Living abroad provides some valuable perspective enabling a more insightful and well rounded appraisal of one's own country.

A country imho is nothing much more than the people who live in it, shape it and determine its values.

I note that you're often very quick to criticise the people who live here who have shaped our country in a way that you don't like.

In short the right to be critical is fundamental to a healthy society irrespective of whether or not it comes from within or without your nation state. I've listened intently to your criticism and have been trying to take it on board.

Don't you think you could do the same? You plank.

I've always listened to the constructive stuff from people who seem sensible. You listen, you consider it and you modify or reject it.....You put out your view and the sensible people do the same.

Sometimes you hear people complaining on Hol that no one's views are ever changed but while I think it's unrealistic to expect people to have 'road to Damascus' conversions I've definitely had my opinions modified in certain areas down the years.

Mind you I think I've become more socially conservative in some areas... since I started on Hol.....but that's not Hol's influence but instead it's been a factor of learning about what how well meaning policies can go badly holistically and of course future trends.

But I'll always have that core of liberalism....Even though I've learnt to be suspicious of the societies unfetted liberalism ends up creating.

Edited by Stirlingsays (23 Jan 2019 10.47am)

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

In my travels I found Malaysian Borneo overall the nicest place to live. Great people, scenary, food and weather.

It is, however, part of a Muslim country albeit Sabah and Sarawak are not Muslim states. So if your views reflect others on here that may concern you.

I found the balance of Chinese, Malays and indigenous people especially interesting.

I have also really enjoyed working and living in Sri Lanka for similar reasons, despite having my room at the Intercontinental blown up.

Most European countries are nice, Germany probably a stand-out followed by the Czech Republic. I am extremely partial to Turkey, especially Istanbul where the people are mostly pretty cosmopolitan and very very bright.

Is it OK to say Stirling posts in a wooden style?

I have to say that's amusing, from someone called Maple.

I think me and Stevie have waffled enough for him to call me a plank if he wants to.....he's alright in my book.

Edited by Stirlingsays (23 Jan 2019 1.06pm)

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

I think if I were to be named after a tree....I'd want Oak.....though I think the Maple leaf is in the Canadian flag isn't it?....though some in Canada seem to be trying to divorce themselves from any connections to past ideas.

Edited by Stirlingsays (23 Jan 2019 1.19pm)

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)