Hi Gary,
A lot of people have asked these questions of me over the last couple of years, and I find it difficult to answer with any real clarity. For me it was just something that evolved slowly over all my married life. Right at the beginning of our marriage I wanted to move "to the continent" and explore other countries, but my other half was too fearful of such an adventure. But as the years passed, and we struggled with mortgages, bringing up kids, illnesses and redundancies, we just felt that there had to be a better life out there for us.
As the years passed, I would never have left my Mum as we were all she had and out of love and loyalty I could not have moved to another country whilst she was alive. So it wasn't until she died in 2002 that we started talking with any conviction about a move.
We love Greece, the Greek Islands, and Crete was spoken about. We also love Portugal. We felt Portugal would be difficult to find work, as would Crete, because of the language barrier. We are practical people and know our limitations. We didn't have much money in comparison to the people we know out here now who have retired. We also don't have the security of a regular income via a pension. So Cyprus, with English spoken fairly widely, and a lower cost of living, seemed the way to go. We had been here twice on holiday and although we didn't "love" the island the way some people do, it ticked the boxes for us. Another catalyst for us was the death of my closest friend when she seemed so young and full of life. It made us realise that we had to follow our hearts and not keep putting things off. We may not have the time we think. So that was how we chose it.
What makes us stay? We have found a lifestyle here that is much more relaxed than our UK one. We don't think twice about saying yes when people ask us if we want to go out to dinner. We still pinch ourselves when we look out of our living room window at the changing views of the Akamas down to Lara. We eat better - I can't remember when I last had a frozen ready meal. Never since I moved to Cyprus. This time of year, when everything is green and the spring flowers are out and the sun sets directly in front of us so that we can sit inside if it is cold, but still see it, is just perfect. I didn't come here for the sunshine in the summer months, or to turn myself into a piece of leather. I came here to get the benefit of the winter sun. The blue skies and bright days. I have mental health issues, so for me - and Phil - anything that reduces the risk of me becoming ill is worth a try.
Would I go back to the UK? Well, who knows. I have my sons there, so I can't categorically say no. But if I am not forced to go back, I wouldn't choose to go back. The UK is a lovely country, physically. There are some beautiful places to visit and to stay. But I could never afford to visit these places when I lived there. It is a sad state of affairs to think that I am in a better position to visit the UK and see its beauty now that I am not being fleeced by its government. I didn't resent paying the amount of tax that was taken out of my salary. But I did resent what it was used for. And when we have needed a little support from the system it was never there. I don't think about it any more because it is not my problem now, but it used to make me feel angry and uptight. I also didn't like the violence of the society and I feel more relaxed here with the Inians and the goats.
Cyprus isn't perfect, but there is nowhere on this earth that it because humans get in the way of perfection. Cyprus gives me what I want for now. Will I stay forever? Maybe, maybe not. I will see what it holds for me when I retire, God willing I get that far.
Any regrets? (You missed that common question out). None. I miss my boys, but much as I would love them to live out here so that I could see them more often, it really wouldn't be right for them. It may suit Nathan's lifestyle if he took up his diving seriously, but Kieran works for the RFU. He is having the time of his life mingling with his heros and coaching lads who may shape the future of the England team. He wouldn't be happy here.
I just want to add that your questions are asked of me - and others who live here - many times over. Apart from wondering how I would feel about leaving my boys behind I never really pondered on how others felt and their reasons for leaving the UK. I was too busy following my own heart and just wanted help with the practicalities, such as, where do I start? No matter what motivated others, or how they feel now, it is what motivates YOU that matters. And as for how you will feel once you have made the move, well no-one can tell you. It is the one thing that you cannot research. You just have to bite the bullet and dive into the unknown.
Verity.
The school day ends at 12.50 and there is no after school care and I suddenly have no friends or family to rely on!! What can I do that will fit around school. Then someone posted the question on another forum asking where could they get a traditional English style wedding cake? A light bulb suddenly lit above my head, Well I thought I have spent many years as a chef and studied/worked in patisserie and cake dec but in the UK I never had time to persue the cake dec side and commit to it. In fact I got to the point that if someone asked me to do a cake for them I would groan as because of work I never really enjoyed it. So my business was born. I really enjoy it and I have time for both the cakes and my daughter. Most of the time anyway.
