Where Do You Want To Live?

[_femme333_]

I decided to create this topic where we can discuss about where we see ourselves living in the future.

I would like to hear mostly from those of you who live in USA. Do you see yourselves staying in USA all of your lives or some of you may be thinking about returning to Armenia someday? Do any of you already have a plan as to how this will work? Anyone who doesn't want to live in US in the future, but you may be thinking about moving to Europe perhaps? OR... you may want to live in USA becasue you feel that you're already settled here and you can not imagine starting a new live whether it's in Armenia, Europe or Timbaktu (if that's how it's spelled)?

I hear many Armenians talk about returning to Armenia someday (mostly very soon), but I've heard them say the same things for years now. I know some Armenians who actually packed in their jobs, sold their homes, and bought a house on the shores of Mediaterranean. I also know some Armenians who managed to move to Armenia permanently because they couldn't get used to living here/ didn't like it.

 

I'd like to hear some of your thoughts in regards to where you see yourselves.

 

Personally, I'll be moving to Armenia or Europe. Perhaps we'll buy a house somewhere in Spain or Greece (near the Meditarranean), and we'll live half a year in Armenia and the rest of the time in either Greece or Spain...or perhaps even in Timbaktu who knows! I'm just waiting to finish up my studies at UCI, and then things will be clearer for me. I've been here since I was a kid, but I doubt that I ever got used to this country. Sometimes I think that maybe I did get used to it, but the problem is that I don't have any interest staying here rest of my life. nothing wrong with the country of course...it has it's positive and negative sides. It's just not where I would prefer to live rest of my life. I've been in number of European countries, and I have to say that I feel in love with Spain. I could definitely see myself living in Spain for example. Nothing is sure of course, but it's just an option for me right now. The bottom line is that wherever I end up, I'm 100% certain that I'll be living in a city. I wouldn't mind moving to Armenia if I had a good paying job.

 

Now your turn...

Edited May 26, 2007 by _femme333_

[gamavor]

Do you see yourselves staying in USA

 

Hell NO!

 

Personally, I'll be moving to Armenia or Europe. Perhaps we'll buy a house somewhere in Spain or Greece (near the Meditarranean), and we'll live half a year in Armenia and the rest of the time in either Greece or Spain...or perhaps even in Timbaktu who knows! I'm just waiting to finish up my studies at UCI, and then thigns will be clearer for me.

 

That is my plan too, though not sure about Spain or Greece, rather Bulgaria or Serbia and why not Armenia.

Edited May 26, 2007 by gamavor

[_femme333_]

Good!

I'm definitely with you on this!

Well, where do you see yourself in the future then?

[_femme333_]

Hell NO!

That is my plan too, though not sure about Spain or Greece, rather Bulgaria or Serbia and why not Armenia.

 

 

I've been to Bulgaria few times when I was younger, btu it didn't appeal to me much. So why Bulgaria?

Don't get me wrong I loved the Black Sea and the resorts, but I would only want to travel to Bulgaria as oppose to living there.

 

 

[phantom22]

Bali.

 

I decided to create this topic where we can discuss about where we see ourselves living in the future.

I would like to hear mostly from those of you who live in USA. Do you see yourselves staying in USA all of your lives or some of you may be thinking about returning to Armenia someday? Do any of you already have a plan as to how this will work? Anyone who doesn't want to live in US in the future, but you may be thinking about moving to Europe perhaps? OR... you may want to live in USA becasue you feel that you're already settled here and you can not imagine starting a new live whether it's in Armenia, Europe or Timbaktu (if that's how it's spelled)?

I hear many Armenians talk about returning to Armenia someday (mostly very soon), but I've heard them say the same things for years now. I know some Armenians who actually packed in their jobs, sold their homes, and bought a house on the shores of Mediaterranean. I also know some Armenians who managed to move to Armenia permanently because they couldn't get used to living here/ didn't like it.

 

I'd like to hear some of your thoughts in regards to where you see yourselves.

 

Personally, I'll be moving to Armenia or Europe. Perhaps we'll buy a house somewhere in Spain or Greece (near the Meditarranean), and we'll live half a year in Armenia and the rest of the time in either Greece or Spain...or perhaps even in Timbaktu who knows! I'm just waiting to finish up my studies at UCI, and then things will be clearer for me. I've been here since I was a kid, but I doubt that I ever got used to this country. Sometimes I think that maybe I did get used to it, but the problem is that I don't have any interest staying here rest of my life. nothing wrong with the country of course...it has it's positive and negative sides. It's just not where I would prefer to live rest of my life. I've been in number of European countries, and I have to say that I feel in love with Spain. I could definitely see myself living in Spain for example. Nothing is sure of course, but it's just an option for me right now. The bottom line is that wherever I end up, I'm 100% certain that I'll be living in a city. I wouldn't mind moving to Armenia if I had a good paying job.

 

Now your turn...

 

[gamavor]

So why Bulgaria?

 

Business primarily. Bulgaria is relatively cheap and quality of life is better than other more expensive places. Greece is just 3 hours drive, Armenia is just 3 hours flight, same as Amsterdam and London and Paris. If I had the means I would choose to live in Southern France or Swiss. Maybe one day….

[aSoldier]

USA by 2010

[Anoushik]

I'd like to hear some of your thoughts in regards to where you see yourselves.

I see myself in the U.S. for at least another 20 years. I love this country very much and am finally getting used to calling a place my home. My family has moved a lot since I was a child, first in Armenia, then in Europe. I've never known what it means to be home-sick, so I'm glad that I'm just finding it out. So, with my career just really starting, it makes sense to stay here and see what the future holds. I have many relatives left in Armenia, whom we help financially on a regular basis. So, also staying here is beneficial for at least some number of families in Armenia. But if I miraculously won the lottery one day, then of course, I'd be on a flight back to Armenia the next day and live there for the rest of my life.

[Anonymouse]

In the tumescent teat of torpor

[Aaron]

You never know where you will end up, you can only have preferences.

 

I have lived in Montreal for the last 17 years and I love my city very much, it is one of the best places to live in the world if you ask me (and I've traveled around to compare with other places)! I most probably will end up living here ... I hope!

 

Spain, Italy and the rest appeal to me very much of course (just like everyone) and I would definitely not mind being there ... but it is the people that make a place right? My family and friends are in Montreal and Armenia, therefore I see myself juggling in between. If I was to plan living in every single place I liked, then I would live in southern Italy first, Paris, Lebanon for a while, western Canada because of its beauty, New York because of its identity and dynamism, perhaps even spain, etc. See, you can't move all your life because you like one place or another, there are other factors that count as well. Us armenians have moved so much that we have forgotten what stability means and in order to create it, I have the impression that I have to force myself to move less.

 

A.

[gamavor]

Us armenians have moved so much that we have forgotten what stability means and in order to create it, I have the impression that I have to force myself to move less.

 

Good point Aron. I perfectly understand your sentiments, but at this stage and age stability is more associated with ability to move around. All you need to do is to have a base, and then move around. I think And I agree that what makes a place special is the people. Not the buildings and not so much the nature, but the people, and not the people in general, but the ones you appreciate being with, sharing your precious time and enjoyment of life.

[Aaron]

Yes Gamavor,

 

at this stage and age stability is non-existent, we're forced to move for employment. I will begin my career soon and although I'd prefer working in Montreal, I have to admit it is tempting to go see what's out there in big cities or industrial centers where major decisions are taken, gain valuable and unique experience and hopefully/by all means come back to live here ... but a house in Armenia is always in my mind and I'll get it as soon as I can, promised ... and rest assured that all worthy hyeforum members (minimum of 100 serious posts) will receive an invitation for the inaugural party!!!lol

 

What else am I supposed to do? Who knows, I may even end up in Texas, they say it's a good place to work, how is the armenian community there? I like having a good community, it's like an extension of your own, you'll always find people with whom to click.

 

Later

A.

[luhay]

I rarely write in this forum except to seek (useless) information, but this topic is very close to my heart and I decided to join the discussion.

I have spent many years traveling and living in European countries, even in Bulgaria that was mentioned above (many expatriates there now). Anyone considering moving to a foreign country should spend at least two months there, making friends, living and working alongside the locals, and then you would know if this indeed is your place under the sun. Otherwise, once the initial excitement is over, the experience can become dreadful. People in most countries are struggling, their incomes are low and their standard of living is lower than the US. It's a hard transition for those of us form the US. Even the outgoing, joyful Spanish and Italians have their problems, but we don't see that in blockbuster movies or in travel books.

As for me, as soon as I realized that happiness is inside me, I quit seeking it through my passport and decided to take Frank Sinatra's advice and to settle in NY, because this IS the best city in the world!

[Sip]

Right now, if I had to pick one place to live anywhere on Earth, assuming finding work wasn't a problem, it would probably be somewhere close to the Utah/Nevada/Arizona border, preferably on the Nevada side. I am leaning towards Mesquite, NV but St. George, UT will also do.

 

This way, I'd be within 80 miles of Vegas, about 40 miles from Lake Mead, less than 200 miles from Lake Powell, UT, and about a 5 hour drive from Moab, UT.

 

My close second choice would be Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side.

 

 

Edit: By the way, this isn't to say that I would want to live there forever. Actually I don't see myself living in the same place for more than maybe 4-5 years at a time. I'd get bored. But I am definitely never leaving the US. I hate the rest of the world (visiting is fine but not living). I wouldn't mind spending a couple of years in Hawaii (Maui) and maybe another couple of years in Alaska either (around Anchorage -- not anywhere too remote).

Edited May 31, 2007 by Sip

[Anaitka]

Aaron and Luhay,

 

Was absolutely fascinated by the degree of admiration you revealed towards the cities you live in. It is great that you have managed to find THE place.

 

Personally I think yours is the place where you feel comfortable and safe (the people argument goes without saying).

 

My town is arguably Moscow; can't say I fell in love with it when I moved there three years ago driven by the intention to find a good and well-paid job.

 

Now having lived in the UK for 7 months I have come to appreciate many things which I know will be out of reach the moment my plane lands in Moscow (which should happen in September).

 

Someone once said, "If you don't like something, change your attitude to it." Worth a try, I guess.

 

Anait

[luhay]

This is a very good website with info on foreign countries: life, work and real estate

 

www.escapeartist.com

[aSoldier]

I hate the rest of the world (visiting is fine but not living).

 

What about dearest Armenia?

[gamavor]

What about dearest Armenia?

 

At present many professional jobs in Europe and recently in America are temp-to-perm, or just contract assignments, which make people more flexible, however it is very expensive to wait or look around another assignment in a place where cost of living is too high. Therefore a place like Armenia or any other emerging market is a good place not only for vacation but also prolonged stay (say 4-6 months). With earnings generated in a high paced market, that wouldn't be a problem.

 

Many people with kids here in America are worried about the way their kids are brought up. Armenia offers safe environment, clear air and water, good schooling and if you don't have financial worries it is excellent place to stay.

 

[ALMA]

I thought of answering your question although you are keen to find out what Armenians of US think. I live in England and like many things about this country but the weather is just unbearable, especially this year, we have hardly seen the sun and it’s getting on my nerves.

I have recently started thinking of moving back to Armenia not in a near feature but perhaps one day. According to a report by UNICEF UK is the worst place to bring up children, and I have started to think that after perhaps 15 years it would be fantastic to open a good business in Armenia and go back. It would be ideal for me as I want my children ( If I have any J ) to grow up as proper Armenians. I also have in my mind Spain, far to many British Citizens emigrate to Spain, I speak the language, love the culture and think that Spanish people are very friendly (most of the time) and it would be really good to move there if I want to avoid wasting my nerves in Armenia.

 

[ALMA]

Aaron and Luhay,

 

Was absolutely fascinated by the degree of admiration you revealed towards the cities you live in. It is great that you have managed to find THE place.

 

Personally I think yours is the place where you feel comfortable and safe (the people argument goes without saying).

 

My town is arguably Moscow; can't say I fell in love with it when I moved there three years ago driven by the intention to find a good and well-paid job.

 

Now having lived in the UK for 7 months I have come to appreciate many things which I know will be out of reach the moment my plane lands in Moscow (which should happen in September).

 

Someone once said, "If you don't like something, change your attitude to it." Worth a try, I guess.

 

Anait

 

Hello, just wondering if you didn't find any job, I remember reading a post by you and you mentioned going back if you didn't find any job.

Can't you try to apply for a good job in London? You are doing comms aren't you? there must be something for you.

 

[Sip]

What about dearest Armenia?

 

I don't think I could live anywhere outside the US for any extended periord of time. Well, of course I "could" .. but I wouldn't want to.

[Anoushik]

According to a report by UNICEF UK is the worst place to bring up children...

Wow, that's interesting. Why is that? I thought UK has pretty good school system.

[kakachik77]

Aaron and Luhay,

 

Was absolutely fascinated by the degree of admiration you revealed towards the cities you live in. It is great that you have managed to find THE place.

 

Personally I think yours is the place where you feel comfortable and safe (the people argument goes without saying).

 

My town is arguably Moscow; can't say I fell in love with it when I moved there three years ago driven by the intention to find a good and well-paid job.

 

Now having lived in the UK for 7 months I have come to appreciate many things which I know will be out of reach the moment my plane lands in Moscow (which should happen in September).

 

Someone once said, "If you don't like something, change your attitude to it." Worth a try, I guess.

 

Anait

 

 

Anaitka, what is your assessment of Armenians living in Moscow. You read so many sad stories about killings, police harassments, blatant racism, xenophobic feelings directed towards the so-called minorities. I personally don't know if I could ever tolerate living in a society full of so much hatred towards me and my people. But it would be great to hear your assessment about this. Do Armenians have a serious future in Russia or we're just there until they kick us out? Thank you!

[ALMA]

Wow, that's interesting. Why is that? I thought UK has pretty good school system.

 

 

Education in the Uk is not very good though it has a very good reputation. Education system is very discriminatory as class is split into subclasses according to children’s ability and the bright ones are getting most of the attention and time. The problem is that sometimes children from high social classes may not be very bright but because of their clean clothing and behaviour they are still put in the highest sub classes. The UNICEF report is not so much about education though, the number of single mothers in rising sharply in Britain, many young girls have child as a means of becoming independent as they are entitled to state benefits and housing, etc. Also alcohol consumption is a big concern in the UK, parents often leave kids to wonder wherever they wish to and they go out drinking, kids get money for takeaways and so no one has any sort of family values. Some people never sit around the table as a family to eat and communicate with each other, they order a takeaway ( an idiot culture of Britain) and gather around the TV eating in their laps and watching TV and only talking about the program they are watching.

[gamavor]

Some people never sit around the table as a family to eat and communicate with each other, they order a takeaway ( an idiot culture of Britain) and gather around the TV eating in their laps and watching TV and only talking about the program they are watching.

 

It is the same here. Welcome to USA!

 

USA produces more idiots per capita (which in a way is good for the business:)) than any other place.