We bought 5 years ago but the first 2 years we stayed for 2 weeks. then 4 then 3 months at a time. It was never enough, so we made the final leap 3 years ago. Of course we miss our family but we see them about 3 times a year. They have better holidays and we have quality times with them in England. Skype is great but is never going to be the same as a cuddle. However these are the choices we have to make when leaving England. Barrie as most people will know had a stroke 20 years ago and we decided that we could not live our lives on "what if" any longer. The difference him since we came to live here is amazing. His health and confidence have really grown. We have great friends. great fun and now a very busy and happy life. The advice we got on here helped us no end. I do think that you need an interest out here and the Carnival is what I chose to get involved with and I am so glad I did. Having said all this we are very lucky where we live. we have good neighbours, no maintenance problems and we have so far had no major problems. I feel for people whose lives have been ruined when their hopes of living in the sun where the same as ours. Anyway off for a dip and an Efes. Thanks everyone and Mark you are a really lovely guy.
