In love with a country... you've never been to?

[Angela]

Originally Posted by Ibanez

What do you do down there?

I had in mind to get a job and live there for a few years, but when I arrived I found such abject poverty and rampant unemployment that me taking a job would have meant taking food out of a local's mouth, so I just lived off my savings. Went to a language school in Rio; boarded with a local family, travelled around, wrote. In Salvador there was so much to explore. What an insanely fabulous spot. Just talking about makes we want to visit (but I don't want to live there again.)

[rush23]

For me, India, Japan and Mexico hold a special fascination for me...

India is a beautiful, magical country with a rich history, contrasting landscapes and breathtaking landmarks (one of which is the spectacular Taj Mahal - the most famous tribute to love). Also, they have Bollywood, which I love!

As a child, I loved Japan for some then unknown reason, but now I know. It also has a rich history and beautiful scenery. Also, I love their deep respect for culture - truly admirable.

When I think of Mexico, I think of fiery, sexy street parties where the only rule is don't be boring! High energy and full of life - so much passion and zest!

[Rose of Cairo]

I'm totally in love with Russia! never been there. Ten years ago I saw a russian movie and fell in love with the russian language. Then with russian literature. Then with the whole country, the people, the mindset... everything. When I hear someone speaking russian, I feel very lucky. I'd like to live there some day. But, for some strange reason I'm not aware of, I never learnt to speak russian myself.

[Cath]

Ever since I found out Xena was being filmed in New Zealand, it has been my wish to find out if it's really so beautiful

[Restrikted]

Japan for me.

[Gemini15]

Originally Posted by Cath

Ever since I found out Xena was being filmed in New Zealand, it has been my wish to find out if it's really so beautiful

Go, particularly the south island a beautiful place. Just visit you won't be disapointed. I have been once and intend to go again soon.

Great scenery, low population, friendly people (especially if the All Blacks are winning)

They love beating Australia in sport

[agnostic]

I think you fell in love with your representation of the country. I hope for you that the real country can match your expectations.

[JimC]

I have actually fell in love with Australia too. I hear the cost of living there is cheaper than the US. I'd like to take a visit though, of course, before moving.

I have heard it has become pretty much like the US though, which disappoints me. The idea is to get away from our government and the inane fundies and extremists. To my knowledge, Aus is more peaceful and tame. Many gangs? I dunno. Is the education system better?

I have a lot of questions that nobody has answered for me. Research seems to be a little bias or outdated. I'd prefer to hear from someone who has lived in the US and Aus.

[Erki]

I have read that at least Perth is very peaceful place - but it's quite isolated from other big places.

The thing I'd be more worried about is th dangerous animals in Australia - hard there's a fair few of them there.

[aussieNickuss]

Originally Posted by Erki

I have read that at least Perth is very peaceful place - but it's quite isolated from other big places.

Perth's isolation isn't really a problem. It is a very large, fully self contained modern city. It just takes longer to get there.

Originally Posted by Erki

The thing I'd be more worried about is th dangerous animals in Australia - hard there's a fair few of them there.

Don't believe what you see on TV. Most of our dangerous animals are usually hidden away in the outback a very long way away from (sane) human communities.

The most dangerous animals near me are snakes which only come out in the really hot parts of summer and unless you like walking through very long grass without shoes on, then the snakes don't pose much of a threat.

I have heard it has become pretty much like the US though, which disappoints me. The idea is to get away from our government and the inane fundies and extremists. To my knowledge, Aus is more peaceful and tame. Many gangs? I dunno. Is the education system better?

There are small gangs in the poor western suburbs of most cities, but they are nothing like the extreme violence, shootings and crimes I've heard about the US.

I think the education system is good. I work at a public high school and we have all the equipment and facilities to provide a quality education to students and whenever my IT department needs anything new, then its not hard to get the money to do so (the same with other departments). We also have a 99.99% literacy rate which I think is the highest in the world. The education system could be better though, especially in higher education. Our stupid liberal government and the little ^&*#$ of a prime minister (John Howard) cut funding to universities.

[Gemini15]

Originally Posted by Erki

I have read that at least Perth is very peaceful place - but it's quite isolated from other big places.


The thing I'd be more worried about is th dangerous animals in Australia - hard there's a fair few of them there.

Thats why they invented the aeroplane so you can get there faster!


Keep the doors shut. Most animals can't open doors: Australia is a huge country and yes we do have some dangerous animals. Most of these are in different areas. Some like the tropics to the north, others like the dry conditions of the outback etc etc As in most countries there is more to fear from other drivers than animals

[TopGunMaverick]

I'd probably add California (San Francisco) to my 2nd choice too. :-D

[Billy]

One thing we do in Australia is drive a lot. In the time it takes to get say from Sydney to Melbourne, in Europe we would have probably crossed five countries borders. But it is a great place, Go the Aussies.

[Erki]

Originally Posted by Billy

One thing we do in Australia is drive a lot. In the time it takes to get say from Sydney to Melbourne, in Europe we would have probably crossed five countries borders. But it is a great place, Go the Aussies.

Yep, New South Wales has some pretty good roads... YouTube - Lap of the Gods #1 - Greg Murphy Bathurst 2003

[Erki]

Originally Posted by Gemini15

Keep the doors shut. Most animals can't open doors:

I would, but closed doors ain't much help when I'm nowhere near that door. Aussieland seems to be a great place for some outdoor adventures so I wouldn't want to keep myself between four walls.

And yes, I DO want to walk barefoot or lie on lawn/short grass.

[LifeFirst]

Man...I can't wait to leave America. I've been here for nearly 15 years...and I'm still not used to living here. Everything is so inconvenient compare to places like China and Japan. Everything there is so simple...although they do worship America a lot...something I can never figure out.

[jsot]

I don't know about "in love with" but I'm interested in the Netherlands because the girl I like is from there.

[Blake30]

I've gotta say that I love to travel, and I've always been fascinated with Canada. Places like Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec City, and Toronto are very appealing to me, and I'd love to visit those places in the near future.

Germany is another place that gets my vote.

[Amadeus]

Big people as well...

No offence to healthy Americans but statistically...your a fat country

Akashic, the rest of the World is catching up pretty quickly. By the way, I take offense of your little stab at Christianity. I don't know why you have to belittle someone's religion as your theme. Why don't you throw off on other religions, cultures, or ideas? Why are you picking on Christianity, to grab attention?

[chaostheory]

Mine would have to be Prague.

[Zukin]

I would like to go to a peaceful place that has a favorable exchange rate with the dollar (which rules out Europe right now - not because it's not peaceful, but because the Euro is expensive relative to the dollar!)

[Addict]

The fiancee and I are in love with Argentina, but we plan on going soon.

[Livgivare]

My list would be probobly very long...but here are a few countries I'd like to visit and like:

Russia
Iceland
Ireland
Canada
Botswana
Slovakia
New Zeeland
Hungary

Like I said the list could go on and on and on...but my first choice would probobly be Russia or Canada...

Love Leelene

[BlueCrane]

Being German, I have travelled a lot and lived in South Africa for 22 years to finally settle in Austria this year - but the 2 places I want to and will travel to still are 1. the South Pacific Islands (that dream is VERY old), and 2. Costa Rica.

Why? I wonder myself sometimes, all the beauty I suppose - but these dreams won't go away, so I'll 'do' them for sure.