I too am from the States, left there to move to China when I was in my early 30s and here I am still in China in my 60s. Listening to you sounds like I'm listening to a recording of myself on pretty much every count. The US doesn't feel safe to me anymore. My Sister and her family live in Sandy Hook, THAT Sandy Hook that most Americans know was the location of one of those first mass school shootings. I myself used to work in NYC. I did helicopter sightseeing tours past the World Trade Center for years and now cannot bring myself to visit the city anymore. Hell, I can barely even visit the States anymore. It's been 5 years since the last time and I'm not looking to go back anytime soon. In my opinion, you are making the right choice. Keep yourself and your family safe that is the first priority.
It seems that everyone cant feel safe in their own motherland. Americans, French, and even those Muslims moved to the west because their homeland was destroyed. Who the hell is destroying everyones home worldwide, we didnt have this even in the cold war
I visited NYC in 1992, took a helicopter tour of the city. What stood out in my memory was seeing streets full of yellow cabs but none in a certain area. I think it was Harlem.
@@theasianjaywalker4455 the number of school children murders that happen in China by knife wielding psychos do sadly occur, but they are nowhere near as common as school shootings in the US which happen a few times every week now. The way you write makes it sound like China is more dangerous for children than the US, but we both know it's the opposite, don't spread fake news.
Hi, I’m from the United States and want to move to China too. Since you’ve been in China for so long, have you still been filing US tax returns and the additional documents for expats? I know it’s a requirement for us since we’re US citizens, another downside to being American. Have you tried applying for citizenship there? I know China is one of the most difficult places to attain citizenship
@@theasianjaywalker4455 I don't know where you heard about the so-called Chen Peng School. You may have been misled or remembered incorrectly, but there is no school or corresponding event you mentioned
An old feller said those who give up liberty for safety deserve neither liberty nor safety as cowards. A land of free and home of the brave doesn't live up to all the hype for long after we were lied to nonstop for years I call grand deception of the ages.
Portugal has decriminalized all drugs. I'm an American war veteran and feel like my mental health would be much better if 35% of my labor didn't build bombs... I'd have left for Uruguay, Portugal or Spain years ago except I'm a dad. I get vicarious pleasure from your videos and other travel content ✌
Good choice. I have visited Portugal number times as well as the Azores, which, of course our part of Portugal. I love that country, reasonable people and a reasonable government (btw, an American, have spent most of my life in California and have no plans to leave, even the Orange Skinned Menace gets reelected in November.) I think the homeless problem the drug problem crime and drug violence in our countries is a disgrace. But that won’t change in my lifetime (I’m 76)
God Bless you and thank you for your Service. Its shameful how the US treats war Vets. I hope you can maintain your mental and have a peaceful existence until you can make a change.
If I were American, I wouldn't like to live in America for obvious reasons. To me, America's cultures are very materialistic, commercially driven and rather shallow.
Indeed it is superficial and lacking scope, meaning, and purpose. So many Americans haven't a life except working two jobs to pay car debt to drive to work while paying excessive rents. It's ridiculous and completely unnecessary. Debt economics is slavery that killed the golden goose. Greed sums it up.
Agreed. There are no cultural touchstones to connect the citizenry whatsoever. Shared values, religion, or politically. I am American. Saving up money to immigrate to Poland currently because violent crime rates here are horrendous.
@@JessicaT10118 Some of what you're saying isn't wrong but depends where you live in the USA and then 'relative to what else on earth' is another question. There are 'cultural wastelands' where some combinations of domestic and foreign immigration, a highway and box stores has some 'nothingness'. (a great take was Patton Oswals book 'zombie spaceship wasteland' and calls out parts of Canada to. HOWEVER, much of the USA does have a unique and shared culture, 'touchstones' and maybe more than you'd find in a lot of places on earth. As for your belief that violent crime rates are special in the USA? There is something about this that may deceive you and it's better I tell you now. 'crime rates'. So you need to think about what that means. It means the crime has been reported to authorities and not only that but they caught out the crime, pressed it through a justice system and got it officially a 'crime rate'. I know a little about Poland and a little more about the USA so I'm going to show this in some very real life examples: - In the USA, a thuggish customer told the gas station attendant he'd better watch out because he's coming back to kick his ass (waves fist at him). Almost always police are notified, arrive in time to do something with the perpetrator who's then charged with assault and gets convicted of it too. Now Poland: - same drunken thug does exact same thing at Poland gas station. twice a day. the clerk asks if he wants to 'find out' and by the 5th time the clerk tells some police who happen to be buying some gas that he's about 1 more threat away from beating the thug in the back alley. The Polish cops take him aside as ask if he wants to sleep in the cell over night. the thug threatens to kick their ass. one of the cops punches the thug in the stomach winding him and they take him to a police station where he's given a rough warning. They don't have a cell for him or time to be phoning judges nor are lawyers appearing. The drunk thug realizes he better find a different gas station from now on. Do you see it now? There is 'zero violent crime rate' at the Polish nieghborhood. There is a 'crime rate' at the USA version. You get that right? btw my city got a massive upgrade in budget and hiring new police and judges. the 'crime rate' went way up, doubled actually. Do you see how there was no 'more' actual violence and criminal acts and that when it 'doubled' it went a long way to reducing violence and crime?
The United States it is no longer a safe country due to gun violence and the homeless population. Some of these homeless people are suffering from mental illness. I went to downtown Columbia in South Carolina with my wife. As we were walking, a homeless guy picked a rock and threw it on my wife, and it ended up hitting her on the shoulder. I went after the homeless guy and began beating him. When the cop showed up, he said, "You can't just relatalitate against people." The homeless guy was never arrested. Also, when I was confronting the homeless guy, not a single person who walked by had checked up on my wife to see if she was okay. The USA it is a failing country, and it is becoming a third-world country. You have no social services for the American people. The USA it is no longer investing within itself. It is spending the taxpayers' money on the overseas wars. The American infrastructure it is archaic and crumbling.
You sound like a typical American who lives in fear. The homeless are not a danger to you at all. Walk your city for five hours I dare you. You'll quickly realize WE are the ones who are dangerous to THEM.
The homeless population are just regular people. The depiction of the insane, drug addicted homeless person is not a fair depiction. The vast majority of people are homeless simply because the cost of rent is too high compared to their income
How can China be ranked 80? And Canada at 11. How could you even believe all these surveys, which always, always puts North European countries high up at the very top.
Yes. The related videos of "always Friday" channel, the peaceful, very informative man, notices various hypocrisy truths in plain sight of our Western countries' media anti family agendas, which are treating people as Sheeple. China's ranking was one of the happiest safer countries a few years & suddenly censored from the long list.
In the first place, I feel it is already a biased survery, but anyway, you have to experience it first, then make a choice of where you like to move. Your experience won’t lie to you! Survey is just a survey, it could be quite political.
All the best to Portugal. Don't forget China. The years you and your wife spent here in China helped you open up your minds and gave you financial and personal safety. Hope you come back to visit China at times. You will find new things every few years.
@@jinlingliang4385 If you had to, how could you possibly write those letters by hand?! I can't imagine myself ever living in a culture that used scripts like that. And there are a number of them.
Global Peace Index is not just about safety but many other "cultural" facts that are present in each country. Yes safety or "crime" is part of it but this isn't a ranking of just safe countries. It is about peace within the country and how the citizens of each feel and operate too plus more such as ecological, "driving peace" and includes how each country approaches many issues etc.
@@MR-pr8tpThat’s why it’s such a bullshit index. It tries to cram too much stuff into one ranking making it a mess. As for peace within the country, China should rank much higher. Very few countries are as harmonious as China.
Portugal is lovely. Thanks for speaking about this. I moved from the US in 1981. I don’t feel “at home” in the US either. I don’t understand the references.
How I envy you---I am a 84 year old female who has become so terribly disenchanted with my country, that I would love to get away from it. It would be an awfully difficult thing for me to do--be all alone in another country. I have seen my awesome country be nearly ruined by the very things you mentioned. I am frightened re the future living here. My country, as I knew it is gone.. God bless you and your lovely wife, I hope you will continue to keep in touch when you have moved.
I am close to retirement age and simply don't have the energy to move and start a new life outside the U.S. Witnessing the steady decline over my lifetime truly saddens me. I don't see the possibility of a turnaround and it will get much worse before it gets better. Unfortunately, I don't think I will see a turnaround in my lifetime. Your decision to not come back to the U.S. is perfectly reasonable.
Here is another reason. 12 years out of the US means you no longer have a credit history. So renting or buying a home nearly impossible. And you would have to buy a car for cash and under that $10,000 limit. I've been out of the US 11 years. And never going back. I have lived in Panama, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
@@TripBitten Funny part is if I book travel with a us based airline or booking agency, they continue running credit checks on me. About 80% of the time the transaction fails. Guess why? They want the address I had back 40 years ago. And the credit check has me living in Houston while working for Hughes Missile Co in Tucson. Nope, never lived in Houston, never worked in Tucson or for Hughes. At the time I was living and working in Saudi Arabia. And the bank cards I use are Debit Cards issued by banks in Costa Rica, Switzerland and the Cayman Islands. I cannot bank in the US as I have no US Mailing Address and would have to go to the US and do all sorts of things to obtain one. Post office will not give you an address unless you have a Government Issued Photo ID with a US mailing Address on it. A real dilemma. My wife who was refused a US Tourist Visa 3 times, however could open a bank account with only her Costa Rica Passport, no SSN, no US Mailing Address, no Credit Check. Except of course she can't enter the US. US Laws are all screw ball.
@@grigorysmolkin5632 All major apartments as well as most smart landlords run a credit check charging the perspective renter $75 to $150. If they fail the credit check they cannot rent. Any outstanding or late payments they fail. Same is done for many job applicants, fail the credit check denied employment. I have not had Credit History since 1984 when I paid off all debts. After that I could not rent, only buy and had to be for cash.
I wish you all the best in Portugal! My wife and I moved from the Netherlands to Spain last year, and couldn't be happier. I've travelled extensively in the U.S. 35 years ago, but wouldn't want to live there, for a lot of the reasons you mention. The simplest one is one you don't mention. Schools that have 'active shooter' drills. Absurd, who would willingly live in a country that has or needs those?
I'm looking forward to hearing about your life in Portugal :) I'm currently in Thailand, heading to VIetnam in about 5 weeks. After that, I'm going to the Philippines. I don't miss the US at all.
I have lived in Germany and Italy and loved it and would love to move back to Europe but there is the European Union, who is run by the u.s and uk. So, while Portugal may not attack Spain, they are part of the eu and nato so they participate in u.s wars. Tho, agree the quality of life is way better. I returned to the u.s cuz of grandkids but that’s no longer an issue. I am looking at places to move to… Portugal was on my list but too many Americans and Brit’s have moved there….
Not really, Portugal is like the little kid of the family that hide under the table so EU kind of forget it's there. And far to the west, tend to be less involved geographically too. When it's participating it's very minor and just for show.
@@lanadobritchanin1182 If you're a EU citizen, Portugal is definitively worth it. Low cost of living, no totalitarian tendencies like Germany, UK, US, Canada. Managed covid reasonably, with trampling very few human' s rights, temperature, culture, architecture and PRICES are fantastic. Hungaria, Serbia, are great too.
No, you're not crazy, you're articulate and wise and see and say things as they are. Please keep sharing your life stories and wisdom. Hope you and Yvonne have a wonderful new chapter in Portugal.
Wish you and Yvonne all the best for your future life in Portugal. I have been enjoying your [including Yvonne] vlogs tremendously, and hopefully this will continue.
I would like to point out one thing-If you have never worked in the U.S., you don't need to read further. If you have worked in the U.S. before you left, you will most likely receive social security when you are older. When you are ready to collect, they will deduct your medicare premium before they deposit the payment into your bank account. They will also send you questionnaires every 1-2 years. If you don't respond, they will stop the payment. You can look this up if you like. Hope all works out for you guys!
In fact, Lisbon is the only place I've ever had someone almost manage to steal my handbag (after traveling Europe for many decades). But this is the kind of pickpocketing you find everywhere where many tourists gather in special places. Not an armed physical assault. Almost managed to steal: a Dutch photographer warned me in time.
I was robbed by by a knife wielding individual on a dark street at night in Lisbon in 2003 as a tourist. The police attitude was that this was a commonplace occurrence.
I live in America. I wish that I could disagree with your insights, but unfortunately everything you said is true. I can sympathize with your outlook. Sometimes putting the past behind is the best thing that we can do. Good luck to you and your wife. God bless.
Portugal is a great and nice country. when you wanna visit the African contient you can go by car. its very close. Just a half hour trip from Spain to Marocco. Its realy worth to visit Marocco. Or you can fly and in Marocco you can use the High Speed train in Marocco to travel across the country.
All the best. Enjoyed your thoughts. I feel the same. I live in the Czech Republic. Been here for 24-years. It's not Shangri-La, the wages are low, and inflation is far higher than the US.... but it is safe, beautiful, family friendly, fun, and you have quality free education for your kids and access to excellent (at least in Prague) health care, which is free to all citizens and residents.
Respect your concern with Yvonne and her safety, I also believe it is my responsibility to create a loving and safe environment for my wife. My niece also lives in Portugal, in Faro and is very happy and like you will probably never return to her home country which is England. Very best wishes for you both as you begin your next adventure, and look forward to your posts once you settle in.
i know you’re trying to say there’s bias and i’m not saying you’re wrong but to be fair china and taiwan have been seperate for a long time, it’s not like we should expect their numbers to be the same. that being said i do think china is as safe as taiwan, even if it has more people.
@@yousheng cope harder 😂 taiwan has an independent government from china on a seperate landmass, it’s a different country. just because china claims it as their doesn’t mean their claim is the objective truth. taiwan isn’t a part of china anymore, get over it.
@@horridohobbies Probably because many Americans are fleeing to your country because they can't climb that Mexican wall to the south of us. LOL> And God know they don't know another language to move. I read where many Canadians are leaving, and seeing more and more articles, news, RUclipss etc on the population migrating to other countries.
I love your honesty and not worrying about blow-back from strongly opinionated people. I live in Thailand and I am Thai. However, I did spend more than a few years living in the US during my childhood to maturity. I have to say that back in the '70s all the way to '90s, I think that the US was an awesome place to live. Obviously, I don't think of the crimes reported on the news as I am always careful where I go and do only things I'm sure are legal and politically OK. I also was always aware that I'm Asian, and that there is a large population there that don't take to that well. Besides those issues, I always felt great in the US. However, because I knew that things don't remain constant, both for my environment and my own feelings, I decided to leave the US for Bangkok simply because that's where I was born and that means more than likely in the eyes of those in power (locally, inter-provincially, or nationally), I was entitled to the full rights accorded to a full fledged citizen, no questions asked, as well as less likely (though plenty do exist for internationalized individuals) to be discriminated against. That's why I moved back. In your case moving around the world despite having a large and prosperous home country like the US has its reasons as you stated and I respect that. You are right about the only one life to live. It's your life period. Your choice of Portugal seems very logical if coziness and cost of living are important issues. You can tell I know very little about Portugal and Europe in general. However, I have been to Europe before several times, like France, England, Norway, Sweden, and Germany. Contrasting these countries and their characteristics, I do prefer Norway and Sweden for their laid-back feel. However, I feel that artistically and culturally, France wins hands down. No matter what I prefer the laid-back and colder feel of the Nordic countries. Anyway, I want to say your house in Portugal looks artistic and seems will be beautiful when fully renovated. Looks like you're going to be a lot closer to culture and nature there. Cheers to both of you!!!
Thanks for sharing your story and for the kind wishes. I think it is important to do what is best for yourself, we really only have one life and what works for one person doesn't always work for another. Glad you found a place you enjoy.
I’m an American and understand completely where you are coming from. I’m in the process (a long process unfortunately) of leaving America myself to live in a country I’ve never been. Like you said, not sure if it will turn out good or bad, but it’s a risk we are willing to take. I wish you all the best!
Thank you. I did want to ask, since we’re both US citizens, how was it trying to file US tax returns in China? Is it a difficult and confusing process or were you able to find tax help there? I know we have additional documents we need to fill out being expats like the FBAR and some others. Also, was it hard to open a bank account in China? I’ve heard some banks don’t want to work with Americans due to some US policies requiring banks to report American accounts. Maybe this could be a topic for a new video of yours since it can get complex. Just trying to get prepared since China is where I want to move to
You have many great points there. I’m not American, just imagining a typical American today in a few decades on their death bed reflecting their life - would it have mattered that they spent their whole life enriching the bank accounts of a few multi-billionaires, or got to know the Kardashians, or saw Taylor Swift live in concert, or able to remember the names of characters in Game of Thrones…? Enjoy your life in Portugal, fill your life with real things that matter till the end of time.
I understand. As a nerd/engineer, I never related to the sports or entertainment culture. I watched TV as a kid but not much through or after college. I have never understood why anyone bothers to even discuss sports or stars for more than a few minutes. I could have a long conversation about almost any science topic or travel or history or morality. Sports and tv/movies are rather ephemeral.
All the best to your and your family's new chapter ib Portugal! And as a native Beijinger, I hope can meet you sometime, so we can have a pleasant chat.
I would love to leave the states, I fantasise about it every single day... I'm 61 and I'm worn out from this country. They do not care about us in the us. The dollar is more important than human life....
I am 73 and considering moving. I have lived in Spain and so different than the mindset I have here. The US is not well perceived by other countries.Not just Spain. They literally will laugh at "stupid Americans".
My girlfriend is Austrian, her face when I was telling a story from high school and mentioned that you have to get searched before entering school with metal detectors and bag searches, was quite memorable to say the least. Also telling my stories from living in Appalachia and the stories of my family before me is another. stuff like bloody harlan where my family was met with national guard when they and their fellow miners tries to organize. Showing her photos of Appalachia with the beautiful landscapes dotted around with some of the most tragic poverty you've ever seen you can tell that other people from other first world countries are shocked to see that. Also I really get what you mean with not identifying with the American culture and not really feeling American. Never really gelled with it outside of the city and state culture. Also I just never bought into the national myths and stuff. Never did the founding fathers worship, never liked the military (for obvious historical reasons). Always hated the US government too. I watched as my family members (many of whom were barely living in terms of income) got no help while we wasted billions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally a lot of my family wasn't super integrated into the US all things considered, even so many generations later they still spoke Scottish Gaelic, Scottish culture was still somewhat there in the family. I still speak Scottish Gaelic. and often times I find myself way more comfortable with people from outside the US. One of my best friends is an Irishman, my girlfriend is Austrian and I have friends in Australia, Canada, Wales, France, Catalonia and Scotland too. Nothing is really tying me down to the US. And when I think about any potential future kids too with that in context why on earth would I want them to grow up in America. English only schools that don't teach you anything about the world and barely enough to get by and said schools are incredibly dangerous compared to the rest of the world too. College for me got too expensive to bare in America and I had to drop out and I'm currently waiting until I can start again at a European university. Scottish unis are tuition free once you've become a british citizen and have lived in Scotland for a while. Why on earth would I set my future kids up in a society like that? I cannot fathom it. Another thing that really pushed me over the edge on wanting nothing to do with the US was there was a Palestinian woman who I would talk to fairly regularly on social media, she and I eventually started to get to know each other decently well. I haven't heard from her since December, my tax dollars were used to kill my friend.
You and the Americans presented by Tom Hank in the movies are the honest , and kind hearted Americans which the world adore. Good luck to you and wish you to have a wonderful future in Portugal!
To satisfy the algorithms even more (as I liked your video and share similarities with you, i.e: no TV before my early teens, having lived in China for a decade, etc.) :-)
I've always loved Portugal, and yes it is arguably still the cheapest place to set up a household in Western Europe. Good luck. I hope to join you one day.
My family and I currently live in the US and the lack of safety I feel here is insane, not just for myself but for our children too. Keep telling my husband the first chance we can make a move, we definitely should.
No, you are not crazy for not returning to USA and it's also not because you have been out for so long. I live in the U.S. and I have exactly the same opinions and feelings about it as you do. Best is to move out or stay out and live a life that's not a non-stop stress-filled experience. The best wishes to you and your wife in your new home in Portugal! The house will require some work but it definitely has a great 'genius loci' feel.👌
lol. Typical American mindset... but absolutely, I would love the same and be "outta here" and return to Spain where nighttime strolls, outdoor cafes, family oriented activities and history and architecture are breathtaking. Enjoyed taking midnight strolls and feel safe even at night. People not obsessed with guns but focus on life itself. Here: make sure my doors are locked or keep an eye on that student coming into the school that already has a criminal history and if is carrying an AK!
I live in the Rust Belt of the US, and people here are actually more optimistic than 10 years ago. In my city things are clearly on the Upswing, alot of the problems are regional in the US, and truly you can live an amazing life here if you know what you are doing.
great for y'all but I've watched it get worse and worse in Appalachia there's so many people dying in poverty and leaving that I sometimes wonder if anyone will live in the county my family is originally from when I'm in my 60s and 70s
Great video. Honesty is great to hear. Not always eady to go agsinst your country' s values. I have visited tge US, but wiuld never consider living there, for similar reasons to yours. And with the current president or his possible repkacement, i will visit other countries for the next 4 years at least. Good luck in Portugal, a beautiful country.
The upper middle class and the rich in America are pricing everyone out of a house. Higher taxes on them while lowering taxes on the middle class would solve the problem easily. We also need more restrictions against private equity.
I lived in the US for 13 years. I just recently moved back to Australia but its not working so I'm now moving to China too. I arrive in a handful of weeks.
I’m 60 and have been watching the US slowly deteriorate into the mess it is in now. I was fortunate to have met and marry a wonderful Chinese woman which has allowed me to travel to China and other countries to actually experience life outside the USA. I too, am ready to leave the US so we can live a better, safer life. I hope you guys find peace and happiness in Portugal.
I don't blame you for not wanting to return. I read the comments posted here - people that won't accept the fact that the US has many issues and as compared to other countries, our quality of life stinks here.Just accept it and be negative when someone tells the truth! It is the Global Peace ranking which ranks "negative peace" and takes in consideration a various array of problems that each country is endearing. Rationalizing it all as if to defend the US is bias in itself. And have to wonder how many people have travelled and lived outside of the US. Your comments are spot on and as a senior I have never ever seen our country with so many issues that just aren't good issues.
Yes, that was a factor, but we will still have private healthcare in Portugal. But, in the long run, if I can get my EU passport, it might be more important.
Well articulated, did you make an outline to organize all your thoughts? The reason I ask is because your manner in the video is as if one is having a casual conversation with you, very relaxed. I think all your points are very valid not only for yourself obviously but for like minded people such as me, living in the US now it feels different than it has for most of my life, I'm over 60. I've been researching collecting Social Security whilst living abroad and looking into options, especially if a certain fascist type were to be in power again. I do have retirement monies besides but am concerned about all such things since I have never lived (even while I was in the service) outside the United States. Your comment on Television struck me well as I have not watched it since 2003, was a New Year resolution I kept, all those shows you mentioned I have not seen either albeit for RUclips clips friends send me and such. Thanks for the explanations and I certainly can dig where you are coming from, or not going to as it were. Cheers!
I didn't really have an outline for this video, just 7 points I wanted to touch on. Talked for 25 minutes and cut it down to 22 minutes. I try to make the video more relatable for a larger audience. I have other reasons for moving to Portugal vs the US, but they are more personal, so didn't include them. If you can leave it is worth looking into, because your life can improve. @AmeliaAndJP are a good channel because they talk more about retirement and living abroad after 60+.
The story resonates with me...And I would leave if too... If I could take all my "toys" with me, but it would not be in Europe, with its own problems, with people and culture, and looking more and more like a "nuclear playground" or 'nuke magnet" and war, that is coming there soon! To each his own... Peace
I am a New Zealander and have no ambition to live in the US. The politics in the US and What the US has and is doing to the rest of the world is crazy. They have brought the world to the brink of a Nuclear war. Feel sad for US citizens who are living there. I left my own country to live in Thailand for many of the same reasons you do not want to return to your country of birth. I have really enjoyed all your video's. Especially your honesty. Your video's of China are really enjoyable. Good to watch some honesty about China. The adverse propaganda from the US about China and Russia should stop. All the very best wishes to you both for your future in Portugal.
I strongly doubt the ranking of the safest countries in the world// I feel that Chinese cities are safer and more convenient than Western cities; however, villages in european coutries are really nice and charming! also, sharing videos of your house renovations would be fun!
I'm not sure how accurate that ranking is, but it is important to use some measurement when talking about bigger issues. Otherwise, it is just me and my opinion. But that ranking could be wrong.... I think the bigger point was to say Portugal is consider very peaceful and safe.
I completely resonate with your sentiments about living in the US. I have discussed with my wife that our long term goal is to retire early and move to China (for at least most portion of each year). I hate to see the progressive leadership here in San Francisco, the war mongering government, the outrageous inflation and property tax, the deteriorated road and infrastructures, the hypocrisy of the politicians, the de facto support of the genocide in Gaza by our government, the instigator of the proxy war in Ukraine, etc.
I'm dual national, UK/US, the ONLY reason I remain in the US is family. I believe your evaluation is spot on. But my grandkids are coming of age and my mind is mulling over an exit strategy. You were kind with your words about the US, but in my minds eye, this is a country collapsing in on itself. I don't want to be here when it does!
portugal is a relax country with good environment etc. but it is for retiring people for my tastes, i can stay their for 2 weeks to chilling out but after two weeks, i like china, singapore or asean etc. of course everyone has their way. America is not how it was anymore before because it is the super rich or people have zero opportunity.. I lived in america for a year as a young guy, new york, miami, houston, san francisco.. in san francisco the down town is dead. America is runnning out of talent politicians, they are just run by a few zionists jew. I have no problems with americans, most of them all charitable and freindly, of cousrse they are a bit racism , but most Americans are good, especially the the middle class white Americans. they are like the chinese, friendly , helpful.
Great points, I agree with all of them. The cost of living, the non stop propaganda in the media and tv culture...more people I meet are talking about escaping this system somehow. I'll be heading to SE Asia early next year and documenting on my new channel. After a lot of searching, I finally found a part-time online job, so I will see if I can make things work
It depends on where you choose to live in the United States. In small-town America, you're probably safe and life is probably affordable. But in major urban areas, you face massive crime and high cost of living. Especially in cities like New York and Los Angeles and San Francisco. People in NYC steal with impunity. You face massive homelessness on the street. You face random and rampant gun violence. You face poor infrastructure (just look at the New York subway!). You face filthy streets. You face fentanyl addicts. You face poor health care and poor education. I would NEVER choose to live in the United States. Also, you're right, American culture is vapid and superficial and lacking in substance.
But safety isn't the only issue for the USA. Politics, education, food, healthcare, IRS, mass shootings, cost of living etc. . Federally: and as he mentioned- corporations lobbying our politicians and why many of our issues will not get better. Then there are phone scams. Did you know that in Scotland they don't have phone scams or robo calls because it is outlawed and blocked? Doesn't exist! Wow. My kind of country!
As a Chinese I actually think the ranking make sense, China is a very big and diverse country, the most developed places in China might be rank top 10 in terms of safty, however there are still many places in China, that the locals are very uneducated also with low moral standrad. In China, generally speaking you don't need to worry about personal physical safty, however, lying cheating frauding is still a major issue in China, and its not something that can be improved easily.
You are indeed fortunate! I don’t blame you for choosing to live the life that fits for you instead of going back to a culture that is not you at all. Would you say that perhaps one of the best things you got from the US was homeschooling, which allowed you to grow into an individual who can think critically rather than a brainwashed person? I wish everybody had the choice and chance to live the life that suits them. I just visited the US for a short trip again and agree with all that you had said in your video from your last visit. Not that it is much better here in Canada. I tried living in the country here, raising my children close to nature with the hope of being at least a bit self sufficient. I suppose I was too naive and didn’t realize the issues with farmers spraying pesticides all around us, the impact of the oil and gas industry on the land around us and other things. There was good things, like homeschooling. There was good things when I grew up in Germany, one of which was the quality of food. Anyway, it was good to learn about China from you and your wife. Will be interesting to learn more about Portugal! Good luck!
Yes, I didn't see the value of Homeschooling when I was at home, but now I'm very thankful that my parents taught me at home. Sounds like the area you were living in wasn't the best environment, hopefully things are better now.
As someone born and raised in USA, I am totally with you. I don't feel i fit in with US culture either. Much of what you say i can certainly relate. I loathe MANY of things about the USA currently here in 2024 from the lack of social safety nets, the homelessness caused by this and caused by the enabling of land people to price gouge on rents and mortgages, out of control gun violence, all the anti DEI and book ban stuff, no universal singlepayer healthcare still unlike rest of developed world, the criminalizing of homelessness to add insult to injury, the toxic work culture as mentioned here on video, out of control private health insurance that are basically legalized scams forcing people into debt against their will hence no universal singlepayer healthcare, the ableism against developmentally disabled, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, religionism, sexism, the war mongering, STILL many screaming communism as some derogatory thing without them knowing what communism and socialism really is, etc..Also, like you, I am not a major sports fan either. Never have been. I have been considering expating USA lately due to how things still are here decades later alongside the recent horrible laws passed in some states with the threat of a 2nd Trump presidency and threat of Project 2025 being forced on everyone here in USA if Trump or any GOP President becomes elected as US President. The USA is a lost cause as far as becoming to be on par with the rest of developed world. And ABSOLUTELY agree that the so called American dream is nothing more than a false illusion. Especially now here in 2024. Also, I believe the USA back in 1776 was founded with good intent, however over these last nearly 250 years, many of times USA has been FAR from what the founding fathers intended and here in 2024, USA is FAR from what the founding fathers of 1776 intended as well with everything going on right now in USA here in 2024. Thank you for this video and is much appreciated and something i myself needed to hear.
Portugal being in Europe is going down the economic drain due to the crazy war mongering and WEF crazy EU. Have you considered Asia. Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia are excellent choices. Food choices is fantastic and really good like China, its much cheaper than EU or any Western country including Australia and Canada
I’m looking at the south of France areas. Yes, not as cheap as other countries, but still cheaper than US. Just gathering information now, but I’m almost 48, have a military pension, but not sure if it would be enough.
Hello and thank you for this video ! I am curious ti know where have chosen to live in Portugal ? Myself , 2 years ago I have been planing to move overthere too , but when i did visit , i did change my mind , it is tru that I am much older then you , ( 68, and live qin Brussel) ) and I am also living on own ,so , it's a bit defferent .But I have freinds who are living in Portugal ....☺😉.
@@TripBitten A little to the Northeast, you will find Covilhã. No, I don't live there, but I have been there as Covilhã is where one of the worlds largest "Green" data centers is. Also in your new area is iParque (just a bunch of buildings). I have been to both places for work. I may have mentioned that we live part time in Tangier, Morocco. Open invite: If you guys haven't already, come visit Tangier. It is a $22, 75-minute RyanAir flight away from Lisbon.
In the movie 7 years in Tibet, there is a scene where the local Tibetan woman tells the Brad Pitt character that over here we don’t admire you for what you can do but who you are as a person. In the US it’s all about that and how confident, rich and athletic or something stupid like that. In watching your videos I think you get that and have chosen a sane peaceful life and you will definitely live a good one. The US is a very superficial place and took me a while to understand that. Doesn’t mean there are no good people here, and I don’t want to paint everyone with the same brush, just not something you come across too easily. My guess is we be going through either a revolution or a civil war in the coming decades as things are beginning to collide with overwhelming greed by the oligarchy.
I’m really sad to learn you’re leaving China. It reminds me that China is not a country where one can easily settle or retire. It is my dream to retire here but more and more it’s becoming a dream deferred. I have a few more years and then have to make some tough decisions as to where to go. Like you America is not an option for me for the same reasons, in addition to being a black woman and dealing with the blatant racism. 😢
You have been sharing your story in the comments for some time now and I appreciate it. Seems you have a much better life now here in China. Obviously, I can't understand how it was for you in the US, but like you said, racism can be blatant and awful. I think having many voices from different backgrounds helps push the narrative that China is okay and a decent place to live.
I can’t help but agree with some of your analysis I think a parliamentary system is better- having more diversity of parties who form coalitions when necessary gives a more diverse representation - also big money needs to get out of politics. The electoral college is not representative and complicates unnecessary .
I have been to some countries in Europe. There are too many thieves, the infrastructure is backward, the subways are very old, and the consumption is extremely high. It won't change in a hundred years! ! Not an ideal place to live. I have not been to Portugal, but it is really small, but among the 26 countries in the European Union, it is quite nice to be able to move around at will. I wish you happiness! China's ranking is so strange that it is not as good as Canada. There are many robberies in Canada and marijuana is legal. In fact, there is more freedom in Communist China than in the United States. You can walk on the streets at night and drink without fear of being shot by a black man. 40,000 people are shot and killed in the United States every year, which is really terrible!In a country with excessive freedom, shootings occur every day. Many innocent people died!American pork and beef contain ractopamine! Can cause cancer. Leaving the United States was the right choice!
I’m American living in China. I agree with everything you said and you articulate it much better than I ever could so I will share with my friends!
I too am from the States, left there to move to China when I was in my early 30s and here I am still in China in my 60s. Listening to you sounds like I'm listening to a recording of myself on pretty much every count. The US doesn't feel safe to me anymore. My Sister and her family live in Sandy Hook, THAT Sandy Hook that most Americans know was the location of one of those first mass school shootings. I myself used to work in NYC. I did helicopter sightseeing tours past the World Trade Center for years and now cannot bring myself to visit the city anymore. Hell, I can barely even visit the States anymore. It's been 5 years since the last time and I'm not looking to go back anytime soon. In my opinion, you are making the right choice. Keep yourself and your family safe that is the first priority.
It seems that everyone cant feel safe in their own motherland.
Americans, French, and even those Muslims moved to the west because their homeland was destroyed.
Who the hell is destroying everyones home worldwide, we didnt have this even in the cold war
I visited NYC in 1992, took a helicopter tour of the city. What stood out in my memory was seeing streets full of yellow cabs but none in a certain area. I think it was Harlem.
@@theasianjaywalker4455 the number of school children murders that happen in China by knife wielding psychos do sadly occur, but they are nowhere near as common as school shootings in the US which happen a few times every week now. The way you write makes it sound like China is more dangerous for children than the US, but we both know it's the opposite, don't spread fake news.
Hi, I’m from the United States and want to move to China too. Since you’ve been in China for so long, have you still been filing US tax returns and the additional documents for expats? I know it’s a requirement for us since we’re US citizens, another downside to being American. Have you tried applying for citizenship there? I know China is one of the most difficult places to attain citizenship
@@theasianjaywalker4455 I don't know where you heard about the so-called Chen Peng School. You may have been misled or remembered incorrectly, but there is no school or corresponding event you mentioned
Trip, for me, safety is freedom. Without safety there is no freedom.
exactly
This!
An old feller said those who give up liberty for safety deserve neither liberty nor safety as cowards. A land of free and home of the brave doesn't live up to all the hype for long after we were lied to nonstop for years I call grand deception of the ages.
Portugal has decriminalized all drugs.
I'm an American war veteran and feel like my mental health would be much better if 35% of my labor didn't build bombs... I'd have left for Uruguay, Portugal or Spain years ago except I'm a dad. I get vicarious pleasure from your videos and other travel content ✌
Living in Portugal is 100x better than the US.
Good choice. I have visited Portugal number times as well as the Azores, which, of course our part of Portugal. I love that country, reasonable people and a reasonable government (btw, an American, have spent most of my life in California and have no plans to leave, even the Orange Skinned Menace gets reelected in November.) I think the homeless problem the drug problem crime and drug violence in our countries is a disgrace. But that won’t change in my lifetime (I’m 76)
God Bless you and thank you for your Service. Its shameful how the US treats war Vets. I hope you can maintain your mental and have a peaceful existence until you can make a change.
If I were American, I wouldn't like to live in America for obvious reasons. To me, America's cultures are very materialistic, commercially driven and rather shallow.
Indeed it is superficial and lacking scope, meaning, and purpose. So many Americans haven't a life except working two jobs to pay car debt to drive to work while paying excessive rents. It's ridiculous and completely unnecessary. Debt economics is slavery that killed the golden goose. Greed sums it up.
Ohhh brother, if thats not for you then you do not want to live in China. They even became officially materialistic.
Agreed. There are no cultural touchstones to connect the citizenry whatsoever. Shared values, religion, or politically. I am American. Saving up money to immigrate to Poland currently because violent crime rates here are horrendous.
@@JessicaT10118 Some of what you're saying isn't wrong but depends where you live in the USA and then 'relative to what else on earth' is another question.
There are 'cultural wastelands' where some combinations of domestic and foreign immigration, a highway and box stores has some 'nothingness'. (a great take was Patton Oswals book 'zombie spaceship wasteland' and calls out parts of Canada to. HOWEVER, much of the USA does have a unique and shared culture, 'touchstones' and maybe more than you'd find in a lot of places on earth.
As for your belief that violent crime rates are special in the USA?
There is something about this that may deceive you and it's better I tell you now.
'crime rates'.
So you need to think about what that means. It means the crime has been reported to authorities and not only that but they caught out the crime, pressed it through a justice system and got it officially a 'crime rate'.
I know a little about Poland and a little more about the USA so I'm going to show this in some very real life examples:
- In the USA, a thuggish customer told the gas station attendant he'd better watch out because he's coming back to kick his ass (waves fist at him).
Almost always police are notified, arrive in time to do something with the perpetrator who's then charged with assault and gets convicted of it too.
Now Poland:
- same drunken thug does exact same thing at Poland gas station. twice a day. the clerk asks if he wants to 'find out' and by the 5th time the clerk tells some police who happen to be buying some gas that he's about 1 more threat away from beating the thug in the back alley. The Polish cops take him aside as ask if he wants to sleep in the cell over night. the thug threatens to kick their ass. one of the cops punches the thug in the stomach winding him and they take him to a police station where he's given a rough warning. They don't have a cell for him or time to be phoning judges nor are lawyers appearing. The drunk thug realizes he better find a different gas station from now on.
Do you see it now?
There is 'zero violent crime rate' at the Polish nieghborhood. There is a 'crime rate' at the USA version.
You get that right?
btw my city got a massive upgrade in budget and hiring new police and judges. the 'crime rate' went way up, doubled actually.
Do you see how there was no 'more' actual violence and criminal acts and that when it 'doubled' it went a long way to reducing violence and crime?
The United States it is no longer a safe country due to gun violence and the homeless population. Some of these homeless people are suffering from mental illness.
I went to downtown Columbia in South Carolina with my wife. As we were walking, a homeless guy picked a rock and threw it on my wife, and it ended up hitting her on the shoulder. I went after the homeless guy and began beating him. When the cop showed up, he said, "You can't just relatalitate against people." The homeless guy was never arrested.
Also, when I was confronting the homeless guy, not a single person who walked by had checked up on my wife to see if she was okay.
The USA it is a failing country, and it is becoming a third-world country. You have no social services for the American people.
The USA it is no longer investing within itself. It is spending the taxpayers' money on the overseas wars. The American infrastructure it is archaic and crumbling.
Well said. Sorry to hear about your experience. I hope you’ve left.
Preach it.
You sound like a typical American who lives in fear. The homeless are not a danger to you at all. Walk your city for five hours I dare you. You'll quickly realize WE are the ones who are dangerous to THEM.
The homeless population are just regular people. The depiction of the insane, drug addicted homeless person is not a fair depiction. The vast majority of people are homeless simply because the cost of rent is too high compared to their income
@@trappedinamerica7740 he said "a" homeless guy! get it?
How can China be ranked 80? And Canada at 11. How could you even believe all these surveys, which always, always puts North European countries high up at the very top.
Yes. The related videos of "always Friday" channel, the peaceful, very informative man, notices various hypocrisy truths in plain sight of our Western countries' media anti family agendas, which are treating people as Sheeple. China's ranking was one of the happiest safer countries a few years & suddenly censored from the long list.
Cause the survey is paid for by the western government or their NED shills.
In the first place, I feel it is already a biased survery, but anyway, you have to experience it first, then make a choice of where you like to move. Your experience won’t lie to you! Survey is just a survey, it could be quite political.
Those ranking ain't made by common folks that is directly feeling everything about a country anyway
a study backed by west? ha.............
All the best to Portugal. Don't forget China. The years you and your wife spent here in China helped you open up your minds and gave you financial and personal safety. Hope you come back to visit China at times. You will find new things every few years.
I don't understand why China is ranked #80. China is very, very safe. It should be Top 10, easily.
因为是意识形态问题，所以你几好都会最后的，
@@jinlingliang4385 If you had to, how could you possibly write those letters by hand?! I can't imagine myself ever living in a culture that used scripts like that. And there are a number of them.
Global Peace Index is not just about safety but many other "cultural" facts that are present in each country. Yes safety or "crime" is part of it but this isn't a ranking of just safe countries. It is about peace within the country and how the citizens of each feel and operate too plus more such as ecological, "driving peace" and includes how each country approaches many issues etc.
@@MR-pr8tpThat’s why it’s such a bullshit index. It tries to cram too much stuff into one ranking making it a mess.
As for peace within the country, China should rank much higher. Very few countries are as harmonious as China.
Knowing the western propaganda and western media, no matter how good China is and does, it will ALWAYS be bad. It’s best to do your own due diligence.
Portugal is lovely. Thanks for speaking about this. I moved from the US in 1981. I don’t feel “at home” in the US either. I don’t understand the references.
How I envy you---I am a 84 year old female who has become so terribly disenchanted with my country, that I would love to get away from it. It would be an awfully difficult thing for me to do--be all alone in another country. I have seen my awesome country be nearly ruined by the very things you mentioned. I am frightened re the future living here. My country, as I knew it is gone.. God bless you and your lovely wife, I hope you will continue to keep in touch when you have moved.
You can move.
I am close to retirement age and simply don't have the energy to move and start a new life outside the U.S. Witnessing the steady decline over my lifetime truly saddens me. I don't see the possibility of a turnaround and it will get much worse before it gets better. Unfortunately, I don't think I will see a turnaround in my lifetime. Your decision to not come back to the U.S. is perfectly reasonable.
Here is another reason. 12 years out of the US means you no longer have a credit history. So renting or buying a home nearly impossible. And you would have to buy a car for cash and under that $10,000 limit.
I've been out of the US 11 years. And never going back. I have lived in Panama, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
That is true, hadn't even thought about the credit score.
@@TripBittenyou can use the “SO CALLED CHINESE SOCIAL CREDIT SCORE “😂
@@TripBitten Funny part is if I book travel with a us based airline or booking agency, they continue running credit checks on me. About 80% of the time the transaction fails. Guess why? They want the address I had back 40 years ago. And the credit check has me living in Houston while working for Hughes Missile Co in Tucson. Nope, never lived in Houston, never worked in Tucson or for Hughes. At the time I was living and working in Saudi Arabia. And the bank cards I use are Debit Cards issued by banks in Costa Rica, Switzerland and the Cayman Islands. I cannot bank in the US as I have no US Mailing Address and would have to go to the US and do all sorts of things to obtain one. Post office will not give you an address unless you have a Government Issued Photo ID with a US mailing Address on it. A real dilemma. My wife who was refused a US Tourist Visa 3 times, however could open a bank account with only her Costa Rica Passport, no SSN, no US Mailing Address, no Credit Check. Except of course she can't enter the US. US Laws are all screw ball.
Russia here, can you please elaborate how home renting tied to credit history? Why it is impossible to rent without credit history?
@@grigorysmolkin5632 All major apartments as well as most smart landlords run a credit check charging the perspective renter $75 to $150. If they fail the credit check they cannot rent. Any outstanding or late payments they fail. Same is done for many job applicants, fail the credit check denied employment. I have not had Credit History since 1984 when I paid off all debts. After that I could not rent, only buy and had to be for cash.
I love the US, but it is on a downward momentum, economically and morally.
what you said is the exact depiction of china
Best wishes to you and Yvonne …. wherever you go and bring with you, the truth and share it wherever you find it. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I wish you all the best in Portugal! My wife and I moved from the Netherlands to Spain last year, and couldn't be happier. I've travelled extensively in the U.S. 35 years ago, but wouldn't want to live there, for a lot of the reasons you mention.
The simplest one is one you don't mention. Schools that have 'active shooter' drills. Absurd, who would willingly live in a country that has or needs those?
I'm looking forward to hearing about your life in Portugal :) I'm currently in Thailand, heading to VIetnam in about 5 weeks. After that, I'm going to the Philippines. I don't miss the US at all.
Welcome to my country the Philippines…
@@msptv6247 It's a beautiful country with wonderful people :)
Thailand is a good country 🙏
I have lived in Germany and Italy and loved it and would love to move back to Europe but there is the European Union, who is run by the u.s and uk. So, while Portugal may not attack Spain, they are part of the eu and nato so they participate in u.s wars. Tho, agree the quality of life is way better. I returned to the u.s cuz of grandkids but that’s no longer an issue. I am looking at places to move to… Portugal was on my list but too many Americans and Brit’s have moved there….
Not really, Portugal is like the little kid of the family that hide under the table so EU kind of forget it's there. And far to the west, tend to be less involved geographically too. When it's participating it's very minor and just for show.
@@ThereIsAlwaysaWay2 thank you! Maybe I’ll have to put it back on my list!
@@lanadobritchanin1182 If you're a EU citizen, Portugal is definitively worth it. Low cost of living, no totalitarian tendencies like Germany, UK, US, Canada. Managed covid reasonably, with trampling very few human' s rights, temperature, culture, architecture and PRICES are fantastic. Hungaria, Serbia, are great too.
No, you're not crazy, you're articulate and wise and see and say things as they are. Please keep sharing your life stories and wisdom. Hope you and Yvonne have a wonderful new chapter in Portugal.
Thank you so much!
Wish you and Yvonne all the best for your future life in Portugal. I have been enjoying your [including Yvonne] vlogs tremendously, and hopefully this will continue.
Thank you so much!
I would like to point out one thing-If you have never worked in the U.S., you don't need to read further. If you have worked in the U.S. before you left, you will most likely receive social security when you are older. When you are ready to collect, they will deduct your medicare premium before they deposit the payment into your bank account. They will also send you questionnaires every 1-2 years. If you don't respond, they will stop the payment. You can look this up if you like. Hope all works out for you guys!
In fact, Lisbon is the only place I've ever had someone almost manage to steal my handbag (after traveling Europe for many decades). But this is the kind of pickpocketing you find everywhere where many tourists gather in special places. Not an armed physical assault. Almost managed to steal: a Dutch photographer warned me in time.
Yes, crime is everywhere. I don't think we will every be completely safe, but some places are a better than others.
I was robbed by by a knife wielding individual on a dark street at night in Lisbon in 2003 as a tourist. The police attitude was that this was a commonplace occurrence.
👏👏👏 we feel exactly the same. It is so sad.
I agree with you 100%.
Je suis impatiente de voir la maison au Portugal , elle m’a l’air vraiment charmante!
Having lived in US for 20 years, I can testify to everything you said about US.
Good for you!!
I live in America. I wish that I could disagree with your insights, but unfortunately everything you said is true. I can sympathize with your outlook. Sometimes putting the past behind is the best thing that we can do. Good luck to you and your wife. God bless.
Portugal is a great and nice country. when you wanna visit the African contient you can go by car. its very close. Just a half hour trip from Spain to Marocco. Its realy worth to visit Marocco. Or you can fly and in Marocco you can use the High Speed train in Marocco to travel across the country.
All the best. Enjoyed your thoughts. I feel the same. I live in the Czech Republic. Been here for 24-years. It's not Shangri-La, the wages are low, and inflation is far higher than the US.... but it is safe, beautiful, family friendly, fun, and you have quality free education for your kids and access to excellent (at least in Prague) health care, which is free to all citizens and residents.
There is a lot of ethnic, political, and general tension here right now. The malaise is palpable in the air. People are wound up.
Congratulations on your new selection.
Thank you!
The land of broken peace is what it is. It's not worth living there.
China was lucky to get an 80 ranking as they could given the Chinese at 180; that's how the 'rule based international committee' works. 😂😂😂
Respect your concern with Yvonne and her safety, I also believe it is my responsibility to create a loving and safe environment for my wife.
My niece also lives in Portugal, in Faro and is very happy and like you will probably never return to her home country which is England.
Very best wishes for you both as you begin your next adventure, and look forward to your posts once you settle in.
It's interesting to see how China is ranked 80 but Taiwan is ranked 33.
i know you’re trying to say there’s bias and i’m not saying you’re wrong but to be fair china and taiwan have been seperate for a long time, it’s not like we should expect their numbers to be the same. that being said i do think china is as safe as taiwan, even if it has more people.
Not sure why Taiwan is there as it is not even a country 😅
@@yousheng cope harder 😂 taiwan has an independent government from china on a seperate landmass, it’s a different country. just because china claims it as their doesn’t mean their claim is the objective truth. taiwan isn’t a part of china anymore, get over it.
@@kyu6938 Well see about that 😂
@@kyu6938 oh well, keep living in your dream. bye~
Canada at 11 China at 80 interesting ranking🤣
Canada is not safe at all. I live in Toronto. Home invasions are common. Shootings are common. Theft is common. *I do not feel safe.*
@@horridohobbies Probably because many Americans are fleeing to your country because they can't climb that Mexican wall to the south of us. LOL> And God know they don't know another language to move. I read where many Canadians are leaving, and seeing more and more articles, news, RUclipss etc on the population migrating to other countries.
Excellent video, very interesting to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for listening
All the best to you
Good luck and very best 🤞
Thank you!
I love your honesty and not worrying about blow-back from strongly opinionated people. I live in Thailand and I am Thai. However, I did spend more than a few years living in the US during my childhood to maturity. I have to say that back in the '70s all the way to '90s, I think that the US was an awesome place to live. Obviously, I don't think of the crimes reported on the news as I am always careful where I go and do only things I'm sure are legal and politically OK. I also was always aware that I'm Asian, and that there is a large population there that don't take to that well. Besides those issues, I always felt great in the US. However, because I knew that things don't remain constant, both for my environment and my own feelings, I decided to leave the US for Bangkok simply because that's where I was born and that means more than likely in the eyes of those in power (locally, inter-provincially, or nationally), I was entitled to the full rights accorded to a full fledged citizen, no questions asked, as well as less likely (though plenty do exist for internationalized individuals) to be discriminated against. That's why I moved back. In your case moving around the world despite having a large and prosperous home country like the US has its reasons as you stated and I respect that. You are right about the only one life to live. It's your life period. Your choice of Portugal seems very logical if coziness and cost of living are important issues. You can tell I know very little about Portugal and Europe in general. However, I have been to Europe before several times, like France, England, Norway, Sweden, and Germany. Contrasting these countries and their characteristics, I do prefer Norway and Sweden for their laid-back feel. However, I feel that artistically and culturally, France wins hands down. No matter what I prefer the laid-back and colder feel of the Nordic countries. Anyway, I want to say your house in Portugal looks artistic and seems will be beautiful when fully renovated. Looks like you're going to be a lot closer to culture and nature there. Cheers to both of you!!!
Thanks for sharing your story and for the kind wishes. I think it is important to do what is best for yourself, we really only have one life and what works for one person doesn't always work for another. Glad you found a place you enjoy.
I’m an American and understand completely where you are coming from. I’m in the process (a long process unfortunately) of leaving America myself to live in a country I’ve never been. Like you said, not sure if it will turn out good or bad, but it’s a risk we are willing to take. I wish you all the best!
Good luck, hopefully it turns out good for both of us.
Thank you. I did want to ask, since we’re both US citizens, how was it trying to file US tax returns in China? Is it a difficult and confusing process or were you able to find tax help there? I know we have additional documents we need to fill out being expats like the FBAR and some others. Also, was it hard to open a bank account in China? I’ve heard some banks don’t want to work with Americans due to some US policies requiring banks to report American accounts. Maybe this could be a topic for a new video of yours since it can get complex. Just trying to get prepared since China is where I want to move to
You have many great points there. I’m not American, just imagining a typical American today in a few decades on their death bed reflecting their life - would it have mattered that they spent their whole life enriching the bank accounts of a few multi-billionaires, or got to know the Kardashians, or saw Taylor Swift live in concert, or able to remember the names of characters in Game of Thrones…?
Enjoy your life in Portugal, fill your life with real things that matter till the end of time.
So interesting! Thank you for sharing.
Pls another video like this. Thanks and goodluck to you
I understand. As a nerd/engineer, I never related to the sports or entertainment culture. I watched TV as a kid but not much through or after college. I have never understood why anyone bothers to even discuss sports or stars for more than a few minutes. I could have a long conversation about almost any science topic or travel or history or morality. Sports and tv/movies are rather ephemeral.
All the best to your and your family's new chapter ib Portugal! And as a native Beijinger, I hope can meet you sometime, so we can have a pleasant chat.
Thanks for the wishes. If you ever need up in Portugal, you can always reach out.
Great upload!
I would love to leave the states, I fantasise about it every single day... I'm 61 and I'm worn out from this country. They do not care about us in the us. The dollar is more important than human life....
I am 73 and considering moving. I have lived in Spain and so different than the mindset I have here. The US is not well perceived by other countries.Not just Spain. They literally will laugh at "stupid Americans".
Hey tripp, like u said u only have one life, live the way u desire!! Best of luck, i am still going to watch your vlog even after u moved to Portugal.
Thank you so much 🙂
Wish you a happy life in Portugal 🙏🍀
My girlfriend is Austrian, her face when I was telling a story from high school and mentioned that you have to get searched before entering school with metal detectors and bag searches, was quite memorable to say the least. Also telling my stories from living in Appalachia and the stories of my family before me is another. stuff like bloody harlan where my family was met with national guard when they and their fellow miners tries to organize. Showing her photos of Appalachia with the beautiful landscapes dotted around with some of the most tragic poverty you've ever seen you can tell that other people from other first world countries are shocked to see that.
Also I really get what you mean with not identifying with the American culture and not really feeling American. Never really gelled with it outside of the city and state culture. Also I just never bought into the national myths and stuff. Never did the founding fathers worship, never liked the military (for obvious historical reasons). Always hated the US government too. I watched as my family members (many of whom were barely living in terms of income) got no help while we wasted billions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally a lot of my family wasn't super integrated into the US all things considered, even so many generations later they still spoke Scottish Gaelic, Scottish culture was still somewhat there in the family. I still speak Scottish Gaelic. and often times I find myself way more comfortable with people from outside the US. One of my best friends is an Irishman, my girlfriend is Austrian and I have friends in Australia, Canada, Wales, France, Catalonia and Scotland too. Nothing is really tying me down to the US.
And when I think about any potential future kids too with that in context why on earth would I want them to grow up in America. English only schools that don't teach you anything about the world and barely enough to get by and said schools are incredibly dangerous compared to the rest of the world too. College for me got too expensive to bare in America and I had to drop out and I'm currently waiting until I can start again at a European university. Scottish unis are tuition free once you've become a british citizen and have lived in Scotland for a while.
Why on earth would I set my future kids up in a society like that? I cannot fathom it.
Another thing that really pushed me over the edge on wanting nothing to do with the US was there was a Palestinian woman who I would talk to fairly regularly on social media, she and I eventually started to get to know each other decently well. I haven't heard from her since December, my tax dollars were used to kill my friend.
You and the Americans presented by Tom Hank in the movies are the honest , and kind hearted Americans which the world adore.
Good luck to you and wish you to have a wonderful future in Portugal!
good for you!
To satisfy the algorithms even more (as I liked your video and share similarities with you, i.e: no TV before my early teens, having lived in China for a decade, etc.) :-)
The algorithms are too needy! lol
I've always loved Portugal, and yes it is arguably still the cheapest place to set up a household in Western Europe.
Good luck. I hope to join you one day.
so Portugal is a safe country now, good to hear that.
My family and I currently live in the US and the lack of safety I feel here is insane, not just for myself but for our children too. Keep telling my husband the first chance we can make a move, we definitely should.
"That's not culture, that is entertainment disguising" - I will have to remember that.
Well explained!
Good, safety for your family
it is not that you can't afford a house in America, just that buying a house in Portugal gives you a better bang for your buck.
No, you are not crazy for not returning to USA and it's also not because you have been out for so long.
I live in the U.S. and I have exactly the same opinions and feelings about it as you do. Best is to move out or stay out and live a life that's not a non-stop stress-filled experience. The best wishes to you and your wife in your new home in Portugal! The house will require some work but it definitely has a great 'genius loci' feel.👌
I am considering moving out of the States as soon as I win the lottery.
Agreed. I'm Right ✅️ with you
lol. Typical American mindset... but absolutely, I would love the same and be "outta here" and return to Spain where nighttime strolls, outdoor cafes, family oriented activities and history and architecture are breathtaking. Enjoyed taking midnight strolls and feel safe even at night. People not obsessed with guns but focus on life itself. Here: make sure my doors are locked or keep an eye on that student coming into the school that already has a criminal history and if is carrying an AK!
imho workism is direct result of high living cost and little labor protection
Yup, why would you move back to a prison?
I live in the Rust Belt of the US, and people here are actually more optimistic than 10 years ago. In my city things are clearly on the Upswing, alot of the problems are regional in the US, and truly you can live an amazing life here if you know what you are doing.
great for y'all but I've watched it get worse and worse in Appalachia there's so many people dying in poverty and leaving that I sometimes wonder if anyone will live in the county my family is originally from when I'm in my 60s and 70s
Great video. Honesty is great to hear. Not always eady to go agsinst your country' s values.
I have visited tge US, but wiuld never consider living there, for similar reasons to yours.
And with the current president or his possible repkacement, i will visit other countries for the next 4 years at least.
Good luck in Portugal, a beautiful country.
The upper middle class and the rich in America are pricing everyone out of a house. Higher taxes on them while lowering taxes on the middle class would solve the problem easily. We also need more restrictions against private equity.
Sounds like me when we were little. We didn't have TV either and read lots of books, played card games etc...
I agree with everything you said here.
I lived in the US for 13 years. I just recently moved back to Australia but its not working so I'm now moving to China too. I arrive in a handful of weeks.
I’m 60 and have been watching the US slowly deteriorate into the mess it is in now. I was fortunate to have met and marry a wonderful Chinese woman which has allowed me to travel to China and other countries to actually experience life outside the USA. I too, am ready to leave the US so we can live a better, safer life. I hope you guys find peace and happiness in Portugal.
I don't blame you for not wanting to return. I read the comments posted here - people that won't accept the fact that the US has many issues and as compared to other countries, our quality of life stinks here.Just accept it and be negative when someone tells the truth! It is the Global Peace ranking which ranks "negative peace" and takes in consideration a various array of problems that each country is endearing. Rationalizing it all as if to defend the US is bias in itself. And have to wonder how many people have travelled and lived outside of the US. Your comments are spot on and as a senior I have never ever seen our country with so many issues that just aren't good issues.
There was no mention of healthcare. I wondered if that was a factor in your decision making, given how dysfunctional the US system is?
Yes, that was a factor, but we will still have private healthcare in Portugal. But, in the long run, if I can get my EU passport, it might be more important.
Well articulated, did you make an outline to organize all your thoughts? The reason I ask is because your manner in the video is as if one is having a casual conversation with you, very relaxed. I think all your points are very valid not only for yourself obviously but for like minded people such as me, living in the US now it feels different than it has for most of my life, I'm over 60. I've been researching collecting Social Security whilst living abroad and looking into options, especially if a certain fascist type were to be in power again. I do have retirement monies besides but am concerned about all such things since I have never lived (even while I was in the service) outside the United States. Your comment on Television struck me well as I have not watched it since 2003, was a New Year resolution I kept, all those shows you mentioned I have not seen either albeit for RUclips clips friends send me and such. Thanks for the explanations and I certainly can dig where you are coming from, or not going to as it were. Cheers!
I didn't really have an outline for this video, just 7 points I wanted to touch on. Talked for 25 minutes and cut it down to 22 minutes. I try to make the video more relatable for a larger audience. I have other reasons for moving to Portugal vs the US, but they are more personal, so didn't include them. If you can leave it is worth looking into, because your life can improve. @AmeliaAndJP are a good channel because they talk more about retirement and living abroad after 60+.
totally agree
The story resonates with me...And I would leave if too... If I could take all my "toys" with me, but it would not be in Europe, with its own problems, with people and culture, and looking more and more like a "nuclear playground" or 'nuke magnet" and war, that is coming there soon! To each his own... Peace
I am a New Zealander and have no ambition to live in the US.
The politics in the US and What the US has and is doing to the rest of the world is crazy. They have brought the world to the brink of a Nuclear war.
Feel sad for US citizens who are living there.
I left my own country to live in Thailand for many of the same reasons you do not want to return to your country of birth.
I have really enjoyed all your video's.
Especially your honesty.
Your video's of China are really enjoyable. Good to watch some honesty about China.
The adverse propaganda from the US about China and Russia should stop.
All the very best wishes to you both for your future in Portugal.
I strongly doubt the ranking of the safest countries in the world// I feel that Chinese cities are safer and more convenient than Western cities; however, villages in european coutries are really nice and charming! also, sharing videos of your house renovations would be fun!
I'm not sure how accurate that ranking is, but it is important to use some measurement when talking about bigger issues. Otherwise, it is just me and my opinion. But that ranking could be wrong.... I think the bigger point was to say Portugal is consider very peaceful and safe.
I completely resonate with your sentiments about living in the US. I have discussed with my wife that our long term goal is to retire early and move to China (for at least most portion of each year). I hate to see the progressive leadership here in San Francisco, the war mongering government, the outrageous inflation and property tax, the deteriorated road and infrastructures, the hypocrisy of the politicians, the de facto support of the genocide in Gaza by our government, the instigator of the proxy war in Ukraine, etc.
Alex all we can about in America is movies, TV shows and sports!
I basically agree with you on everything. I never felt okay in usa.
Six bedrooms! lots of work & maintenance like cleaning for two people.
I'm dual national, UK/US, the ONLY reason I remain in the US is family. I believe your evaluation is spot on. But my grandkids are coming of age and my mind is mulling over an exit strategy. You were kind with your words about the US, but in my minds eye, this is a country collapsing in on itself. I don't want to be here when it does!
portugal is a relax country with good environment etc. but it is for retiring people for my tastes, i can stay their for 2 weeks to chilling out but after two weeks, i like china, singapore or asean etc. of course everyone has their way.
America is not how it was anymore before because it is the super rich or people have zero opportunity..
I lived in america for a year as a young guy, new york, miami, houston, san francisco.. in san francisco the down town is dead.
America is runnning out of talent politicians, they are just run by a few zionists jew.
I have no problems with americans, most of them all charitable and freindly, of cousrse they are a bit racism , but most Americans are good, especially the the middle class white Americans.
they are like the chinese, friendly , helpful.
Great points, I agree with all of them. The cost of living, the non stop propaganda in the media and tv culture...more people I meet are talking about escaping this system somehow. I'll be heading to SE Asia early next year and documenting on my new channel. After a lot of searching, I finally found a part-time online job, so I will see if I can make things work
It depends on where you choose to live in the United States. In small-town America, you're probably safe and life is probably affordable.
But in major urban areas, you face massive crime and high cost of living. Especially in cities like New York and Los Angeles and San Francisco. People in NYC steal with impunity.
You face massive homelessness on the street. You face random and rampant gun violence. You face poor infrastructure (just look at the New York subway!).
You face filthy streets. You face fentanyl addicts. You face poor health care and poor education.
I would NEVER choose to live in the United States. Also, you're right, American culture is vapid and superficial and lacking in substance.
But safety isn't the only issue for the USA. Politics, education, food, healthcare, IRS, mass shootings, cost of living etc. . Federally: and as he mentioned- corporations lobbying our politicians and why many of our issues will not get better. Then there are phone scams. Did you know that in Scotland they don't have phone scams or robo calls because it is outlawed and blocked? Doesn't exist! Wow. My kind of country!
As a Chinese I actually think the ranking make sense, China is a very big and diverse country, the most developed places in China might be rank top 10 in terms of safty, however there are still many places in China, that the locals are very uneducated also with low moral standrad. In China, generally speaking you don't need to worry about personal physical safty, however, lying cheating frauding is still a major issue in China, and its not something that can be improved easily.
You are indeed fortunate! I don’t blame you for choosing to live the life that fits for you instead of going back to a culture that is not you at all. Would you say that perhaps one of the best things you got from the US was homeschooling, which allowed you to grow into an individual who can think critically rather than a brainwashed person? I wish everybody had the choice and chance to live the life that suits them. I just visited the US for a short trip again and agree with all that you had said in your video from your last visit. Not that it is much better here in Canada. I tried living in the country here, raising my children close to nature with the hope of being at least a bit self sufficient. I suppose I was too naive and didn’t realize the issues with farmers spraying pesticides all around us, the impact of the oil and gas industry on the land around us and other things. There was good things, like homeschooling. There was good things when I grew up in Germany, one of which was the quality of food.
Anyway, it was good to learn about China from you and your wife. Will be interesting to learn more about Portugal! Good luck!
Yes, I didn't see the value of Homeschooling when I was at home, but now I'm very thankful that my parents taught me at home. Sounds like the area you were living in wasn't the best environment, hopefully things are better now.
As someone born and raised in USA, I am totally with you. I don't feel i fit in with US culture either. Much of what you say i can certainly relate. I loathe MANY of things about the USA currently here in 2024 from the lack of social safety nets, the homelessness caused by this and caused by the enabling of land people to price gouge on rents and mortgages, out of control gun violence, all the anti DEI and book ban stuff, no universal singlepayer healthcare still unlike rest of developed world, the criminalizing of homelessness to add insult to injury, the toxic work culture as mentioned here on video, out of control private health insurance that are basically legalized scams forcing people into debt against their will hence no universal singlepayer healthcare, the ableism against developmentally disabled, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, religionism, sexism, the war mongering, STILL many screaming communism as some derogatory thing without them knowing what communism and socialism really is, etc..Also, like you, I am not a major sports fan either. Never have been. I have been considering expating USA lately due to how things still are here decades later alongside the recent horrible laws passed in some states with the threat of a 2nd Trump presidency and threat of Project 2025 being forced on everyone here in USA if Trump or any GOP President becomes elected as US President. The USA is a lost cause as far as becoming to be on par with the rest of developed world. And ABSOLUTELY agree that the so called American dream is nothing more than a false illusion. Especially now here in 2024. Also, I believe the USA back in 1776 was founded with good intent, however over these last nearly 250 years, many of times USA has been FAR from what the founding fathers intended and here in 2024, USA is FAR from what the founding fathers of 1776 intended as well with everything going on right now in USA here in 2024. Thank you for this video and is much appreciated and something i myself needed to hear.
9:44 i believe the NewsNation's report got misspelling problem say 'reading' as well as wrong terms using like 'great recession'.
Portugal being in Europe is going down the economic drain due to the crazy war mongering and WEF crazy EU. Have you considered Asia. Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia are excellent choices. Food choices is fantastic and really good like China, its much cheaper than EU or any Western country including Australia and Canada
I’m looking at the south of France areas. Yes, not as cheap as other countries, but still cheaper than US. Just gathering information now, but I’m almost 48, have a military pension, but not sure if it would be enough.
Best selection. 100x better than the country where you were born. I am sure you and Yvonne will be very happy in Portugal.
Hello and thank you for this video !
I am curious ti know where have chosen to live in Portugal ? Myself , 2 years ago I have been planing to move overthere too , but when i did visit , i did change my mind , it is tru that I am much older then you , ( 68, and live qin Brussel) ) and I am also living on own ,so , it's a bit defferent .But I have freinds who are living in Portugal ....☺😉.
We are moving to the Coimbra area. Found a nice little farm is a smaller village and hopefully we can garden and do some homesteading!
@@TripBitten A little to the Northeast, you will find Covilhã. No, I don't live there, but I have been there as Covilhã is where one of the worlds largest "Green" data centers is. Also in your new area is iParque (just a bunch of buildings). I have been to both places for work. I may have mentioned that we live part time in Tangier, Morocco. Open invite: If you guys haven't already, come visit Tangier. It is a $22, 75-minute RyanAir flight away from Lisbon.
@@TripBitten oh yes I see ... i haven't visit that town , but on foto it's wonderful ! And the university is so famous ! congratulations
In the movie 7 years in Tibet, there is a scene where the local Tibetan woman tells the Brad Pitt character that over here we don’t admire you for what you can do but who you are as a person. In the US it’s all about that and how confident, rich and athletic or something stupid like that. In watching your videos I think you get that and have chosen a sane peaceful life and you will definitely live a good one. The US is a very superficial place and took me a while to understand that. Doesn’t mean there are no good people here, and I don’t want to paint everyone with the same brush, just not something you come across too easily. My guess is we be going through either a revolution or a civil war in the coming decades as things are beginning to collide with overwhelming greed by the oligarchy.
I’m really sad to learn you’re leaving China. It reminds me that China is not a country where one can easily settle or retire. It is my dream to retire here but more and more it’s becoming a dream deferred. I have a few more years and then have to make some tough decisions as to where to go.
Like you America is not an option for me for the same reasons, in addition to being a black woman and dealing with the blatant racism. 😢
You have been sharing your story in the comments for some time now and I appreciate it. Seems you have a much better life now here in China. Obviously, I can't understand how it was for you in the US, but like you said, racism can be blatant and awful. I think having many voices from different backgrounds helps push the narrative that China is okay and a decent place to live.
I can’t help but agree with some of your analysis I think a parliamentary system is better- having more diversity of parties who form coalitions when necessary gives a more diverse representation - also big money needs to get out of politics. The electoral college is not representative and complicates unnecessary .
I have been to some countries in Europe. There are too many thieves, the infrastructure is backward, the subways are very old, and the consumption is extremely high. It won't change in a hundred years! ! Not an ideal place to live. I have not been to Portugal, but it is really small, but among the 26 countries in the European Union, it is quite nice to be able to move around at will. I wish you happiness! China's ranking is so strange that it is not as good as Canada. There are many robberies in Canada and marijuana is legal. In fact, there is more freedom in Communist China than in the United States. You can walk on the streets at night and drink without fear of being shot by a black man. 40,000 people are shot and killed in the United States every year, which is really terrible!In a country with excessive freedom, shootings occur every day. Many innocent people died!American pork and beef contain ractopamine! Can cause cancer. Leaving the United States was the right choice!