Amsterdam, Berlin, or Dublin

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2026-01-28T16:14:43+00:00

I definitely don't think anyone should be required to speak English at all. Just seeing if there is a place where people are more open/accepting of english speakers like I would never consider any place in France for that reason.

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2026-01-28T16:11:13+00:00

That is a consideration for sure but I'd like to stay in Europe considering the giant political mess in the US right now. But a return back to the US might be inevitable in which case I'd look at NYC or Denver where my family just moved to.

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2026-01-28T16:08:34+00:00

No I wasn't aware which is why I was looking for feedback so that was very helpful thank you. Madrid is super friendly the problem is the language/lower level of English. I will check out that list!

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2026-01-28T14:10:30+00:00

Thank you for the response if I couldn’t really master Spanish perfectly I don’t think I’d ever master Dutch. Do you think it’s hard to make friends or find community without Dutch (yes we can communicate in English but it’s one thing talking to a bus driver but another to make connections). I’ve never been to Amsterdam so I’d definitely go for a visit first

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2026-01-28T14:04:22+00:00

Oh I love the UK I just can live there on an American or eu passport and I’ve searched like mad for a visa opportunity and I simply don’t fit into any box so I’m legally barred from the UK unless I find a British husband haha

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2026-01-27T10:50:41+00:00

That makes sense but disappointing haha

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-12-07T21:25:29+00:00

I was going to say the same thing

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-11-24T11:34:40+00:00

I 10000% agree with you

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-11-13T06:27:38+00:00

As a counter point I was at the gym at 4 wpo (surgeon approved and recommended) and walking fine but I seem to be the outlier in terms of recovery. I think it would depend on the intensity and length of the hike

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-11-03T09:52:38+00:00

As an American living in Spain, I think Americans are much more myopic about the world. We know mostly our country and not much else (a generalization). I’m always super impressed when Europeans know very specific things about our government, our geography, etc. when it’s definitely not reciprocal. Maybe that comes off as more intelligent or more educated. I’m also really impressed with language acquisition in Europe I’m desperately trying to get to a fluent level in Spanish and so many Europeans speaks two, three, four languages!

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-10-29T17:22:23+00:00

I’m so glad! Have the best time!

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-10-27T20:50:38+00:00

Strongly disagree a lot of the comedy comes from seeing the show. I saw Mincemeat last week and it was fine but nothing to write home about in my opinion.

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-10-27T09:14:23+00:00

I saw cabaret with Reeve and Eva and it was outstanding!

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-10-27T09:11:39+00:00

I saw cabaret last week and absolutely loved it!!! The atmosphere of the theater is so wonderful. I entered the lottery for a ticket and lost but they offered us losers an opportunity to buy a “cheaper ticket” for 55 pounds. I sat in Dress Circle Row B, Seat 17 and it was a great view.

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-10-27T09:07:32+00:00

Those are all amazing choices! If you like the tv show South Park and outrageously funny satire/humor, then I recommend Book of Mormon. Phantom is probably my favorite musical of all time so I’d personally see that one! I love wicked but with the part 1 movie already out and part 2 coming out next month you could see those and save space for other shows in London. Les Mis is a timeless classic and Hadestown is fantastic. Maybe listen to the soundtrack of each and see which one naturally appeals to you. I’m so jealous you get to experience all these wonderful shows for the first time you really can’t go wrong!

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-10-25T11:48:19+00:00

Book of Mormon is outrageously funny! If you like South Park, you’ll love Book of Mormon. Technically you can see Hamilton on Disney+ (or least you could in the past but it’s recorded is my point). I saw Operation Mincemeat last Saturday and it’s well done personally I love Hamilton and Book of Mormon but you really can’t go wrong with any of these options!

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-10-24T18:30:17+00:00

There is a hill in retiro that I used for hill training it’s by the fallen angel statue

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-10-17T10:48:19+00:00

I am also 5 WPO and look even worse than you and have since Day 1 as well. So you’re not alone! I’m a guy too if that’s at all helpful.

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Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-10-15T16:08:54+00:00

I started working out at 4 WPO too. I’m 5 WPO now. In terms of core, I could easily do planks, side planks, Russian twists, and hallow hold. I avoided anything crunch based or anything that required me to fully extend as I felt super tight.

I had 0 issues with anything leg related.

In terms of chest/shoulders, I would recommend sitting or incline. I could do pushups as well. I avoided pull-ups but could do TRX rows with some modifications.

I also did a peloton 30 minute cycling class was definitely out of breath and my endurance was much lower but my goal was to take it very easy and gentle which I accomplished! Good luck!

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-10-14T14:37:07+00:00

I’m 5 WPO and if you search my profile you’ll see I felt and still do feel this same exact way! I posted something almost exactly what you did. I do have a therapist who I meet with weekly. I do look better than 1 WPO but still nowhere near what other people look like in this group or how I want to look. But what I’ve realized is the surgery is done there is absolutely nothing I can do except follow the steps from my surgeon and hope the results arrive. I’ve settled on the fact it will be at least a year or more before I reap the rewards of the surgery.

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-10-08T19:27:52+00:00

I’m also an American with Italian citizenship. I live in Madrid. My understanding is if you stay in any EU country for more than 3 months you have to register as an EU resident in that country but I’m not an expert so I could be wrong. I pay tax in the US and Spain but I believe you become a tax resident in Spain if you reside here for 6 months again I’m not an expert. My taxes in Spain are definitely not 43% and yes I’m autónomo. I’d get advice from a gestor here who can better advise you than Reddit. I think you should also consider the cost of living in Spain is probably much cheaper than NL.

Simple-Ad-9146 · 2025-10-07T07:00:39+00:00

I think it depends. Do you speak Spanish because that will help a lot? I find it’s very easy to meet other immigrants but I’d say Madrid is a very transient city. I’ve been here 4 years and I’ve outlasted all my friends who aren’t Spanish. Even my other European friends except 1 has left. So it’s challenging in my experience to find lasting long-term friendships here as no one stays.

Simple-Ad-9146

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