What's nice about where you live

[WomanAtTheWell]

or more generally about living abroad? No reason really - just need cheering up and a reminder of the good things about living overseas

I'm Italian and we now live in Italy after yrs of living in the UK.

What's nicer here?
The weather, of course.
The mediterranean sea. The Alps and Dolomites.
Nicer shops.
And people are - in general - easier to get to know, and less uptight.

There's plenty of negatives though, especially if compared to the UK, and the list is sadly very long (missing the uk emoticon!)

I have just had a lovely morning, and got over my annual homesickness, so, in my little part of France,

Indian summers.
Living outside for eight months of the year.
Markets.
No school on Wednesdays.
Fabulous school.
Village life.
Millions of clubs and hobbies for the d.c, but also for us.
Not owning an umbrella.
Being able to ski and have lots of mini holidays without breaking the bank.

It has taken me a while to get here though, and being apart from family is still hard.

Hmm both sound nice! I'm with you on the living outside bit and I like that we have hot summers but I'm not so keen on the winter which is very cold. Also joining you Franca on the missing the UK emoticon!

Erm, my answer would be that my daughter (almost 7) can't wait to get back to "the bestest school in the world on Monday"

waves to Franca

will try to think of something

• Living somewhere where people are generally positive about the future, the economy and their prospects

-Low taxes

• Beaches and countryside within a short drive of a major city
• Great social scene- people are very inclusive
• Streets are clean
• Great public sports facilities
• Good healthcare

BUT

• high rents and living expenses generally
• poor air quality

Where are you Bagged?

Great outdoor life for DD and DH, cheap beer and fags and really nice people who mainly speak english. We are an hour away from stunning beaches and 15 minutes away from Antwerp. All in all it suits us very well.

Sunny all year round, good beaches, warm sea
French benefits like social security, high standards of healthcare and no need for a work visa!
Easy access to exciting holiday destinations
It's definitely different :)
When you can find an English speaking person they're usually very friendly!

There are downsides too but I'm trying not to moan.

"Where are you Bagged?"

Hong Kong- not often thought of as a "green" city but actually, most of it is too steep to build on so there is lots of accessible hiking to be had.

I guess I should add mine to the list!

DCs fluent in a second language
Less of a consumer society so no peer pressure to have the latest thing
Definitely the 'takes a village to raise a child' ethos going on (although that has it's downsides too!)

I would say similar to Bagged except:

Streets (definitely public amenities ) possibly cleaner
Less air pollution

Also
Great opportunities to travel
Hot all year round
Very low crime rates

But
No seasons to speak of
Wine/beer v.expensive

And of course not too much hiking as it's very flat!