Close Reading

Home will always be home; nothing else compares.

I live in Canada over 30 years, and I never accepted this country as my home, Canada wasn't my choice. I wanted stay in Europe in Germany, country that was stolen from Germans, I am from Europe and there is my home we wore sent far away to another continent from our own, far from families and tradition, culture, religion, Europeans people wore replaced with different ethnic group of people from different continents with different values, religions, cultures and traditions. They have nothing in common with Europe, they even do not look like European people, Canada is a country without face, without culture, without religion, and what is the worse without any value of morality, to the people living in Canada dollar is their value, dollar is their God, beside Canada was always overrated, Canada is empty of beautiful things like monuments, statues, sculptures, beautiful buildings, bridges, parks, cathedrals, churches only emptiness a sad feeling of having no emotion or purpose only work and work days and nights, take mortgage, take loan, pay back and take another loan so you must be all your life in debt, there is nothing for you soul, and finally if you surrounded with ugliness you became animals, Canada is a perfect place for those kind of people that they do not care for beautiful things, and they keep dying like an animals.

Canadiens will have to embrace the land of always Winter that is the far north of the country.

Visiting foreign countries is one thing, but living in a foreign country is a different thing, especially if you're not born and raised there. Every country have the good parts and their issues. Good luck with your decision, and always remember your roots. Having travel to many parts of this world and experiences I'll never forget, never give up your Canadian citizenship. After trying to make up my mind to move to a foreign country, I discovered my home is where my roots are. This is where I returned to and this is where I'll stay now with no thoughts of ever leaving again.

I've traveled to Europe, visited most Asian countries. I really like Japanese society, most people are very nice country is clean, cost are reasonable. Always happy to come home to Calgary it's still great as I own my own house car etc. Youth has been sold out for the bankers.

Although I agree Canada is in trouble, don't be fooled to think other countries are doing better. Always remember running from a problem and thinking the grass is greener elsewhere is a good way to end up exhausted and disheartened.

People all always unhappy with their government. But they don't chicken out as quick as they do in Canada. One bad government, and people already moving out! Unbelievable. Did you guys ever consider changing the government?

Canada is not home, it's standard Hotel where travellers check in and out next day or week, some stayed a year or two and have their kids born in hotel, some stayed decade with two or three generations lived in hotel. The hotel manager always busy for new comers to sign in.

The harsh winters in Canada have always been a negative living here but the quality of life used to help make up for it. Sadly, that just isn’t the case anymore. \n\nWe were able to buy simple family home on 1 acre of land back in the 80s with only one income. But the ever rising cost of real estate has made home ownership out of reach for many young people today. Burdened with high student debt, astronomical rental rates, and the high cost of living, most young people are living paycheque to paycheque. It’s a struggle just to keep one’s head above water, let alone build any savings for the future. \n\nI have two adult millennial children who find themselves in that position. They both have decent jobs but they’re just getting by, not getting ahead. I’ve encouraged them to look for opportunities abroad but with friends and family connections here, it’s difficult to consider leaving. \n\nWishing you all the best in your journey, Alina, wherever you’re headed! ? ? ?

The end of new world order...??always put the blame on others..close all embassies should be the next move..

You have to have travelled a lot of countries before you can appreciate how good Canada is. Ive been away for 3 yrs now in some 10 different countries have to say Canada is still my favourite if I was a younger person , hungry and motivated to succeed. It just didnt suit me anymore with a family lifestyle and travel , that I moved overseas. I knew grass wasnt always gonna be greener , its all about the tradeoff. It didnt suit me anymore at this point in time, but it was for 40 years, thats a double lifetime for some. Like you said , Im glad of what Canada has me me become and taught me everything that I know in life.

Grass is always greener on the other side

I'll be very interested to know which country you choose. I always encourage Canadians to experience living abroad for a significant period. It's an enriching opportunity to understand other countries from a resident's perspective. Take advantage of it while you're young and healthy!

I am a returning German, after 36 years abroad, and the greatest impact on me is how little friendly most people are, limited sense of humor, rigid closed mindset, and so much complaining. It’s even more frustrating when it’s your own country. I don’t know if it was always like that, but then I was a teenager. Of course, there are great people but what I mean is the general air specifically when you just arrived. The low wages and high taxes of course do not help, but I don’t think that’s the full story.

Another issue not mentioned here is the discrimination highly skilled professionals face when it comes career advancement.\nI know some very good professionals (different fields) that already left or are planning to leave Germany because they are tired to deliver more than 100% at work and always being overlooked for promotions or salary raises, while the native employees receive all these by doing the bare minimum. Or being offered jobs below one’s expertise and ending up doing the work for a native manager that qualifies mostly by nationality.\nAll this DE&I is all talk and targeted to a specific minority, while the other forms of discrimination are ignored and the majority of managed roles are filled by natives (who’s wok is done by not-good-enough immigrants).\nAt some point you get tired….\nYes, the public services work fairly good, but this country seems zombified….

I wish you the best of luck and hope you get your visa to make your next move! I am born and raised in Victoria, BC Canada as a Canadian citizen at birth. Since my mother was German when I was born, I just recently found out that I'm also a German citizen from birth through descent through my mother. I've been living here in the US since high school when I moved from Victoria to Tucson, Arizona. I eventually got my US green card (permanent residency. I then moved to Madison, Wisconsin and became a US Citizen. At this point, I am a dual US and Canadian citizen in addition to being German citizen as well. I am applying for my confirmation of German citizenship through the German consulate in Chicago which would then allow me to obtain a German passport for access to live and work freely in EU and Schengen countries. I went to The Netherlands last January and I really feel in love with the Dutch culture and lifestyle. I am planning on spending at least a few years there as soon as I get my German passport. \nMy relatives in Canada keep telling me how lucky I am to be a US Citizen as they all say how terrible the situation has become in Canada. I am surprised since I've always considered Canada to be one of the top places to live in the world. I haven't lived in Canada for a long time and I've been doing relatively good here in the USA. I enjoy the US overall but we definitely have our share of issues here as well.\nAnyhow .... I wish you the best on your next location.

it's just mind-blowing because Canada was always in minds a place to move to, but it changes as you show, so good luck with your new home ! ?

It's hard to make it in the west. It always was hard, but there used to be opportunity. Now, that level of opportunity is greatly diminished. They will turn to crime, in many cases.

I'm a dual UK/Canadian citizen and passport holder and have always planned to move to Canada. It seems to be on the same level as the UK now, though, so there's really not much point. I've left and gone to Cyprus.

Iam an Indian living in Germany for over 30years. And i always say to my Colleges, i will never fully understand the germans till i die?

I was born in Asia. I lived in Australia, USA and now Germany because I married a German. \n\nIt is always a challenge to break into the group because the people born in that country have already established their circle of friends and with family.\n\nYou will always have to put in the effort to establish something. But i have to say that some places are easier to make friends compared to others.\n\nGermany wants skilled workers but their system and people do not recognise other countries qualifications (even first world countries' certificates), adding to the fact the language is difficult to master.\n\nIt is not impossible but you will have to count your advantages and disadvantages to see if it works for you.

So many Canadians in the same situation — perhaps use your Canadian passport ? so many better places for you to be… find a nice job across the border in the US — it’s so easy to get a TN work Visa, or work tax free in the UAE, or build a nice career in Singapore. I had the same problem with Australia — it’s my home, and my heart will always fondly call it home forever. Australia is a big country with small job market, generally ignorant (but nice) people and limited economic diversity. One gets proper civic amenities only in either Melbourne or Sydney e.g., top notch medical care, a wide variety of groceries etc. Taxation is very high and although some people will tell you “we are well taken care of…” that is not true nowadays. The Australian Government’s policies over the last 40 years destroyed manufacturing, the economy, working conditions and inflated the property market. A reasonable 2-bedroom apartment in a Sydney suburb could cost you Au$2000-3000 in rent or Au$500,000+ to buy — and that goes higher as you get closer to downtown Sydney. The problem is that incomes are not high enough in Australia and housing quality is less than average overall for these ridiculous prices. Food, tolls and petrol cost a lot, although Sydney and Melbourne’s fresh food markets give you better prices than you’ll find in most other cities. My wife and I had a combined income of over Au$300,000/year while we lived there. We finally left Australia and moved to the US because even with our relatively high income we could only have an average house for around Au$1.8 million, we couldn’t fill up the tub and have a proper bath because of water restrictions, our kids would get an average schooling and their only dream in life would be to one day own a house. We didn’t want to live like that, so we wrapped up and left for good. The US is much better for skilled people — I don’t mean plumbers, tilers, roofers or landscapers, although life is good for them too. I’m sure someone will reply to this comment about the gun violence in the US. All I can say is that in the US we have the option to defend ourselves whereas in Australia we are expected to quietly die if someone kicks us in the head, stabs us or shoots us. Quality of life is good here in the US for me and my family. Fly free, mate!

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side ?. See you when you come crawling back ?.

There's always the vlogger visa in Portugal like NFKRS did. Convenient for EU travel. We can't all move to New Zealand.

I had the same issues as an expat in other countries and other expats who I talked to too. It's always the same.\n\nLanguage barrier:\nFor day to day activities it's less of a problem in bigger cities. For most jobs you simply need a higher level of a language for team work. If you're motivated I believe you can get to C1 in 6 months, with good learning techniques. That said you're probably not motivated. Learning a new language feels like hard work and you feel awkward speaking it.\n\nHard to meet friends:\nSame for all other countries. Create your own social circles or try sports, similar interests to get to know people. \n\nHow people treat you:\nIf you feel unwelcome, it's probably just all in your head because you're not accustomed to a different culture, so you feel like a foreigner. Got nothing to do with Germany, but with being an expat. \n\nRacism:\nProbably less of a problem in western Germany and bigger cities. Avoid east Germany. Also see previous point.

Canada will sacrifice its quality of life and hard fought freedoms if you continue on this pathway. The politicians always ensure they and their families are not impacted. You do not need more cheap labour.

I worked for a Canadian company for 25 years living in the USA, California / Silicon Valley specifically and spent days in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver - great place but probably has been run-down by wrong Government policies just like the USA - first blame is always on immigrants even though majority of them (especially in the USA) do jobs that Americans or Canadians do not want to do - farm work, construction work and services while 50% do get proper education and find good jobs and build up the community\nPolitics in the USA and Canada has gone so bad in recent years almost everyone is thinking of moving back to native country or find other affordable places - easier decision at the age of 33 but not 66\nWherever you go, I am guessing it will be around Bali, good luck and may you have all the success you strive for and deserve!

No matter where you wind up in this world always grow a garden to feed yourself.

Canada's not the same as current PM has ruined it. Chaos will get worse before it gets better with a new leader to fix it. Immigrant's always entered through Sask because it was the easiest to get citizenship. When term was over they went West or East. There are 2 types of immigrant's today, those who want a chance for better life and adapt and those who want to destroys our values (which's' what what we're seeing today). Being born and raised in Sask doesn't feel like home anymore into today's world. East and West looks worse. I'd be happier living abroad!! Heck its just a plane ride back for visits.\nGood Luck in your ventures Alina; I subbed to your channel late but love your content. Being a happy free spirit sure helps.

Seiz your day Alina, wish you share your journey as always full of optimism wherever you are. Best regards from Indonesia

I like that you are looking before you leap. You have always had a head on your shoulders so I'm excited to see what you will do further from your mystery lair in some exotic local compared to Kinistino, Saskatchwan. I look forward to your journey.

All the best to you! You are always welcome back to this land!

I feel you. I have a somewhat similar upbringing. Immigrated to Canada, from Lebanon, when I was 7 (with my family), so 42 years and I consider myself to be Canadian. And I've always justified paying our high taxes as the price we have to pay for the great services we have. But more and more I'm feeling these services are falling apart and cost of living has skyrocketed. \n\nI'm not sure where I'll retire.

Wherever you go, I hope you can find the home you crave. I cannot believe the state that Canada is in, I always enjoyed the closest city to me (Lethbridge) and now it's starting to feel incredibly unsafe to even walk around in Downtown.

injecting fear into public's mind, as always done by the media to achieve the hidden agendas of the ruling elites and corporations. Nothing new!

Canada has always had great potential, BUT that is and has been under attack and is eroding quickly. No country can do what we are doing and remain organized and plentiful like it used to be. Sorry to say woke and cultural hijacking will be the demise of this country. Lately we do not expect people to be Canadian when they come here and they bring their garbage with them and turn it into what they left and I say to anyone, prove me wrong.

Hi Alina !! Good for you!! GOOOO!!!!I lived in Japan and China for a decade. I came back to Canada 4 years ago to find a decadent, unsafe, expensive country. Canada is not the shadow of the amazing country that I deeply loved. The only way I could survive these last four years was to leave Canada for at least 4 months a year. I am leaving Canada again tomorrow, but this time is for good. Do I feel sad? not anymore. I will always remember Canada but the new reality is just a nightmare !!!!

I so understand! My husband and I have been nomading for the last 12 years and are now getting tired of constantly moving. We've decided to settle in Spain for now. Got a visa for three years. But we still don't know where to actually live long term. We can't afford to live in the US anymore. Not only housing, but the basic expenses like clothing, groceries, car and gas not to mention healthcare, which is prohibitively expensive to even only pay for insurance alone. \nWe have been priced out even though we always thought of ourselves as middleclass, professionals. Luckily my husband can work remotely.

Hi Alina, Canada will always welcome you back as your safety net. But until then, good luck wherever your adventure lead you.\n\nI would also mention that some countries allow dual citizenship while many don't. Canada is one that allows dual.

It’s always easy to blame immigration

Lol this newspaper always shows immigrant woman and babies! When the reality is that at least 90% of illegal immigrants are young single men

Great Video. Thank you for posting. Please do what your heart tells you to do. People change, government change, situations change, and country change. So, we have to change as well. That means, sometimes, moving to new country as well. \nGood decision !!! You can always come back when you feel things are better.

German language mandatory should'nt be made mandatory to having internship or work student. If they yhry continue you to do then this problems will be an never ending issue. They will always short for skilled labour in their entire life. Goverment has to think about

born and raised liberal, BUT WE ARE FULL. WE CAN BARELY TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY HERE. EVEN THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE RECENTLY IMMIGRATED ARE SUFFERING. YOU CANT CARE FOR OTHERS UNLESS YOU CARE FOR YOURSELF. ALWAYS PUT AN OXYGEN MASK ON YOURSELF FIRST.

Funny how these documentaries, the boats are always filled with woman and children. but when you look at the CCTV cameras at the breaches it is always packed with young men xD. \nTypical feel porn.

I mean, you come to a country and you have to adjust and learn the language. Pretty straightforward, and most of us are doing it.\n\nBut when on the other side you have people who do not understand the effort and have no patience for it, it is a frustrating experience. It is also annoying that you know they need you here, they know they need you, but none of that is reflected in the way people coming in are treated.\n\nA lot of us also come with skills and accomplishments behind us. And then we need to play fish-out-of-water for a while, speak a language in which we know we sound incompetent and we can see someone underestimating us (because they lack the understanding of what our situation brings). And last but not least, a serious problem with patience and empathy.\n\nThese are all issues you will find in other countries too. But man, Germans are not good at dealing with it. And more and more it seems to me they do not even care (other than the few german friends I have, who always make me second guess my generalisation).

the speech is always the same in every country - I'm from Portugal, the same thing happens here, no one can buy a house or rent a house, the wages are barely enough to eat - I live on the minimum wage, I work to get it, and here immigrants receive the same or more than me without DOING ANYTHING!!!! WITHOUT EVER CONTRIBUTING ANYTHING TO PORTUGAL!!!!! It's unfair to those who work and pay taxes.

He is 100% correct. The wight on the Palestinians has always been the corrupt leaders that have consistently robbed the people. They need to take responsibility

Its always the blacks and muslims

You Will Not find Germany as Home Ever . I am Living since 18 Years here & i never felt Home ! Also I am a so-called Skilled Worker. I finished my studies in Germany and speak above B2 German but most of my life i am Struggling for a Job , Why ? You should try it your self then you know Why ;), Speaking B2 German is not enough for native Germans. When you come into contact with them, they always want someone to speak at their level. Actually, I find myself in a TOXIC Society everyday where everyone wants you to leave. If you are a foreigner and come to Germany for work, you will get a job along with a 42% Tax and higher rent for accommodation. Racism and discrimination are prevalent in everyday life, such as being followed with eye contact by angry, uneducated Germans! \nIf You don't Believe Try it Your Self ;)