Season 1 Discussion

[Pepper Mostly]

14 minutes ago, suzeecat said:

I'm not sure if I'm more embarrassed for Darcy or for her daughters.  All her "poor little American me" with the "nobody's ever treated me like this before" shtick - ugh! 

She's just spewing out nervous chatter, endlessly. That's why she sounds like a half wit. All the squee-ing and the vapid small talk makes her look ridiculous. Jesse is her soul mate and the love of her life? Then why do they have nothing to talk about?

[Palomar]

16 minutes ago, Desert Rat said:

He's not impressed with designer stuff at all.  He shops at IKEA.  Cheap stuff for small places.  

For some reason she is not dressing for him or where they are living (cobblestones) or taking his clues about wanting her to be more natural. She is dressing for the camera. Not to say a woman can't dress the way she wants but sometimes it is wise to go with the flow for a new relationship.  I think he immediately knew this was not going to work upon meeting her at the airport but of course needs to play the game for the TLC money and for whatever his endgame is.  He seems to be barely tolerating her right now, but saying the occasional "right thing" like how beautiful she is.  Maybe they could last for a couple of years, but no way in hell is he the type that is going to want to be with a women in her 50's when he hits 30. 

[Alilou]

I feel so mean but Darcy totally reminds of that catwoman lady that has the weird face from surgery/fillers.

I have major secondhand embarrassment for her (never heard this phrase before  but I love it!)

[Dobian]

Cortney is as dumb as a box of rocks.  "Hey, I was catfished before by an Indian guy who posted pics of a Bollywood star, but this hot Spanish supermodel who only texts me and is always too busy to face time or pick up a phone is totally legit!"

I like Jesse, he actually looks and sounds a lot like a German neighbor of mine, just a younger version.  What he sees in Darcy I don't get, he's a very disciplined sort and if he wants a mature woman he should look for someone who is actually "mature".

Edited August 21, 2017 by Dobian

[LeeluDallas]

Ok so I'm only about 13 mins into the episode and already...  wth is up with the way Paul hugs her?! its like an old man greeting his military buddies..so strange.  She's holding onto him and hes just tapping her back? eww

 

Also - Darcy and Jesse are not well matched..I've been to Dam a few times and some of what I have learned  about the locals is that they don't like bullshiters, materialistic people...or over the top exaggerated personalities.. and tbh I have to agree with them lol  too bad Darcy is all 3 lol Jesse is no saint either - he is a bit blunt and curt in his responses - and obv loves himself quite a bit but he's harmless.

 

ok - now to watch the rest - I bet I will have plenty to say when its over lolz

[LeeluDallas]

hahahahahahahahahahahaha  - Jesse says 'I love your smile'  - cue Darcy squinting and duckfacing... smh

[spankydoll]

4 hours ago, Landlord said:

Darcey has her own fashion company with her sister called House of 11. Not sure if it is sucessful or not, because I never heard of it before.

OMG you are right on the money there!

 

I do not believe for a nanosecond that those purchases are all real designer items. Did you see the house that she lived in? If she could afford a real diamond she would have a beautiful home. She is a total phony bless her heart.

[Desert Rat]

1 hour ago, Pepper Mostly said:

She's just spewing out nervous chatter, endlessly. That's why she sounds like a half wit. All the squee-ing and the vapid small talk makes her look ridiculous. Jesse is her soul mate and the love of her life? Then why do they have nothing to talk about?

I hate all this talk of "soul mates" and "love of my life" BS.  It's a very juvenile way to describe a relationship.  It's like they are trying too hard to make something out of nothing .  People who are in long-term committed and stable relationships usually don't talk this way.  They don't have to use these meaningless phrases to convince themselves and others that the relationship works. 

If Darcy wanted to get on tv, she should have auditioned for Botched.  

[LeeluDallas]

14 hours ago, Desert Rat said:

Jesse is very rude. The woman just got off the plane, cut her a little break.  OTO, Darcy is so so desperate, so pathetic, if I were Jesse I would put her back on the next plane back to the U.S.

If Jesse wants to live and work in the U.S. he better cut the crowd crap of all Americans this and all Americans that.  How would he know?

I'll just say as a British girl living the the US and been to Dam a few times - most of the ppl in Dam only get their impressions of the US from media or mainly - the tourists. And tbh some of the American tourists are there to get wasted and dont act the greatest  when walking thru the streets. Its sad really... but it certainly is a world-wide felt discrimination.. but thats all it is. I dont judge someone based on the worst stereotypes - each person is different usally no matter where they are from.  Jesse is just very narcissistic.. but maybe that's a perfect match? lol

[Baltimore Betty]

6 hours ago, Desert Rat said:

Looks like Jesse spent $750 at IKEA  to furnish his entire apartment.

Ikea is meant for small European apartments...that said, his apartment was page 237 in the catalogue!

[Desert Rat]

42 minutes ago, Baltimore Betty said:

Ikea is meant for small European apartments...that said, his apartment was page 237 in the catalogue!

I've walked through his apartment at my local IKEA.  There is no room for designer shoes and handbags. 

It's weird that IKEA is so popular where I live because the homes/apartments are so large.  No 250 square foot apartments here.  But the store is packed every day.

Edited August 21, 2017 by Desert Rat

[locomoco]

7 hours ago, Pepper Mostly said:

And hello, while we're here--did anyone else notice that in Jesse's talking heads there are all these "Dutch" props? A windmill, a big bunch of tulips, wooden shoes. I was looking for some Gouda cheese, Heineken beer, Droste chocolate.....Holy moly, show! Way to lay on the cultural stereotypes!

I noticed that too... it's like they're in Disneyland in "It's a Small World"

[Drogo]

Jesse is giving me major "Sleeping With the Enemy" vibes this episode.  LABELS OUT!

[Awfarmington]

53 minutes ago, Drogo said:

Jesse is giving me major "Sleeping With the Enemy" vibes this episode.  LABELS OUT!

Yes!!! Generally control freaks can at least put on a good show in the beginning. He didn't do a great job in hiding it. Even down to the wiping the make up off..."I'm a good wiper"...weirdo. 

[Red Bridey]

Jesse seems like a guy who likes neatness and order in his life, and if he says something, he feels it should be taken seriously and not ignored.  Like, "Don't bring so much stuff.  Why don't you change those heels and put on comfortable shoes since we are going to be walking on cobblestoned streets.  If you take your makeup off you won't get the new sheets all dirty."  He got Darcie's number in a very short time and we will probably see him disengage from her neediness sooner rather than later.  And I can't wait to see it!!!!

[Major Bigtime]

Cortney's parents have Disney characters stuck to the fridge. Need I say more?

Have they never watched this show? The girl needs an adult escort to help her not get taken advantage of. She's already been catfished, her parents know what that term means.... anyone?? Anyone to help this child???

Darcy, honey, there ain't enough plastic surgery, diet aids or caffeine shots to help you keep up. Jesse is a freakizoid, maybe they deserve each other.

Karine.... run, girl. Your parents.... I've run out of words.

Edited August 22, 2017 by Major Bigtime

[Arwen Evenstar]

Cortney is just pitiful. and hard to watch. I wonder if she doesn't have some disorder somewhere on the spectrum.  As we would say in Texas,"That girl ain't wrapped too tight".

Even though she claims to have traveled quite a bit on her own, considering how insipid she is, was that really a good idea?

Edited August 22, 2017 by Arwen Evenstar

[Lemons]

9 hours ago, Desert Rat said:

She's trying to hide the fact that she's over 50. Necks don't lie.

She's 42. There are pictures of her from about 7 or 8 years ago and she was very pretty and is definitely under 35 in the pictures. Huge difference from what she looks like now. She ruined her face with plastic and that black hair adds 10 years to her looks. 

[AmyBre]

7 hours ago, Desert Rat said:

He's not impressed with designer stuff at all.  He shops at IKEA.  Cheap stuff for small places.  

My impression of the Dutch is that not even young people care for shinny stuff and are less so into consumerism than we are in the US.  I'm not surprised by Jesse dressing simple and living in a simple apartment.

7 hours ago, Palomar said:

For some reason she is not dressing for him or where they are living (cobblestones) or taking his clues about wanting her to be more natural. She is dressing for the camera. Not to say a woman can't dress the way she wants but sometimes it is wise to go with the flow for a new relationship.  I think he immediately knew this was not going to work upon meeting her at the airport but of course needs to play the game for the TLC money and for whatever his endgame is.  He seems to be barely tolerating her right now, but saying the occasional "right thing" like how beautiful she is.  Maybe they could last for a couple of years, but no way in hell is he the type that is going to want to be with a women in her 50's when he hits 30. 

Jesse's appearance screams dandy and not someone who is into older women.   He is very much into good looking women who take care of themselves and are naturally beautiful.   You know, those people who wake up like they just came out of the gym / beach / perfect teeth and perfect hair and wear no make up.   Jesse is very clear about his plans with Darcy, but he is gentleman after all.  My money says he lets her down easily and will claim no compatibility due their age difference.

[AmyBre]

6 hours ago, spankydoll said:

 

I do not believe for a nanosecond that those purchases are all real designer items. Did you see the house that she lived in? If she could afford a real diamond she would have a beautiful home. She is a total phony bless her heart.

I do believe that those purchases are legitimate.   People that dumb and superficial, are known to spend truckloads of money of designer bags, diamonds and imported cars and also live in dumps and eat very poorly.   Someone please explain to this poor woman, that just because you dress in designer clothes, it doesn't automatically mean you look like those models.   You don't automatically become a classy person by wearing expensive crap.

[Awfarmington]

12 minutes ago, Swim mom said:

Remember being 26 and having plenty of money, enough to quit your job and travel in Europe?   Me, neither.

I remember being 26. Married, 3 kids and traveling...to the grocery store mainly ?

[Desert Rat]

14 minutes ago, Swim mom said:

Remember being 26 and having plenty of money, enough to quit your job and travel in Europe?   Me, neither.

Is she on disability?  Judging by her house and parents, she's not a trust fund kid. Did she get a big settlement?   Where does she get the money?

[Awfarmington]

12 minutes ago, AmyBre said:

My impression of the Dutch is that not even young people care for shinny stuff and are less so into consumerism than we are in the US.  I'm not surprised by Jesse dressing simple and living in a simple apartment.

Jesse's appearance screams dandy and not someone who is into older women.   He is very much into good looking women who take care of themselves and are naturally beautiful.   You know, those people who wake up like they just came out of the gym / beach / perfect teeth and perfect hair and wear no make up.   Jesse is very clear about his plans with Darcy, but he is gentleman after all.  My money says he lets her down easily and will claim no compatibility due their age difference.

My money is on pheromone incompatibility.  

[Desert Rat]

1 hour ago, Red Bridey said:

Jesse seems like a guy who likes neatness and order in his life, and if he says something, he feels it should be taken seriously and not ignored.  Like, "Don't bring so much stuff.  Why don't you change those heels and put on comfortable shoes since we are going to be walking on cobblestoned streets.  If you take your makeup off you won't get the new sheets all dirty."  He got Darcie's number in a very short time and we will probably see him disengage from her neediness sooner rather than later.  And I can't wait to see it!!!!

He needs Darcy because not many women will like being told what to when, when to take there shoes off, what to pack for vacation, how and when to take off makeup.  Jesse wants a dog, not a woman.   If Darcy were not so thirsty and delusional, she would tell Jesse f off and fly back to spend time with her daughters.  But Darcy is desperate, and she will stay.

[DVDFreaker]

It is pretty creepy that Darcey bought a ring to symbol her love to him and Jesse looks scared, Jesse's Father says "Are you out of your fucking mind?" in the next episode, at least Jesse's Dad is smart...

[Desert Rat]

18 minutes ago, DVDFreaker said:

It is pretty creepy that Darcey bought a ring to symbol her love to him and Jesse looks scared, Jesse's Father says "Are you out of your fucking mind?" in the next episode, at least Jesse's Dad is smart...

What woman buys her own ring?  Oh yeah, Chantal, and now Darcy. 

[DVDFreaker]

2 minutes ago, Desert Rat said:

What woman buys her own ring?  Oh yeah, Chantal, and now Darcy. 

I do not blame Chantal on buying her own ring since Pedro's credit was denied so what else was she suppose to do? 

[peaceknit]

Ok, I'm so confused! What is this thread below? Didn't mean to call anyone out, just thought there was a separate spoiler thread. @Drogo, could you explain? 

[Drogo]

This might help. 

[DixonVixen2359]

Sean: "Look honey, 190 pairs of panties"!

Abby: Tosses them in the air as she says "it's raining panties"!

I laughed way too hard at that scene. Enough with the panties! 

[Kangatush]

Man I love me this train wreck of a franchise, all 3 of them. 

Paul and Karine- She's a super innocent young girl and he's a moron.  I don't think she's using him for a green card or anything, she's just young and dumb.  And he creeps me right out.  One thing my parents taught me is that when you go somewhere, make sure you can handle all your own stuff.  4 footlockers or crap would  never have made the cut.

Sean and Abby- I can't blame her, she's trying to get out of a bad situation with little room for improvement.  She prefers Chris, possibly because they've been together in person, but I think she said she wants a "real" relationship and he doesn't.  Chris won't commit so on to Sean.  She's smart enough to use her assets and her head.  It's like if Anfisa had done her due diligence before committing to Jorge.

Cortney and Catfish- It's a 6 hour time difference, not so tough to work out.  If you have NEVER spoken, don't fly thousands of miles to visit.  I'm so calling bull on her travelling much on her own.  I sense nice little package tours where every detail was handled by someone else.

Jesse and Darcey- This is only still happening because he's polite.  Before she arrived he had said something like even if it didn't work out, he'd still make sure she was taken care of.  We're in that place now.  Yes, he's regimented, not a huge character flaw, but something that can mellow with time and the right partner not letting him get away with it.  She's so desperate it pains me to watch.  His reasons for wanting an older woman seem legitimate, he just picked the wrong woman.

[Kangatush]

13 hours ago, Red Bridey said:

.  And the Air BNB, who arranged that?  She seems very comfortable there...has Sean been paying for her to live there?

They showed her and her friends checking in either the day before, or the morning of, his arrival.

[spankydoll]

Time difference is not a reason to not Skype with him honey! I Skype and talk live to my family and friends when I am in Europe almost every day when I am vacationing. I'm worried about that girl. Hopefully her Mom's dip has magical powers. 

[Quof]

Quote

I do not blame Chantal on buying her own ring since Pedro's credit was denied so what else was she suppose to do?

Live within their means?  Plenty of happily married women don't have an engagement ring, and only a simple wedding band.  

[Alonzo Mosely FBI]

On 8/20/2017 at 11:18 PM, Cherrio said:

I would of said that about a month ago, but I watched an episode of Catfish and got "hooked".

Catfish is the greatest, it's a one hour neat satisfying package of Cortney's story. 

On 8/20/2017 at 11:51 PM, thejuicer said:

Darcy is a hot ass mess but I get serial killer vibes from Jesse.  He orders her to take off her makeup, then as she's doing it he tells her to do it in the bathroom and asks her if she needs help. Just strange. I would be getting out of there so fast if I were her. 

And to think last week I thought SHE was the weirdo. He's strange. 

19 hours ago, noveltylibrary65 said:

she takes after her parents!

I agree here, and With those accents, there's NO WAY Courtney and her parents are from Orlando. Chicago? Buffalo? More likely. I think part of what she's got going on is a dependence to her parents or vice versa. Picking guys who are unavailable is a great move when you're you can't or won't leave your parents, or if they don't want you to. She maybe an only child and legit hasn't had to function much in her own because they've helicoptered her. We'll see. 

[Awfarmington]

8 hours ago, Swim mom said:

My observation was that Europeans consumed vacations. They rented, rather than bought, and went on vacations.  They bought crappy, or no, furniture, and went on vacations.   They bought very few clothes, and went on vacations.  They would forgo air conditioning,  and go on another vacation. I just chalked it up to choices. They chose to spend their money on different things than I did.  They weren't using the money they saved on altruistic causes, they were vacationing. Choices, baby, choices.

I once worked with a Russian guy who was exactly that way. He and his wife both made good money. They and their two teens lived in a cheap two bedroom apt. But they  traveled  OFTEN. He said the same thing...that it boils down to priorities. Some people throw all their money into a home, or nice cars, or going out to eat, etc. But they traveling was their thing. 

[Pepper Mostly]

17 hours ago, Alilou said:

I feel so mean but Darcy totally reminds of that catwoman lady that has the weird face from surgery/fillers.

I have major secondhand embarrassment for her (never heard this phrase before  but I love it!)

I used to hang out on a forum where this intense feeling of embarrassment on behalf of another was dubbed "fardo". I have no idea of the etymology or where it came from, but I've found it handy over the years. And yes, Darcey is the very definition of fardo.

[gotta watch]

who buys their own engagement ring? Farrah from Teen Mom, that's who :)

[JocelynCavanaugh]

I've never heard fardo before! It's a little easier to type than Fremdschämen (the German equivalent)... but either is quite apt in this case!

[Lily247]

On 8/21/2017 at 0:42 AM, TrininisaScorp said:

I grew up and still live in Orlando.  Yeah, I met and married my husband here, so it isn't all that difficult.  Also, our families here are just fine, thank you.  

As a Catfish (and Nev and Max) devotee, the second Courtney said "male model" and the lack of videochatting, I pretty much assume the dude (if it is a dude) is a catfish.  Can't wait to see this blow up in her face!  Yay!

Karine seems wayyyyy younger than her stated age.  I finally paid attention to one of the title pieces and realize that Paul is 34.  I'm also 34...I almost died at the very different experiences he and I are having at this point in our lives.  The next time I think I done messed up and my life sucks, I'll think about Paul sitting on that curb with all his luggage.  B/c I'm an asshole. LOL.   

Amsterdam is quite beautiful.  Jesse and Darcy seem to be both weird people.  Between Jesse's weird bossiness and falling back on "oh, stupid American"-isms and Darcy's bubbleheadedness and insanely unsubtle push for a wedding ring, I'm not sure which I dislike more.  I love when crazies get together, but these two are grating.  Will this stop me from watching?  No, I'm in for Darcy and Jesse being idiots.

Abby and Sean...still creepy af.  

As another poster mentioned in a previous post, I am heartbroken we didn't get to see some of the first meet ups between our 90 Day Vets.  I would pay for the pay per view of going back in time for Danielle and Mo.  

Jesse's bossiness is indeed very wierd ! There's one thing to be assertive and alpha, but another to demand your girlfriend to pedal her bike harder when she clearly barely knows how to ride a bike. I do think that Darcy is very likeable and despite what all the commenters are saying about "I am 100 and I look younger", she really is naturally very attractive and just needs to tone down the makeup and extensions. 

Karine looks about 16. I wonder why Paul didnt bother to learn some basic Portuguese, he cant even say "you are beautiful" in her language. 

Abby and Sean are sooooo creepy. Her ex bf being a 64 year old American does not surprise me. 

[Lily247]

1 hour ago, Awfarmington said:

I once worked with a Russian guy who was exactly that way. He and his wife both made good money. They and their two teens lived in a cheap two bedroom apt. But they  traveled  OFTEN. He said the same thing...that it boils down to priorities. Some people throw all their money into a home, or nice cars, or going out to eat, etc. But they traveling was their thing. 

Yea, I see their point. However ever since having kids personally I crave stability and structure, privacy, creating a comfortable home. I honestly hate travelling now and only take vacation to see family. 

[Awfarmington]

11 minutes ago, Matias130 said:

Yea, I see their point. However ever since having kids personally I crave stability and structure, privacy, creating a comfortable home. I honestly hate travelling now and only take vacation to see family. 

Not gonna lie...we though a teen boy and girl sharing a room wasn't ideal. But he was adamant that traveling was a way of life for them and where they put all their disposable income towards.

I have a friend that leases her cars, because she wants a nicer car and also a new one every 3 years. She could afford a fine 3 year old used car, and financially it would make more sense. I drive a 2012 Kia, because it runs great and gets the job done. But we pay for our 3 school aged kids to attend private school because that's what's our priority is. She thinks I'm crazy for paying what we do when they can go to school for free and I think she's crazy for throwing away money on a lease...and Starbucks lol. 

[noveltylibrary65]

3 hours ago, Alonzo Mosely FBI said:

She maybe an only child and legit hasn't had to function much in her own because they've helicoptered her. We'll see. 

But she has lived on her own, didn't it show she traveled the world by herself or something? I forget..

[Drogo]

Paul struggles to communicate with Karine's family; dinner with Jesse's parents takes an unexpected turn for Darcey; Cortney leaves for Spain hoping she isn't being catfished; Patrick tells his family about traveling to Paris to meet Myriam.

[Granny58]

15 hours ago, Red Bridey said:

Jesse seems like a guy who likes neatness and order in his life, and if he says something, he feels it should be taken seriously and not ignored.  Like, "Don't bring so much stuff.  Why don't you change those heels and put on comfortable shoes since we are going to be walking on cobblestoned streets.  If you take your makeup off you won't get the new sheets all dirty."  He got Darcie's number in a very short time and we will probably see him disengage from her neediness sooner rather than later.  And I can't wait to see it!!!!

Very true.  I had a boyfriend like that once.  NOTHING was ever good enough, including me.  Was actually told if I lost 10 pounds I would be perfect.  I did not.  Plus, he's dead now....so...

 

Anyway, it's a miserable type of relationship.

[islandgal140]

22 hours ago, Pepper Mostly said:

She's just spewing out nervous chatter, endlessly. That's why she sounds like a half wit. All the squee-ing and the vapid small talk makes her look ridiculous. Jesse is her soul mate and the love of her life? Then why do they have nothing to talk about?

Why I don't get is wouldn't Jesse have noticed all the character traits he is finding fault with since during their long distance relationship all they could do was talk, text, skype? He must have known she was a bit of a label whore, wore a lot of makeup and was vacuous. What did they even talk about during their courtship besides Darcy's desire to get married and calling each other babe. Speaking of which is really getting on my nerves.

If the 2 people in the preview are indeed Jesse's parents, this cast of characters is indeed one of the best things to hit reality tv in a LONGGGGG time. Why does his mom(?) look like Betsey Johnson?

13 hours ago, Swim mom said:

My observation was that Europeans consumed vacations. They rented, rather than bought, and went on vacations.  They bought crappy, or no, furniture, and went on vacations.   They bought very few clothes, and went on vacations.  They would forgo air conditioning,  and go on another vacation. I just chalked it up to choices. They chose to spend their money on different things than I did.  They weren't using the money they saved on altruistic causes, they were vacationing. Choices, baby, choices.

Doesn't hurt that Europeans get a whole lot more vacation time than average Americans. I think average Americans get like 10 days and Europeans get like 20 days - as a minimum.Some countries/employers in Europe are even more generous. That doesn't include paid public holidays which they also have more of in Europe.  I met a guy while traveling in Europe who was during a truncated half world tour because he had like a month off.

Edited August 22, 2017 by islandgal140

[trimthatfat]

2 hours ago, noveltylibrary65 said:

But she has lived on her own, didn't it show she traveled the world by herself or something? I forget..

Yes, she said something about quitting her job to travel the world. And judging by the fact that she was on a dating app and used it while traveling, she probably knows a good deal about the world and dating.

[Desert Rat]

8 minutes ago, islandgal140 said:

Why I don't get is wouldn't Jesse have noticed all the character traits he is finding fault with since during their long distance relationship all they could do was talk, text, skype? He must have known she was a bit of a label whore, wore a lot of makeup and was vacuous. What did they even talk about during their courtship besides Darcy's desire to get married and calling each other babe. Speaking of which is really getting on my nerves.

If the 2 people in the preview are indeed Jesse's parents, this cast of characters is indeed one of the best things to hit reality tv in a LONGGGGG time. Why does his mom(?) look like Betsey Johnson?

Doesn't hurt that Europeans get a whole lot more vacation time than average Americans. I think average Americans get like 10 days and Europeans get like 20 days - as a minimum.Some countries/employers in Europe are even more generous. That doesn't include paid public holidays which they also have more of in Europe.  I met a guy while traveling in Europe who was during a truncated half world tour because he had like a month off.

I'll take my spacious house over more vacation days.  Where I live Jesse's cramped room would be considered substandard housing because it is too small.  Most Europeans live in tiny spaces so it's no wonder they want to leave for vacation.  They come to the U.S. and the average hotel room is bigger than their house or apartment.  

[Ivanova]

I don't think people need that much space, honestly. Extra space usually leads to cluttering, overconsumption and waste, because you feel that you have to fill it with stuff.

[poeticlicensed]

27 minutes ago, islandgal140 said:

13 hours ago, Swim mom said:

My observation was that Europeans consumed vacations. They rented, rather than bought, and went on vacations.  They bought crappy, or no, furniture, and went on vacations.   They bought very few clothes, and went on vacations.  They would forgo air conditioning,  and go on another vacation. I just chalked it up to choices. They chose to spend their money on different things than I did.  They weren't using the money they saved on altruistic causes, they were vacationing. Choices, baby, choices.

Doesn't hurt that Europeans get a whole lot more vacation time than average Americans. I think average Americans get like 10 days and Europeans get like 20 days - as a minimum.Some countries/employers in Europe are even more generous. That doesn't include paid public holidays which they also have more of in Europe.  I met a guy while traveling in Europe who was during a truncated half world tour because he had like a month off.

I think it also depends on where you are in your life. I remember when I was really young, like right out of college, I had this thing about not wanting to have more possessions than would fit in my car. Then I got married and had kids, so having the house and saving for the future became the priority. Now that the kids are grown and I am closer to retirement and Mr Poetic is retiring in a few months, we want nothing more than to sell our home and get rid of most of our possessions and travel. When the kids were growing up we had no money and no time, what with work and school and activities. Now that retirement is on the horizon, our goal is to sell the house, radically downsize to a low maintenance home that we pay cash for and travel. When I watch TV shows like House Hunters where the empty nesters buy a 5 bedroom house to have room for the kids when they visit I balk.  10 years ago I would have never thought I would feel this way.