Moving home is one of the most stressful things you can do. Moving country is a lot harder than people imagine. Over the last 25 years thousands of people, mainly Brits, have upped sticks and relocated on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.
The choice is simple for some. Cyprus has low cost of living; we drive on the same side of the road; nine out of 10 Cypriots speak English, and there is a community of expatriates who will provide support.
However when the newly arrived come to settle in it often feels very different to their experience as visitors. There is a sense of detachment from their habitat and suddenly all the things that excited them as holiday visitors become factors in their sense of alienation.
For many this can lead to a sense of isolation and in some cases develops into an expat' fortress mentality. Here are some tips to help you survive the move and make peace with the island of Aphrodite.
- You will want to make new friends on the island. Make sure you include Cypriots in your new social circle. Cypriot people are generous and outgoing. Show them that you are too.
- Try to learn a little of the language. It's a mark of respect. Imagine how you might feel about people who moved to your country who weren't even willing to learn a little of the language.
- Many expats' who have undergone feelings of estrangement after their emigration, take it out on their hosts. If you sense that your new expatriate friends and acquaintances are denigrating the indigenous population then dump them. Too many expats' want the island to be little Britain in the sun. In fact they give the impression that they would prefer it if the Island's population left completely. These are people who will impoverish your life not enrich it.
- You are going to need help from time to time: builders plumbers electricians etc. Contrary to what some expats' believe the local tradesmen know how to fix things in Cyprus better than odd-jobbers who have come over on the boat. Beware of tradesmen who wave the Union flag too much. Some of them were rogue traders in UK, and continue to be in Cyprus.
- Rather than joining the UK Citizens Association, think about visiting the local coffee shop. After a short while you will become recognised, welcomed and will be picking up a few words of Cypriot too.
- As a general rule aim for local brands when shopping. The brands you recognise from home will be dearer because they have been imported. Cyprus Sugar is just as sweet as your own familiar brand and a fraction of the cost.
- In restaurants try local dishes. They are nutritious and flavoursome. Remember you will be getting all the best from the acclaimed Mediterranean diet; fresh vegetables, fish and a little red wine; so good for your heart.
- In a fish taverna, do as the locals do. Ask to see the fish caught that day and pick what you want. It will be weighed on the spot and you will be told what the cost is. Always go for local fish. There are no mussels in Cyprus, no cod and no prawns, however there are wonderful bream, sea bass, tuna and swordfish, and it will be grilled to perfection.
- Finally, don't expect everything to be the way it was back home. Things are different. They are not worse or better, they are different. It was one of the reasons you moved - remember. Enjoy your new life in harmony with your surroundings.
