Europe Versus The West - Jim's Recent Trip Reflections

We took last week of because Jim was traveling around Europe for a few weeks Mark suggests we use The Wheel and Jim explains the 5 components of the wheel Relationships, Money, Health, Profession, and Worldview Mark adds the center of the wheel - Self Mark brings in Worldview Mark asks Jim about his trip We discuss how things have changed everywhere Jim reminds us that Europe has always had wars going on Jim says America is no longer the big stick and Europe has lost respect for us Jim was treated quite well by the French - great food and people He felt the Europeans were more in harmony… Things and people were lighter, less threatening, easier Mark says the media exaggerates how bad things are Americans are competitive, individualistic and Jim brings sports into the discussion Jim talks about the difference in approaches to work and life Europeans Start later, close earlier, linger over meals and take more vacations Mark talks about work ethic being embedded in the DNA Mark shares his daughters wanting to linger over meals and not eating fast Europeans linger and eat for the experience Europeans socialize and enjoy each others company Mark misses eating dinner together as a family Jim cites that corporations have taken over in the US and small business is thriving in Europe Small businesses are becoming scarce here in the US Covid accelerated everything Mark talks about tradition breaking down over here Jim explains why European roads have roundabouts and we don't Jim saw a great deal of young people out and about In US people are growing old and lonely where in Europe 3 and 4 generations live together Mark talks about growing up in Boston and the Italian and the Irish neighborhoods Money doesn't buy happiness.  It creates isolation and complacency Jim wants to know more about which countries have more than 2 political parties Mark jokes about American ignorance Jim wants a third party and thinks it would lessen the division over here Europeans have their own countries but they're also European and have figured out how to get along Mark brings up the Ryder Cup Jim talks about his visit to the World Rugby Championships which is one of the reasons for his trip Game comes first and the player comes second - the ultimate honor is to represent your country Mark brings tradition back up and the activity of taking down statues Jim brings up the Irish "Troubles" and Mark shares his experience having married an Irish girl Jim brings up the current situation in Israel Mark goes off a bit about globalization the pro Palestinian riots here in the US Mark gives his opinions on Israel and Jim had enough:) Jim said things have changed but he has too Jim says he was purposeful about respecting each different culture as he moved from country to country Mark remember taking public transportation and get off at the last stop of the train and sample the small town off the map places.  Genuine and hospitable Both guys loved Amsterdam Jim finishes with a story about visiting his cousin in the Swiss Alps by Lake Cuomo Mark talks about his dad's family ties in Newfoundland and his desire to visit there