It is hard to believe that on 9th October, 2012, we set out on the great adventure - a new life in Cyprus. Even more surprising was the fact that we travelled on one-way tickets. It had been my idea, and Ann courageously agreed - despite the fact that she had never set foot on the island. There was a pre-departure agreement that, if either of us felt that we had made the wrong decision in the first twelve months, we would find another place to live. It took us eighteen months before we realised that we had not discussed the possibility … by which time we were settled in our current home.
Of course, in retrospect, we made some initial mistakes. We were grateful for help and advice, but so much of the opinion we were offered was dressed up as facts. And so, inevitably, we decided to follow our own instincts. My late friend, Dave Travis, was an enormous help, and it was his initial offer of an apartment in Polis that led us to settle in this part of the island. Otherwise we might have ended up in Pissouri (which had been our initial plan) and our house might have been sliding down the hill as so many others have found.
Thee have been many lessons learned. The insular nature of considerable numbers of British expats leads to a cliquishness which is often based on place of origin and social class. Of course people like to mix with people like themselves, but surely not to the exclusion of all others? There is also a need for instant friendship of those people (especially women in our experience) who, shortly after meeting you, declare lifelong friendship. Again this was alien to us, and we have learned to keep our distance from some of those who clamour the loudest.
The Covid lockdowns inevitably changed the way people interacted, and many people of our acquaintance no longer go out two or three times weekly to socialise at bars and restaurants. Our own situation (and we fall into the “vulnerable” category) led us to lockdown before the government enforced it, and we slowly come out of our shells from time to time. Of course we are lucky to live in a lovely home, with fabulous views, and Ann and I (and our three adorable pets) make a very self-contained unit.
But the adventure continues. Ann is once again driving (on her own), her balance issues are a thing of the past, and recent problems with her health have been happily resolved. Those of you hoping to follow in our footsteps should note that health care in Cyprus has been transformed in the last three years, and the GESY system really works well. If you are in receipt of a British S1 form, and can satisfy the more stringent requirements of the post-Brexit regime, then step forward with confidence. You will be well looked after.
My writing came to something of a halt over the last month (possibly too much “fun in the sun” going on), but the winter months are more and more inviting. Ann has a barrage of hobbies and interests, with more to investigate. To conclude the last decade has been the most fulfilling of our lives and we move forward with confidence and optimism. Not long until the pool is warm enough to swim in. Until then it is enough to throw another log on the fire. Life is good.
