Paphos People

Everyone on here seems so friendly and happy but I was wondering if any of the Cyprus based members have ever wanted to pack up and return or indeed, are there any who feel like doing it now.
I know it's not a happy topic but there has to be two sides to every story and I was just wondering about this. Do you know of anyone who has decided to do it and if so for what reasons.
Thanks Gary

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So close yet so far away

I personally dont know of anyone Gary, but I can understand why at some stage in life people will do it.

It could be illness, bereavement - I'm sure there any many reasons why some people would think to go back to the U.K.

Me I would say never say never.

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Molly

Treat others as you want to be treated

Ive wanted to do it several times Gary but not gone through with it as yet.
Currently Im quite happy where I am but I have said more than once that I wont grow old here. I doubt I'd go back to UK but who knows what the future may bring? I dont think I would settle there again but like Molly, never say never.

I do know of some people that went back - cost them a lot of money and they lasted less than 3 months before they came back again. They've been back here about 14 months now and are happy here.

People go back for a multitude of reasons and their ages may be a big factor. In addition to family changes,health issues, bereavement, marital break ups, finances could also play a big part of the decision to return to UK.

I say go with the flow and live for the moment... then again I always did have a ten second attention span so I have to or I forget!
x

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That's interesting that you know someone who went back at a big cost then returned and re settled. The grass ain't always greener as they say.
Gary

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So close yet so far away

Is this you planning your UK return Gary before you've moved out here

well gary
I did write a big post on this subject but it seems to have disapeared ..
this new upgrade is starting to pee me off ..

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REACH 1000`s of PAPHOS CUSTOMERS EVERY DAY FOR A FRACTION OF WHAT THE OTHERS CHARGE
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Whilst the optimist and the pessimist argued that the whisky glass was either half full
or half empty ? .
I drank it .....
The opportunist..

Maybe Neil, when you were writing your big long reply, someone else posted something, so instead of your post being put on the board, it showed you the new added post, so that you may review your post accordinly & instead of clicking submit again, you clicked 'day 2 day life' above & then found your post which you thought you'd posted wasn't in fact there

Its one of the new functions, which is handy, as it give you a chance to review you post if someone else has posted while you're are writing yours

that will be that all new improved functionality
that everyone is really interested in (not)

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REACH 1000`s of PAPHOS CUSTOMERS EVERY DAY FOR A FRACTION OF WHAT THE OTHERS CHARGE
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Whilst the optimist and the pessimist argued that the whisky glass was either half full
or half empty ? .
I drank it .....
The opportunist..

Its begs the question, why have a computer if you don't like change

Well if it wasn't for technology & change, we'd all be as ignorant as the cavemen were

After all 'Functionality' is defined as 'something capable of serving a purpose well' Something to meet the needs of todays society, the need for technological advancement

Anyway Pete, no I'm not planning my return before I've got there,sorry to disappoint you
Gary

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So close yet so far away

Thats good to know mate, as you can come watch the footie in the G&D with us

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Molly

Treat others as you want to be treated

Gary
I tried once to post this , I will try again..

You will find that lots of people go back to the UK for many reasons
other than it never worked out.
I have swore blind that I would never go back , but you can never say never !!
situations change , maybe a partner passes away there are many of that generation living here, and the partner thats left would like to be nearer to home , there are a thousand reasons why people have had to go back, (not wanted to)
but yes,, there are those who have not liked it
If I were to leave here , it would be to go somewhere better not worse

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Whilst the optimist and the pessimist argued that the whisky glass was either half full
or half empty ? .
I drank it .....
The opportunist..

I'm sure I read a statistic somewhere that stated 80% of all ex pats return to the UK within 5 years of leaving . Don't know whether this relates to just Cyprus or everywhere they emigrate to.
In your experience/opinion does this seem accurate?
Cheers Gary

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So close yet so far away

I personally only know one couple who went back
and they owed me 3,500cyp when they left without a word
"you live and learn"
but back on topic ,, thats the only one I know of .

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Whilst the optimist and the pessimist argued that the whisky glass was either half full
or half empty ? .
I drank it .....
The opportunist..

[/quote]
I personally only know one couple who went back
and they owed me 3,500cyp when they left without a word
[/quote]

Was that for the Jeep?

Did you ever sell it?

I know it's unlikely but if you didn't I wouldn't mind a look.

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Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want....

yes thats the one ..
I still have it parked in the garage at home
its in the motoring section on this site.
give me shout if you want a look

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REACH 1000`s of PAPHOS CUSTOMERS EVERY DAY FOR A FRACTION OF WHAT THE OTHERS CHARGE
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Whilst the optimist and the pessimist argued that the whisky glass was either half full
or half empty ? .
I drank it .....
The opportunist..

PM sent.

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Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want....

Hi.

In the early years (not days) I wanted to go back home so much but I came here with a 3 month old baby. It was horrible (not the baby!) I couldn't settle...no friends, not working, less than no money as he opened a restaurant with my hard earned cash from my business, house, etc. and lost the lot! (1991 Gulf war being one of the things) left alone in the house whilst he visited everyone in his little village. I was so angry, I really hated all Cypriots because of this. I didn't go home for 8 years as I had no money, worked all hours from home for different shops to trade my work for a carpet or a piece of furniture in order to make a home for the children.
Now I am settled! I worked hard in between having another 2 children and eventually was able to get the kids off to nursery....all has been a battle as Cypriots tend to like their 'possessions' where they want. Being a Geordie lass I couldn't stand this. Anyway can't complain about life here now, working gives me the chance to have some 'say' and I think at the end of the day he appriciates what I have done, according to some, not that he could tell me anyway. I now have my lovely house and can buy myself the odd bottle of perfume or whatever without having to ask. So I am quite content!
I couldn't go back home even though when some customers come to see me, especially from the NorthEast I have to stop 'filling up'.
I did have a brief chat with 'him' about what would happen if I died as I do not fancy being buried here, I told him that my ashes to be taken back and scattered back home, he repied ' it'll be a suprise!'
Sorry but you did asked for something 'serious'!


Jolly Jill.

Jill you still manage to put a smile on my face even though your post is a bit sad. That's the north east in us girl.
My sister lived in CY for 8yrs before returning to the UK. In her wisdom she thought that as her husband had retired from the Church (Vicar ) they couldn't manage to live here on his pension. What a shock when they got back to UK they are far worse off. Church Pensions are so small they are struggling. They lost quit a lump of cash when their equitable life pension went a--e up.
So Gary we wouldnt go back to the UK (never say never) even with a company pension to see us ok--- not in the foreseeable future any way. Marj

Hi Jill and Marj,
A serious question/topic yes but I found your answers interesting and so will others. I know this isn't a happy topic but it's
Cyprus you live in, not Utopia and I just thought I'd get a glimpse of Cyprus life from both sides of the coin.
Glad things have worked out for you Jill and regards as always to you Marj.( a couple of cracking North East Lasses I'm sure !)
Gary, a cracking North East Lad

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So close yet so far away

Very good open posting fro a cracking southerner it is nice when you get open posting giving voluntarily.

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Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly!
Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably
And never regret anything that made you smile Warning Internet forums may contain nuts

The first year I was here I went back five times - not cos I dont like it here.

Apart from missing my children/grandchildren my youngest granddaughter has Leukaemia, so therefore my son and family couldn't travel here.

Also it was very difficult for us to give support being so far away.

Last year I only went back about three/four times so we have cut it down.

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Molly

Treat others as you want to be treated

I have in the past posted that about 80% of people who come to live here will leave. Certainly of the people In have known personally over the last 18 years the 80% figure is about right. Whether that figure still holds good since the massive influx following EU membership, I hesitate to guess, but people are still leaving.

The rot sets in after about two years, when the rose tint wears off the spectacles and they see Cyprus as it really is and not as they imagined. It then takes a couple more years to decide to return to the UK.

Those who bought (or rented) holiday homes and spent a lot of time here before moving over tend to stay longer.

Reasons for leaving?

Missing family and friends in the UK
The illusion that health care is better in the UK
Daughters(-in-law) produce grandchildren
Unrealistic expectations of how much it is possible for a no-Greek speking resident to earn here, or even what living in a foreign country entails.
And probably the most common reason - unable to adapt to the cultural differences.

The grass is frequently not greener on the other side of the fence. If you are living here and still think of, or refer to, Britain as 'home', then you will probably return.

I cannot say that we will never leave Cyprus. Never is a long time and we don't know what life will throw at us, but there are two issues that may affect whether I continue to live out the rest of my life here and they are:

1. If the Cyprus 'problem' is 'resolved' and the communities descend into civil war.

2. If my wife and I become too frail to manage on our own and we can no longer afford carers to look after us - though given the state of residential care for the elderly in the UK, returning there doesn't seem much of a prospect either.

We have been here two years now, and never had rose tinted specs on. However, we did feel the holiday mode for a good few months, even though we knew we were not on a permanent holiday. It is a transitional period, and the length that it lasts is an individual experience. It was an odd period of time to work through.

Phil is earning decent money from a Cypriot company - but he is really good at his job - and I have been lucky enough to have had some regular part time work for over 12 months. It is slowing down now, but I still don't have to work full time as I did in the UK, just to keep my head above water. It is UK pay, so if I work half a dozen shifts each month I still earn a little more than I would earn working full time in a Cypriot clinic.

So I guess we have been very fortunate.

Missing my boys gets harder, not easier. And I didn't expect that to be the case. Phil has found that, too, which has surprised him. But as a family we are close without having to be in one another's pockets, and we keep in touch over the internet and phone. Not daily - but then I wouldn't speak with them daily if we lived in the UK. They are young, single and living their lives. It is their time. And so Phil and I are having our time, too. They know our love for them is solid and don't need to hear it said on a daily basis. I, on the other hand, just need to hear their voices a couple of times a week. Cos I am a Mum.

That wouldn't take us back to the UK. Why live in the UK waiting for the kids to visit? We have a life, and are a different generation.

The health care in the UK is not better than here. The language barrier here can sometimes be frustrating, but I think the doctors know their stuff. Finding the right doctor is the key. At least you have access to tests here, whereas you are often at the mercy of doctors who have financial constraints heaped on them in the NHS.

I think people forget what made them think of leaving the UK in the first place, and when routine takes over from the holiday mode they start to think they had more than they did.

We have no plans to go back to the UK. We may not spend our retirement in Cyprus - if we live that long - but the UK isn't somewhere that I can see me living when I am retired.

Verity.

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Verity.

Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

http://coecyp.blogspot.com

Hi everyone!

My situation is a little different. I was 3 when we left Scotland and I have only been back in a handful of times since. We moved to South Africa where I grew up but had to leave because the situation just became too volatile, so I consider South Africa home and not the UK. I have worked in most parts of Southern Africa and then went to Dubai and Doha for 3 year contracts at a time and Cyprus kind of became my base between contracts, my parents have a house in Paphos and are hoping to retire there within the next couple of years so it is really where I am hoping to settle down permanently.. I am now in China but am really not enjoying it and really have the need to settle down especially since I have a son who is now 4 and has been to 3 different schools aready! My main problem is finding work in Cyprus, without work I am obviously stuck with taking the expat contracts wherever I get offered them but am well and truely fed up with it.
Anyway, those that know me, know it has been a rough couple of years and so I am hoping for a lucky break this year...
A quick thanks to Pete and Verity for sorting out my user name and a big congratulations on the new site, I love the more relaxed atmosphere you have created.
Sorry, have just read my first post and it sounds a bit depressing, I guess since finding this site and reading all your posts it reminds me how much I miss Cyprus! (back to my normal undepressed self soon )

Sarah

Hi Sarah, and welcome to Paphos People. I am glad Pete managed to get your membership sorted out.

Your post is not depressing, it is factual and states how you feel. It is not easy to find work that pays enough to live on in Cyprus. It is probably easier if there are two people earning, but when you are the only breadwinner the wages sometimes don't even cover the rent!

I hope you find something to enable you to settle here. We love the place and can't understand why some people don't - but it wouldn't do if we all liked the same things, would it?

Hope you enjoy PP and that it gives you a little taster of what you are aiming to get back to.

Verity.

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Verity.

Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

http://coecyp.blogspot.com

Jo & I talk about this all the time!

When we moved to France we did not any have children, NOW we have 2 fantastic kids!

We both talk to our parents more now then we ever have!!!

Financialy (sp?) we would be BETTER off in the UK!

Not only because of the benefits but also because of our work. There is not a month that goes by when I get a call or email offering us a job in our trade.

Lets hope for another good hot summer...

Money isn't everything.

Phil has been offered some tempting incentives to go back to the UK, but although we would be better off financially, spiritually we would be crushed. Sitting outside just enjoying "me" time is one of the things we wanted. We worked so hard in the UK we were often too tired to do more than drop off in front of the TV. Now we have the work/life balance more in favour of life.

Our social life here is so much better as we can actually afford to eat out. Fuel costs are lower, so we can put petrol in the car and have a day in the Troodos. We have the Akamas on our doorstep, and Lara is just down the road. We may get more money in the UK, but the cost of everything is so prohibitive that we would not be better off in the long run.

Immediately we would have to ear-mark three grand plus for holidays to escape the damned place two or three times a year.

Verity.

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Verity.

Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

http://coecyp.blogspot.com

Hmmmm, well for me I feel if I hadn't bought 4 yrs ago I would have moved back, however, my eldest is still in Scotland and I miss her terribly, but like someone said, why go back to wait for your children to come visit you!! Being 20 (daughter not me ha ha), she lives her own life with her boyfriend of 2 years at the moment they are in Benidorm, comes out here next month and then goes to Newcastle for the weekend. (will tell her to say hi to newcastle for you Jill) However, my youngest is 14 and goes to Greek school, has lots of friends, Jills daughters included (lovely kids Jill), and my mother lives here also, so that has kept me here. I have now tho a job which I love and Im very passionate about and its very rewarding altho financial wise I just get by so at times its difficult. I will never say never, but I know that my mum n daughter love it here and I just throw myself into my work. Its sunny most of the time, we can sit out in the morning with our cuppa, in the evening with some wine and go to the beach, troodos just out and about anywhere at the weekend, could we do that in the UK? Im sick of political correctness also so I would end up arrested in the UK!! thats another subject, anyway have a great weekend whatever you choose to do!

Maureen

There are people here, like us who are retired, who are I think much less likely to go back. We don't need to work to survive as we have our pensions [ although the euro is not helping ] and we have no debt. It must be hard for those who have to find work in order to live a reasonable lifestyle. The much bigger wages in the UK must be tempting, but then the cost of living is also much higher, and all the other reasons that made you leave are still there, or worse. There was mention of the language problem over here but that is also a spreading problem in UK in some areas.
We love it in Cyprus though we have not been here very long, and we are committed to staying. The children and grandchildren are back in Scotland, but who says that they will stay there, I played bowls with one woman who had moved back from Austarlia to be near her daughter, who then moved to Texas with her husband's job.

Alastair

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Alastair

Nil illigitimae carborundum

Well i dont think i need to come back too be with scots as going by this you are all there
Hope to join you all soonest.
Tricia freezing in Fife x

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new me new life, , never forget my cyprus life and friends .

Here's a few things that might tempt you all to stay over there. In the past 2 years we've been burgled and had the car broken into on the drive. We now park the family's cars at night every night in a way which prevents the most valuable ones being nicked (as a family we have 4 cars). At the mo in UK lead and copper is valuable. Needless to say any properties with these metals displayed are targetted (think canopies,bay windows even downpipes) overnight. You wouldn't believe how many homes are done each night !
The garden shed is like Fort Knox and you can not leave things out overnight in the back gardens as the scum just climb walls and fences and will take anything. We have had heavy planters stolen loads of times.
You regularly get callers to your door wanting to trim your bushes,cut your grass,clean your windows,wash your cars and everyone of these callers will be a criminal.
The doors to the house therefore have to stay locked at all times.
You don't walk the dog at night. When you go to the local shops you have to first walk through large gangs of kids/youths who are drinking,spitting and cursing and who will turn on you if you look at them in the wrong way.
We don't use our town centre anymore. Chances are your car won't be where you parked it when you return and if it is it's probably been broken into.
Oh there's dog dirt everywhere. I could go on and on. We actually live on a decent estate and the thieves do not come from the estate they simply think that cos we've got it we can afford to lose it.
There is no means of disuading these thieves anymore. The courts are a joke and if you sort the problem out yourself you'll end up in the same courts.
Believe me I know as I've done it.
And for the privilege of all this it now costs a fortune to live here and many are in the clarts just trying to keep their heads above water.
There now anyone fancy returning to this ?
Gary

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So close yet so far away

Blimey, you paint a pretty disturbing picture Gary!

One of the main things that forced our exit was the increase in crime - house burgled/car stolen etc, plus not being able to walk the streets at night, look at someone the wrong way in a bar etc of course...

The more I read of the UK papers, the worse it seems to have got since we left - I can imagine I'm in for a pretty big culture shock when i next return (which won't be soon if I can possibly help it!)

The lumpenproletariat are taking over - get out while you still can!

Gary I dont understand your reply-- I answered you Q -- does any one know who decided to do it and for what reason. I told you about my sister and the reason why. Why should --"you live in Cyprus and Utopia" come into it. Marj

Marj
My reply wasn't having a poke at anyone. I've gone back and read my reply and what I meant to convey was that although your sister and Jill's posts were not happy ones, well Jill's had a happy ending, they are none the less interesting for people like me because it is Cyprus we are coming to. Things can go wrong,people's views can change therefore it ain't Utopia is what I'm trying to say.
It would be easy for people to think it was Utopia if the other side of the coin was never spoken about. That's what I meant.
Gary

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So close yet so far away

Gary, I know it's not funny but I had to laugh, your post sounds like dowtown Johannesburg!
When we first went to Dubai it was during Ramadan ( ), anyway we were down at the waterfront at dusk when we heard this great "explosion", we all hit the deck, assuming it was another car bomb or something, we later found out that at sunset they fire off a canon to officially announce the breaking of the fast, we felt like idiots but it did remind us of why we had left SA. I have been out about 8 years and forget the crippling fear we sometimes felt.
I might complain about some of the places I have lived in but they are safe and that really counts for a lot in my book!

Sarah

Welcome Sarah,

Glad you finally got on baord & I look forward to reading more of your posts

So how is it in China at present with what is going on in Tibet We hear a lot of things on the news but I don't suppose its affecting the whole if China just yet

Nowhere is Utopia. Some places suit some people more than they do others. Cyprus suits us better than the UK does. Some people will feel that Cyprus was a complete disaster of a move to make. I think that there are many topics that may be written in a light hearted manner, but they do point out the shortcomings or frustrations of life in Cyprus.

We all look for different things in life, and we all have different outlooks. Asking about downsides is all well and good, but one man's meat is another man's poison. You won't find me complaining about barking dogs, but that could drive someone else mad.

If you visit Cyprus, like what you see, do your own investigations and read forums like this where everyday life is mentioned in topics then only you can decide whether it might be the right move for you.

Until you are actually here and living from day to day - not holiday mode - you won't truly know whether it is right for you or not. Living with the heat of the summer is fine for a fortnight on holiday, but not so easy when you don't have a plane booked to take you away from it.

Verity.

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Verity.

Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

http://coecyp.blogspot.com

Very true Verity. I'm still doing my research but I know I'm coming.You can't do too much research and I'll be doing it until the day I fly out !
I know I will be able to settle. Mrs DP makes all the right noises and is keen but it is she that I worry about. Will she miss the kids too much ? will she miss her friends and this life ?
Like you say we won't know will we till we get there and try it out.
Fingers crossed.
Gary

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So close yet so far away

Hi Sarah

Welcome aboard a fun forum and look forward to reading some of your posts.

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Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly!
Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably
And never regret anything that made you smile Warning Internet forums may contain nuts

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome

I am actually in Macau, a Specially Administered Region on the Zhuhai border, about an hours ferry ride from Hong Kong, it is an ex Portuguese colony. Anyway we haven't really been affected by the whole Tibet saga..

I may be back in Cyprus sooner than I thought as I kind of lost it at work and quit in a blaze of glory (it was totally worth it but now I'm unemployed!)

Have a wonderful Easter!!!

Sarah

WOW

I tell my boss that everyday but I don't listen to myself, so I still have a job

Sarah, you can borrow my avatar if you like !!!!

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If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs..............you obviously don't have a clue as to how serious things are.

Well I haven't even got to Cyprus yet but I have some friends who came back to the Uk from South Africa and the one thing he said he really liked about being in the UK was that he was no longer looked upon and treated like a foreignor. I am wondering if I will mind being treated like a foreignor in Cyprus, and although the crime rate is much higher here, when I read a thread about a lady being seriously assaulted and the police refusing to do anything I do wonder. I know bad news travels faster than good, so a few stories about the police being helpful would correct the balance, if there are any? I also wonder how quickly the crime rate will rise now that Cyprus is in the EU and will the police know/be able to cope, so could the crime rate proportionatly end up as bad as the UK but without adequate policing (not that I'm suggesting the policing in the UK is adequate )?

Cheers

Milly

Great topic Gary

I love to hear peoples views on these sort of subjects it all helps with our research before making the big move.

Gary we live on a nice estate in South Manchester but in the past few years we too have experienced most of the things that you describe where you live. Crime and the ever increasing cost of living in the UK are our main reasons for leaving.
If I could I would leave the UK tomorrow but we want to make sure that we are financially secure before we move because we want to do everything we can to make it work. Yes we will miss the kids but they all have their own lives, and like Verity mentioned we sit at home waiting for them to fit in time to see us in their busy lives.

Julie x

I know three people who have returned to the UK over the past year and their reason for returning have been missing family or health.

Jan

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ALWAYS MOVE FORWARD

Well I hope they can afford to pay £1650 a year council tax, £360 a year water rates, we pay £145 a month for gas and electricity then there's the rest which I'm sure you all know about. Mortgage and petrol at £1.05 a litre and bins being emptied once a fortnight.
Remind them that as always we have an incompetent government whose only solution to the hole they themselves dug is to dig further and make the working classes pay for it. I say working classes cos I don't know what middle class is. I'll tell you what though, I know how much money me and Mrs DP bring in, and it's a considerable amount and it makes me wonder how others manage and how the hell the young uns in this country will prosper.
We are taxed, taxed and taxed again. Well we would be someone's got to pay for all the lazy good for nothings who won't work.
Remind them that this country is in a slump and it has not bottomed out yet. It continues to look over it's shoulder at the past and can't look forward cos it hasn't got a future.
Couple this to my previous post about everyday life on a typical English estate and think twice before ever leaving Cyprus.
Paphos here I come
HA PP Y I'M HA PP Y I KNOW I AM I'M SURE I AM I'M HA PP Y

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So close yet so far away