Great things about living in Germany

I saw that, but had no reasonable way to handicap that factor.

Sometimes anecdotal indicators are better: Number of German families who send their kids to British boarding schools/universities = lots and lots. Number of British families who send their kids to German boarding schools/universities = probably zero. Number of German university grads who move to The City for their first job = lots and lots. Number of British university grads who move to Frankfurt for their first job = probably zero. Etc.

Unfortunately for Germany longer term, the flow is pretty much an Einbahnstrasse.

From anecdotal evidence, I would say that very few of the boarding school kids or university students intend to stay in Britain for the long run.

I don't want to make this another silly debate but when you talk about one way streets i've already given you personal experience above that that is not true.

Me personally, I just swapped places with my German ex-wife who lives in my home town and I live in hers.

Btw, according to the Statistisches Bundesamt, there are roughly 100,000 British citizens living in Germany (excludes Army personnel, and excludes German citizens born in Britain).

@houstontx (one of the worst cities in the USA): " Having lived in all major US cities I can safely say that other than NY, the food sucks. "

ALL cities? That's really something. You clearly didn't live in San Francisco, the most wonderful city in the USA (with excellent restaurants/ cuisine from all over the globe).

Mmmm not too many Germans like the British bread.

I don't know if I would be happier in the UK - I have been overseas so long that perhaps it is just the idea of "home" that I am homesick for. But must say that I passed small beautiful hedgehog this afternoon, snuffling around in the leaves, while I was taking our (elderly) Westie and my sister in law's very energetic 6 mth puppy for a walk. But it was gorgeous this afternoon. We have lovely walks away from the roads - it's beautiful at any time of the year. I could see the Alps this afternoon - all covered in snow. We have the best fresh air ever, very good water (I am actually growing nails past the end of the finger since living in Germany - must be the calcium in the water), and I must say that the Bavarians are always friendly (as opposed to the Rheinlanders - I have spent six (ie 2 X 3) miserable years living in and near to the Bonn).

On the other hand, I am thrilled that I am flying to the UK on Thursday, will see two daughters, my parents and friends. Yeah! (as no 3 daughter would say!)

Today must be hedgehog day!

Nonsense. We had Sunday shopping for nearly 50 years and it did nothing like that. The little shops (mostly specialized) still stay closed Sundays.
The big box stores have to give their employees 2 days off a week.It does make shopping (and siteseeing) a lot more pleasurable and relaxing ,which is the essence of Sunday shopping, particular on a miserable winter day. Go to Edmonton Mall or any other mall and you can do your visiting over a cup of coffee and some sweets. No compulsion to do any other buying. But than, I'm living in uncrowded Canada and if you are not a church or sports person where could you go to see such a collection of bored people?

I recently spent 10 days on business in Broomfield (North of Denver) & whilst I enjoyed it there & most of the meals (helps if your manager is picking up the tab) but I was more than happy to be back home (home for me is Germany after all these years) any enjoy a simple Kohl-and-Hackfleischeintopf...

The weather was better there...

I think most poeple would agree there are lots of good reasons to live in Germany, otherwise we wouldn't be here.

On the topic of eating out, I like the way the bill comes when I ask for it and not before and the way I can sit and finish my drink in peace without being bothered or given the feeling to either order another or hurry up.

I also like the crap filter that came with my second language which allows me to screen out all the normal shite you hear on your way to work in the morning.

EDIT: post edited to reflect mod clean up of off topic posts.

Hahahahaha, never thought about that but you're right.

Hmm, I dunno about lots. Here are my reasons for living in Germany

1) husband and two sons
2) hedgehogs

@westvan..

Then its for lots of love then..

Well, point one, not sure about the hedgehogs...

Who are 'they'? Amazing that all 5.6 million people had the same sunday schedule.

For most people I knew, sunday was for getting pissed and watched NFL. Having shops open just gave the girls something to do so we could drink in peace.

One great thing about living in Germany is having visits from my in-laws.

Well, it's great that my son is getting to know his other grandparents...

That the only thing then? Wouldn't want to be your son--or your in-laws!

But yeah, I agree: my 2 get to see my wife's family all the time here. Good thing.

All the personal space. Hmm, wrong thread. Mods?

I was being sarcastic... I wish they would spend more time with my son! All the want to do is drink coffee, eat cake, and TALK (to me). I can only handle so much TALK, you know?

I'm still trying to figure out what I like here. The bread is great. I wouldn't mind owning a Mercedes Benz, haha.

Actually yes, I do know what you mean. They sit, they eat (and drink) and they talk--but that's all over Europe, I'm afraid. My sister's in Spain half the year and France the other half and she complains of the same thing! It can be tough on kids who're used to more fussing from people back home (meaning the US) but I've been lucky that way. Wife's family is half German and half Italian (German mother, Italian father) and both sides drool equally over our 2!

I like a lot about Germany--including the sausages! But I still miss the US--can't help it.

Clothes that fit right

Yes, I know what you mean, like being back in the 60s . Too much sitting in cafes talking (sorry "philosophising") and not enough doing by quite a few people I know who wonder why their lives aren't getting anywhere whilst the rest of us are pushing on. Puts me in mind of that Elvis song: "a little less conversation, a little more action, please".

I had my parents over from Scotland for a visit a month ago, and that's one of the things they liked about their visit.