Year #1 in Sweden is up and what have I learned about Europe?
1. Everybody who has managed to visit the States wants to live there. (Swedes, Finns, Russians, French, English, etc)
2. You think the French hate the US and tourists? You should see how they treat their immigrants....
3. America is still the land of opportunity. Even if its only a job packing groceries or working at McD's, you CAN find a job. Over here you need to know somebody regardless of your qualifications. (old boy network).
4. They have no clue what "Customer Service" means.
These "social welfare" countries are getting ready to implode and thats just my humble 2 cents worth.....
You are mostly spot-on but I must disagree with your last point. They do know what Customer Service means, only to them it is like an oxymoron. When you are the customer you are an A-hole because you distract them from more important things like worrying about health care and holidays. And they know how to service their back side.
Can I assume that you miss our wonderful country? That question's rhetorical by the way. I've a pretty good idea what your answer would be. :^)
You and your family keep well.