Which country would you choose?

Posted by on 14 September 2007

So our two possible destination cities are Limerick, Ireland, and Munich, Germany. We have made our choice, but it wasn’t easy. I’m interested in hearing what you guys would have chosen before I tell you what we decided.

Munich has a lot of obvious benefits, including…

  • Large, dynamic city with plenty of cultural activities and groovy neighborhoods (no, I’m not counting Oktoberfest as a cultural activity)
  • Decent public transport
  • Proximity to Alps for skiing and winter frolicking
  • People speak real German there (well, it’s closer to real German than what we hear now, anyway)
  • Pretzels, Weiβbier, oompa bands and Lederhosen
  • Beer gardens
  • 6 weeks starting vacation

But Limerick, although less glamorous, has some very tempting attributes, as well…

  • Cute little city centered around a lively walking district
  • Lower cost of living (meaning we could afford, among other things, a brand new apartment with a giant, American-sized kitchen. Goodbye, shoebox freezer!)
  • 24-hour shopping
  • Gorgeous nature nearby – especially ocean!
  • Cool, mild weather (remember – I’m not a fan of the sun or summer)
  • People speak English, and with adorable accents, to boot
  • The Irish are incredibly friendly, especially compared to the Germans
  • Cozy, smoke-free pubs serving delicious Irish ales
  • People named Seamus
  • Cheddar cheese!!

So which one would you choose? I have a feeling the responses will be a landslide, but let’s see if I’m right…

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Comments (34)

  • Gar
    September 14th, 2007

    They both sound good. Germany probably has the edge on the beer. Limerick sounds very nice for the walking.
    Since I have no talent for learning languages (I am an American) I would have to pick Limerick.

  • Chuck
    September 15th, 2007

    I would totally choose Limerick, because I’ve been to Munchen before…

  • tallasiandude
    September 15th, 2007

    Language is probably one of the primary obstacles I have when traveling. I can actually understand the Irish. The English even, embarrassingly, not so much.

    And, I don’t ski.

    However, my main question would be, “How’s the Chinese food?”

    That one was even an obstacle for me for moving to Chicago.

  • tqe / adam
    September 15th, 2007

    i would go with Munich because it’s closer to the middle of Europe, thus not every trip would have to start with a plane trip… and if there was a plane trip involved, the odds are are against Ryanair being involved, unlike any plane trip involving Ireland.

    I’m going solely based on transportation, and given that you like to vacation all over Europe like me, you too would chose Munich

  • GL'sD
    September 15th, 2007

    If you choose Limerick, make sure you do get a new apartment. My last time in Ireland was in early December and I like to have froze to death. The fist morning I woke up there was ice on the mirror of the bedroom on an inside wall. The heating systems are terrible.

  • Roam2Rome
    September 15th, 2007

    I would choose Limerick :)

    Though Munich really calls my attention, I’d have to say that…

    Tough choice!

    So, what did you choose?

  • Anonymous
    September 15th, 2007

    http://observer.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,1544218,00.html

    Article on Limerick, aka Stab City.

  • EuroTrippen
    September 15th, 2007

    Ireland’s beautiful, no doubt, but you’re stuck way out there – a plane trip from just about everything.

    And no matter how you slice it you can’t discount 6 weeks of starting vacation…

    Munich would be my choice.

  • naechstehaltestelle
    September 15th, 2007

    Tough one. I like the idea of living in Ireland (can speak the language, many conveniences) but I also loved living in Germany. For my son, I’d pick Germany because I want him to speak real German, not just Swiss German. English he’ll pick up with no problem.

  • Global Librarian
    September 15th, 2007

    Ireland. No doubt in my mind that is where I would go.

  • Michelle
    September 15th, 2007

    Munich! More neighbors would be fun… :)

  • Gardner
    September 15th, 2007

    I’d pick Limerick, because it sounds like a change from Central Europe would be a nice change.

  • Maria
    September 15th, 2007

    I LOVE Germany, but I think I would go for Ireland. :)

  • C N Heidelberg
    September 15th, 2007

    Hmm, I don’t see any landslide here :)

    Very tough call. I’m all for English, cheapness, ocean, and cool weather. But travel is easier from Munich, and it’s bigger so there’s more action.

    I guess I’d go with Limerick because I already live in Germany, so Ireland would be something new for me. My husband picks Munich, though.

  • megan
    September 15th, 2007

    Maybe I’m biased, but Munich is central to everything in Europe in comparison to Ireland (although I dreamed of living there as a kid) and with 6 weeks of vacation, you’ll have a great opportunity to travel. I moved here thinking I would be here a few months… by the time we leave it will be going on five years. With our departure growing near, I’m falling more in love with the city than ever before.

  • GenevaGal
    September 16th, 2007

    if I spoke German, it would be Munich for sure. your list of attributes is tempting!

  • Buda Baby
    September 16th, 2007

    Which would I choose? Munich, hands down, for the reasons already posted (bigger city, easier to travel from, etc.). I like Ireland, and it is beautiful, but I didn’t find it all that cheap. Even in small towns, restaurants were pretty expensive.

    For you though, maybe small town living would be an adventure after all the big cities. :-) 54,000 people? It would drive me batshit. :-)

  • Beth
    September 16th, 2007

    Lim-er-ick, Lim-er-ick. (Pretending I was chanting that.)

  • Anonymous
    September 16th, 2007

    Munich, definitely!

  • Greg
    September 17th, 2007

    Ireland would be the place if it were me. I’d love to be back living someplace where the people spoke English as a native language. It would also be nice to have the sea not too far away.

  • Monica
    September 17th, 2007

    Julie and her hubby must choose a new city,
    Though leaving Switzerland is really a pity,
    For a hint at my vote,
    You’d need to travel by boat-
    Be sure to wave if you see a Selkie!

  • Franny Nom dePlume
    September 18th, 2007

    Well I would choose Limerick, even though you’d be off the continent, you would also be close to other fab cities to visit, like Dublin. And the ocean.. what can compete with that?? But I don’t know why, I have this feeling you may chosen Munich.. hmmmm..

  • raqqash
    September 18th, 2007

    Well after reading the news article indicated by anonimous, I’d say maybe Ireland but in a different place. Don’t love the ring of words like Stab City and shooting and criminality in my ears ;)

  • ellie
    September 18th, 2007

    I’ve never been to either place, but I would choose Limerick, ’cause I don’t speak a word of German except for swears, and most of my family came from Ireland, so I definitely plan to go there someday. I would count Oktoberfest as a point in Munich’s favor, though! I would love to experience that. On the other hand: huge American kitchen! :-)

    (And thanks for the link on my LJ!)

  • c'est moi
    September 19th, 2007

    Deutschland definately. It got me at 6 weeks vacation!

  • jen
    September 19th, 2007

    limerick, hands down

  • Anonymous
    September 19th, 2007

    Hi,

    Long time reader, 2nd time commenting.

    Im Irish, lived in Dublin but my mother is from Limerick so I spent a lot of my childhood in Limerick.

    Perhaps I am a bit too close to it to comment but I really would not chose limerick.

    1) Property is not reasonable in Ireland. There has been an incredible boom in the last 10 years so you would be buying at the peak. While Limerick is much cheaper than Dublin, property is very overvalued there.
    2) Properties are also quite small – especially appartments – so forget the american kitchen!
    3) You would be better off renting – rent is from reasonable to high
    4) The weather. Im not a sun bunny but the lack of seasons in Ireland can be depressing for some.
    5) It isnt safe, the stab-city article (from a previous poster) is a very common trait associated to Limerick. It definitely isnt safe to walk home in the evenings. It will be a big shock after zurich.
    6) We have a repuatation for being friendly thats true and a lot of are (and very nosy) but people in cities in Ireland can be just as brusque as people in Zurich.

    While I would totally rule out Limerick – I would not rule out other Irish cities.

    Have you considered Galway? If I were moving back that would be where Id go. Cork or Wexford are also other cities Id consider. Wexford is very small (much smaller than zurich) but is one of the most beautiful places in ireland.

    Good luck, if you have any questions I given you my email address if you like.

  • melanienyc
    September 19th, 2007

    The previous post from ‘Anonymous’ pretty much sums it up imho. I have also recently relocated to switzerland from Dublin, Ireland. I would recommend def. looking at Galway and Cork unless you have been to and are in love with Limerick. To be honest most people in Ireland actually seem to avoid going there. Good luck with your choice it is always fun to move =)

  • The Globetrotter Parent
    September 25th, 2007

    Oh God, Munich, of course. YOu are not seriously considering living in the middle nowhere in Limerick, are you? I mean, I am sure it is beautiful but you can always visit.

  • Geologychick
    September 25th, 2007

    IRELAND!

  • Z
    September 28th, 2007

    How long before you tell us what you’ve decided on?

  • Jul
    October 2nd, 2007

    z – soon. I promise. :)

  • Expat Traveler
    October 10th, 2007

    Germany all the way… It’s close to Switzerland and great skiing, easy travel everywhere still…

    After reading more about Limerick, I’m spooked…

  • headbang8
    October 10th, 2007

    Ah, Jul…

    You wrote to me that you might be moving to Munich. So naturally, I want to encourage you.

    Limerick is a bit smaller and bleaker than Munich, but there are those who find the bleak rather comforting, or at least familiar.

    I can find little bleakness and gloom in München. I’m sure it’s here, but the civic authorities have zoned it to the burbs with the Siemens Werken, Airbus and the XXXLütz warehouses.

    Everyone is so fucking jolly in München that it takes real strength of purpose to be a miserable old curmudgeon like myself.

    There could be an explanation for all this jolliness. In my observation, with the incredible beer culture here, Munich is the drunkest city on the planet. Then again, Ireland is the drunkest country on the planet. Name yer poison.

    One important cultural anchor in Munich, often overlooked, is the Ludwig Maximillian University. LMU is the largest uni on the continent, and in mid sized city the large student population has a great, lively, positive influence. I lived in Maxvorstadt (the university quarter) before taking up a permanent address in genteel Bogenhausen across the river. I kinda miss the cool cafe culture and the extraordinary bookshops (even some in English)

    Cheers, HB8

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