From my post yesterday it may have seemed like I do not like Europe or the way things are done here, but that is certainly not the case. First of all, every country and city are different. Just like areas of the U.S. are very different, the countries here are very diverse depending on where you go. But there are some general observations I have made that make me think about how much I will miss Europe when Joe is done playing basketball. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. A Greater Sense of Community
The first country we lived in overseas was Greece. I remember going over to Joe’s coach’s house and noticing there was no television in the main gathering room. I also used to see people sitting out on their porches in the evening visiting with others. Since then we have lived in 6 other European cities in 4 different countries. And everywhere we have been I have noticed that people are much more interactive with one another. In the U.S., we are very productive, but often seem rushed and don’t slow down enough to enjoy the relationships and people around us. We are also extremely independent and don’t rely on others as much as people do here.
2. More Walking
Although the city we are in right now is not ideal for walking, people still do it. And in all the cities we have lived in, people do a lot of walking. Now I am sure people walk a lot in the cities in the U.S. as well, but we live in the ‘burbs, so when people walk it is only for exercise or leisure, not to get places. I love walking to the grocery store and to the kids’ school. The best was in Spain when Joe was able to walk across the street to the gym!
3. Grocery Stores instead of SUPER Markets
Here the grocery stores have many fewer choices than what we have in the U.S. At first this was a hard adjustment, but now I like the simpler shopping. When I get back to the U.S. that first grocery store trip always gives me a bit of a headache. I also love that they make you pay for plastic bags here. It definitely encourages me to use my reusable bags.
4. Slower Pace of Life
Although getting things done around here can sometimes be like pulling teeth, most of the places we have lived have a slower pace of life that is enjoyable. There is not as much of a hurry to fit so many things into a day and people tend to take their time more when eating, visiting, etc. I have said it a lot, but I really do love the time we have together here as a family because we are away from the U.S. where it seems like you are pressured to be involved in lots of activities (although we certainly miss many of those).
How about you? If you have lived somewhere other than your native country, what did you like about where you lived?
I think in each country there have been different things I have enjoyed. Along with those you listed above, I noticed that people do not run out for a quick dinner, but rather they cook from scratch and meals are events. I suppose this goes with a slower pace of life and a greater sense of community, but those things together reminded me of my childhood in rural Minnesota, and I enjoyed it a lot.
I have to say though, having moved to the east coast, I walk a LOT more. I’d say more like I did in Germany or Turkey.
In Zimbabwe and other countries I have lived in southern Africa, I love the fresh fruit and vegetables, walking, and talking for hours over a cup of tea without anyone needing to go anywhere or do an activity, helps you really get to know a person and keep a conversation going.