[quote=kcal09]There is no question that the CA lifestyle is one of the best. Especially the climate, people and freedom are very much admired by Europeans who life a much more confined and regimented life.[/quote]
In many ways, younger Europeans are less regimented. University is cheap, so they’re not locked down by student loans. They tend to demonstrate a lot more, since the consequences of being arrested/ticketed aren’t as great as in the US. More time off, so more time to travel when young.
It’s also pretty common for kids over 8 or 9 to walk or take public transport to school, and travel to other countries with friends by age 16 or 17. Helicopter parenting isn’t as common as in the US — kids grow up more independent.
