However, I have always wanted to come back to the U.S., which was my home for almost a decade. On the surface, the U.S. is clearly an attractive place to live. What with all the nice cars, nice houses, countless entertainment and sightseeing opportunities. I could also have a nice paying job in a heartbeat! But living here in Europe, also opened my eyes to how fragile the economic situation is now in the U.S. Everyone seems to be tied up to their mortgage and car payments. Is this what you call freedom? Why do we let ourselves be in this treadmill of hardwork and not even have time to enjoy what we worked for?

One day, while we were in the car, this thought all came to us. With the money I saved up from working here and in the States I think we can have a break — and I think I deserve it! In fact, not just a 2 or 3 week vacation but even a year of doing what I want to do. And at this time, my husband can also explore possibilities of bringing his IT company to the next level. With the much lower cost of living there and the favorable exchange rate we think we could live on much less than what we are paying now and have the rest we deserve as well.

This is the whole theme of this blog. How this idea develops into reality — but of course it can also go the other way. In the end we are still open to the possibility of staying here or moving to the U.S. if we find out that it is not for us.

On the next few posts I will describe the different phases of our plan. The first of which is planning our “Scouting trip” sometime April, 2008. I have already told my manager about our plans to eventually leave by August but we think it is better to actually test the waters first before we give up everything — including this nice apartment of ours.

So sit back and watch how this plan will unfold!

* faith in God and Christian values
* friendliness, hospitality and generosity to visitors/people you meet. Helping people in need.
* respect for parents and older people
* being close to family
* to excel in work and academics

the USA

* following your heart
* being independent or self-reliant
* responsibility in personal finances
* courage (lakas ng loob) and adventurous spirit
* good communication

The Netherlands

* Learning to Deal with your situation (difficulties)
* Emotional toughness (not to be too affected emotionally by negative comments/difficult people)
* Eating Healthier fresh foods
* Be confrontational and brutally honest if needed (Filipinos are not normally confrontational)
* Being practical and placing less value on material things and more value on personal improvement.

On the following posts, I will explain each briefly.