I received the following report from Internations, which is pretty accurate since it's feedback from real life expats rather than from some number churning economist.
The best destinations for Expats 2016.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Norway the price of "free"
Imagine you've never lived in Norway and you read about all the "free" benefits provided here, you would think "Wow what a great deal, let me move there right away! Holy crap where have I been living compared to this paradise?!?". In return you pay in excess of 40-45% taxes up front at the very minimum, and more hidden taxes in other living costs, would that then be a great deal? What if you paid almost no taxes and then had to pay for everything else? Would that be a worse off deal?
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Norway in deficit
Norway is spending more money than it is bringing in. The first time in more than 20 years. Here's the link in Norwegian and the link in English.
What now? An increase in taxes perhaps? You can bet every kroner that that's what the government will do sooner or later, citing it for the benefit of all its citizens of course. If not, well let's just keep drilling for oil. One thing is for certain, this isn't going to change anytime soon.
Monday, August 8, 2016
Post Brexit
So it looks like Brexit happened and the British will be out of the EU zone in the next two years. What sort of "exit" this will actually result in remains to be seen. The pound has fallen off a cliff and looks like it will head to par with the US dollar. Even so I would rather hold the pound than the Euro. By the way if you haven't heard about the recent attacks in France, these are all symptoms of Europe breaking apart and along with that, the fall of the Euro. No political union can last, when the people of Europe all speak different languages and can't stand each other. The arrival of the refugees has only accelerated the problem. Thankfully Norway does not hold the Euro, but Norway has its own problems as outlined before. No the falling pound is not good for those who hold it, but in the longer term the British people will be able to own their own country by being able to write their own laws rather than have some clowns in a foreign land dictating what they can and cannot do. If you ask me Norway is completely foolish in paying billions to the EU commission in allowing them to trade with the so called single market, yet people in Norway still have to pay additional import taxes when they import items from the EU.
First strike, Brexit.
The Euro will not last and Britain leaving is the beginning of many nails in the coffin for the political currency called the Euro.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
BREXIT
The fate of Britain hangs in the balance. Will the Brits vote to stay or leave the EU? Let's face some facts here, there is absolutely nothing of benefit staying in the EU, but plenty of benefits for the unelected politicians and the politically connected. Hundreds of other countries outside trade with Europe and they are not part of the EU, and they're doing fine, thank you very much.
The long term trade is to not hold the Euro, but if Britain votes NOT to leave the Eurozone then you can add the pound to that list, a slow "death by association". If Britain leaves you can bet that this will start a contagion and a breakup of the Eurozone. One way or another this will be determined soon.
The long term trade is to not hold the Euro, but if Britain votes NOT to leave the Eurozone then you can add the pound to that list, a slow "death by association". If Britain leaves you can bet that this will start a contagion and a breakup of the Eurozone. One way or another this will be determined soon.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Finland, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Days 42 to 43
8th Jan to 9th Jan
I spent about 30+ hours flying from Finland to Singapore over 2 days. My flight from Switzerland to Hong Kong was delayed by more than 8 hours, apparently the plane did not even show up. So my flight to Singapore was also delayed. Needless to say, I wasn't so happy about it all, but I was glad to land eventually. I spent 43 days travelling covering a lot of distance and I saw a lot of things, to sum it up in two words, it was bloody amazing. In particular I really loved the countryside of Ireland and Scotland. Truly amazing.
I spent about 30+ hours flying from Finland to Singapore over 2 days. My flight from Switzerland to Hong Kong was delayed by more than 8 hours, apparently the plane did not even show up. So my flight to Singapore was also delayed. Needless to say, I wasn't so happy about it all, but I was glad to land eventually. I spent 43 days travelling covering a lot of distance and I saw a lot of things, to sum it up in two words, it was bloody amazing. In particular I really loved the countryside of Ireland and Scotland. Truly amazing.
The aliens have landed in Zurich Airport.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Helsinki, Finland, Days 34 to 41, Katajanokka Prison, Lux Helsinki, Helsinki, Helsinki, Helsinki!
1st Jan to 8th Jan 2016
From the 1st of Jan up to the 8th of Jan I was in Helsinki, mostly wandering around and taking my own time exploring the place. I have been here plenty of times, at least 4 and I've pretty much seen all there is to see. Helsinki has a special place in my heart though, I love design and the city just resonates with me on that level. So what better way than to spend New Year in one of its prisons? I also went to the Lux Helsinki which is a light festival. Funny story, we started off with around 10 people at 7pm, there was the South Africans, the Canadians and the Asians. With less than 2 hours to go, the South Africans left, and so did the Asians, as it was too cold. And it was quite cold, -25 excluding wind chill. So it was just me and the 2 Canadians left. You know you've lived in Norway too long when you're the only Asian surviving in a tour that's held outside at -25. It was so cold my phone battery went to 0% with less than 2 hours of usage. Even the water in my water bottle froze!
On the 9th of Jan I flew to Zurich, then to Hong Kong and finally to Singapore.
From the 1st of Jan up to the 8th of Jan I was in Helsinki, mostly wandering around and taking my own time exploring the place. I have been here plenty of times, at least 4 and I've pretty much seen all there is to see. Helsinki has a special place in my heart though, I love design and the city just resonates with me on that level. So what better way than to spend New Year in one of its prisons? I also went to the Lux Helsinki which is a light festival. Funny story, we started off with around 10 people at 7pm, there was the South Africans, the Canadians and the Asians. With less than 2 hours to go, the South Africans left, and so did the Asians, as it was too cold. And it was quite cold, -25 excluding wind chill. So it was just me and the 2 Canadians left. You know you've lived in Norway too long when you're the only Asian surviving in a tour that's held outside at -25. It was so cold my phone battery went to 0% with less than 2 hours of usage. Even the water in my water bottle froze!
On the 9th of Jan I flew to Zurich, then to Hong Kong and finally to Singapore.
Katajanokka Prison.
Katajanokka Prison.
Esplanade.
Katajanokka Prison.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Berlin, Helsinki, Days 31 to 33, Potsdam, Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen, Katajanokka Prison
Dec 29th to Dec 31st
On the 29th of Dec some asshole by the name Alberto Pilon (of Salerno, Italy) of stole my laptop and camera. Thankfully both him and his associate Massimiliano Rossi (also another focking Italian scumbag) are probably dead and killed now. Curses aside, always keep your things safe with you, mine were under my bed yet the muthafocker stole it when I went to breakfast. That didn't stop me from going to Potsdam, a very nice town in Germany where I took photos and met up with a friend who is studying there.
On the 30th of Dec I went to visit Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen which was a political prison back in the days of East West Germany. People were put into prison for all sorts of reasons, all of them being very ridiculous. If you have seen the movie "Bridge of spies", part of it was shot in this prison. The tour guide informed us that his grandmother was put into prison for 2 years for distributing pamphlets relating to Christianity because she was accused of disturbing the peace of the world. Really insane. Some young girl was imprisoned for 8 years for putting on make up on a picture of Stalin because he looked pale. Very eye opening. I also met a friend where we had some tea and just talked.
On New Year's Day I flew to Helsinki, Finland, where I would spend about a week there before flying to Hong Kong. I stayed in a prison. Yes, I stayed in a prison and it was the best prison I've stayed in!
On the 29th of Dec some asshole by the name Alberto Pilon (of Salerno, Italy) of stole my laptop and camera. Thankfully both him and his associate Massimiliano Rossi (also another focking Italian scumbag) are probably dead and killed now. Curses aside, always keep your things safe with you, mine were under my bed yet the muthafocker stole it when I went to breakfast. That didn't stop me from going to Potsdam, a very nice town in Germany where I took photos and met up with a friend who is studying there.
On the 30th of Dec I went to visit Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen which was a political prison back in the days of East West Germany. People were put into prison for all sorts of reasons, all of them being very ridiculous. If you have seen the movie "Bridge of spies", part of it was shot in this prison. The tour guide informed us that his grandmother was put into prison for 2 years for distributing pamphlets relating to Christianity because she was accused of disturbing the peace of the world. Really insane. Some young girl was imprisoned for 8 years for putting on make up on a picture of Stalin because he looked pale. Very eye opening. I also met a friend where we had some tea and just talked.
On New Year's Day I flew to Helsinki, Finland, where I would spend about a week there before flying to Hong Kong. I stayed in a prison. Yes, I stayed in a prison and it was the best prison I've stayed in!
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Berlin, Days 28 to 30, Germany, Jewish Museum, Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, Neues Museum
26th to 28th Dec
From the 26th to the 28th of Dec I was in Berlin, doing a round of museum visits. The Jewish museum had really interesting architecture. The Pergamon museum, Bode museum and Neues museum were located on museum island and those were really large and comprehensive as well. Berlin is modern because of what happened during WW2, but there's a lot of history behind it.
From the 26th to the 28th of Dec I was in Berlin, doing a round of museum visits. The Jewish museum had really interesting architecture. The Pergamon museum, Bode museum and Neues museum were located on museum island and those were really large and comprehensive as well. Berlin is modern because of what happened during WW2, but there's a lot of history behind it.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Scotland, Days 25 to 27, Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, Stirling
23rd to 25th Dec
From the 23rd of Dec to the 25th of Dec I was in Edinburgh and flew out to Berlin on the morning of the 25th, Xmas day. On the 24th I went to Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle. Stirling is the area where the battles of William Wallace and the English took place.
From the 23rd of Dec to the 25th of Dec I was in Edinburgh and flew out to Berlin on the morning of the 25th, Xmas day. On the 24th I went to Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle. Stirling is the area where the battles of William Wallace and the English took place.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Scotland, Days 22 to 24, Edinburgh, Loch Ness
20th to 22nd Dec
On the evening of the 19th we arrived into Edinburgh via train from Durham. I spent the next couple of days here, including a day trip to Loch Ness on the 22nd of December.
Edinburgh is an amazing city, with the old town and new town on different sides. The old town has buildings which are more than 300 years old! You could say the entire town is an antique.
Loch ness was a trip that I wish I was better. There were just way too many people on board the bus. Urquhart castle was the highlight of the trip, being on loch ness itself wasn't that great. The weather was frankly quite awful that day. But I did however spot Nessie!
Scotland would be my final stop in the UK after which I would fly to Berlin in Germany.
On the evening of the 19th we arrived into Edinburgh via train from Durham. I spent the next couple of days here, including a day trip to Loch Ness on the 22nd of December.
Edinburgh is an amazing city, with the old town and new town on different sides. The old town has buildings which are more than 300 years old! You could say the entire town is an antique.
Loch ness was a trip that I wish I was better. There were just way too many people on board the bus. Urquhart castle was the highlight of the trip, being on loch ness itself wasn't that great. The weather was frankly quite awful that day. But I did however spot Nessie!
Scotland would be my final stop in the UK after which I would fly to Berlin in Germany.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
England, Days 18 to 21, Harrogate, York, Durham
16th to 19th Dec
I caught the train from Manchester to Leeds and then to Harrogate, my next port of call where I visited a friend. I arrived in the evening. Spent 3 days there with a day trip to York. On the 18th I caught the train from Harrogate to Durham and then on the 19th we caught the train to Edinburgh in the evening. In Durham I stayed with a friend's grandma, that was an interesting night. Durham would be my last stop before Scotland.
I caught the train from Manchester to Leeds and then to Harrogate, my next port of call where I visited a friend. I arrived in the evening. Spent 3 days there with a day trip to York. On the 18th I caught the train from Harrogate to Durham and then on the 19th we caught the train to Edinburgh in the evening. In Durham I stayed with a friend's grandma, that was an interesting night. Durham would be my last stop before Scotland.
Monday, February 1, 2016
England, Days 13 to 17, Manchester, Blackburn Rovers, National Football museum
11th Dec to 15th Dec
From the 11th Dec onwards I was in Manchester. I caught the train from Liverpool. The highlights were the Museum of Manchester, Chinatown, and the National Football museum.
On the 14th I did a day trip to Blackburn where I saw Blackburn play against Nottingham Forest to a dour 0-0 draw. The highlight of that game was Alan Shearer being the guest of honour. Back in 1994 when I saw them play I never would've thought I would actually visit Ewood Park one day to see them play live.
From the 11th Dec onwards I was in Manchester. I caught the train from Liverpool. The highlights were the Museum of Manchester, Chinatown, and the National Football museum.
On the 14th I did a day trip to Blackburn where I saw Blackburn play against Nottingham Forest to a dour 0-0 draw. The highlight of that game was Alan Shearer being the guest of honour. Back in 1994 when I saw them play I never would've thought I would actually visit Ewood Park one day to see them play live.
Museum of Manchester.
Museum of Manchester.
Museum of Manchester.
Alan Turing Memorial, Manchester.
Chinatown, Manchester.
Santa Claus in Manchester.
Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester.
Manchester.
Manchester.
Blackburn Cathedral.
Blackburn station.
Blackburn.
Blackburn Rovers FC.
Blackburn Rovers FC.
Blackburn Rovers FC.
Blackburn Rovers FC.
Alan Shearer (centred), Blackburn Rovers FC.
Rhodes and gang. Blackburn Rovers FC.
Blackburn Rovers FC.
Blackburn Rovers FC.
Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester.
Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester.
National Football museum, Manchester.
Soccer wars jerseys! National Football museum, Manchester.
How football used to be played. National Football museum, Manchester.
The famous German. National Football museum, Manchester.
Anyone remember this mascot from a World Cup? National Football museum, Manchester.
Manchester Cathedral.
Friday, January 29, 2016
England, Days 10 to 12, Liverpool, Beatles Museum
Dec 8th to 10th
On the morning of the 8th I caught the train from Holyhead to Liverpool via Chester. And of course using the UK's journey planner called IPTIS (Integrated Public Transport Information System) that I personally worked on living in Australia. Now I'm literally eating my own dog food everyday.
I visited Liverpool one, Albert Dock, both Beatles museums, the Museum of Liverpool, the Liverpool Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the main library.
On the morning of the 8th I caught the train from Holyhead to Liverpool via Chester. And of course using the UK's journey planner called IPTIS (Integrated Public Transport Information System) that I personally worked on living in Australia. Now I'm literally eating my own dog food everyday.
I visited Liverpool one, Albert Dock, both Beatles museums, the Museum of Liverpool, the Liverpool Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the main library.
The Wheel of Liverpool. Nowadays every modern city has a ferris wheel.
Beatles Museum, worth going to! There's two, the other one is closer to the ferry terminal along Albert Dock.
John Lennon's glasses.
Museum of Liverpool.
Liverpool club shop.
Near Liverpool One, the Christmas markets were going on at this time of the year.
Inside the Liverpool Cathedral. There's a bridge that you can go on.
Metropolitan Cathedral.
Cavern club where the Beatles used to perform.
Albert Dock, Liverpool.
Liverpool Library.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Wales, Days 8 to 9, Holyhead, South Stack, North Stack, Holyhead mountain
6th to 8th Dec
Following Dublin I caught a ferry to the coast of Wales. The weather was absolutely terrible on the 6th, with flooding in different parts of the country including England. My ferry was delayed by several hours. Thankfully that was all. I arrived mid afternoon on the 6th of Dec in Holyhead and spent the rest of the evening walking around town and just enjoying myself with finally getting some alone time after 2 weeks of bunking with strangers.
On the 7th I had an absolute epic hike around the coast of Holyhead, it was really beautiful. Windy but beautiful. I was the only one there, it was stunning.
Following Dublin I caught a ferry to the coast of Wales. The weather was absolutely terrible on the 6th, with flooding in different parts of the country including England. My ferry was delayed by several hours. Thankfully that was all. I arrived mid afternoon on the 6th of Dec in Holyhead and spent the rest of the evening walking around town and just enjoying myself with finally getting some alone time after 2 weeks of bunking with strangers.
On the 7th I had an absolute epic hike around the coast of Holyhead, it was really beautiful. Windy but beautiful. I was the only one there, it was stunning.
Coast of Holyhead, Wales
Coast of Holyhead, Wales
Coast of Holyhead, Wales
Coast of Holyhead, Wales
Wild horses
Woohoo!
Coast of Holyhead Wales, a few steps ahead is a massive cliff drop
Coast of Holyhead, Wales
Spectacular cliff drops
Horses
Lighthouse
Top of Holyhead mountain, so windy I could not even stand up!
Top of Holyhead mountain
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