People from other countries - they’re just better than us, aren’t they?

[PebbleDashedDoor]

I’m on holiday in the Balkans and like everytime I go overseas, it’s difficult not to conclude people from other countries are just better than us.

Immaculately kept, litter free, great service in bars and restaurants by experienced staff, polite well behaved kids eating out in restaurants, not a screen in sight. Everyone generally better looking, better dressed.

Or do I have rose tinted holiday goggles on?

She defended herself here and said it's not gonna be useful. I mean who will never need to deal with shapes and geometry in the real world

If you read any history of the region, you will note the term used frequently, especially in relation to both world wars.

The term 'Balkanisation' is derived from the region and also its political dynamics.

Because living in the US doesn't mean I'm clueless about the rest of the world. We have the internet now, ya know.

I've lived elsewhere, and was educated outside of the US. I have many relatives and friends living in the UK and various European countries and also Australia and NZ.

Since I have observed the US for many years I'm in a position to comment on vocational ed here too. Many high schools offer a wide range of vocational subjects that are available even for kids on an academic track. You can get a state license in hairdressing, barbering, phlebotomy, certified nurse assistant, and several other practical licenses in the local high school here.

Have you been to Ukraine or Gaza...?

I've not only read history of the region, I've also written it.
Perhaps if you'd actually read what I wrote before replying you'd understand what I was saying about the actual meaning of the term "Balkan".
I can assure you that in World War One there was NO confusion between the Italian Front and the Balkan front...for example. But your average Rick Steve's traveller today...

I also recommend Maria Todorova's work on why the term is frequently offensive. She is Bulgarian and frankly her thoughts on this count for more than yours do.

May I be ULTRA-clear for the avoidance of doubt?: The famous "Balkan Wars" of the early 1910s, which contributed to the outbreak of world war one, involved Serbia, Montenegro, Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey, and land that became Albania and Macedonia. Later Romania pitched in.
So I repeat my point: "Balkan" is NOT a synonym for Yugoslavia. These countries did not all become part of Yugoslavia - and not all parts of the former Yugoslavia are in/near the eponymous Balkan mountains.

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Some of the things that make Britain Great are not obvious at first glance.
One example: in some other modern European countries, bribery is the norm in certain situations eg to get good medical care. Apart from knowing remarks about local government officials, estate agents etcetera, bribery is not a part of British life , so far as I know.