portugal! xx Raquel’s last blog post..friends will be friends...
Come to Finland!!! Didn't you have some relatives here (you mentioned it in one of your older postings)? We have totally free education. btw we still have snow! Ruhvana’s last blog post..Dancing in the room