Calis Beach and Fethiye Turkey Discussion Forum
Calis Beach Forum => Calis Beach Questions and Information => Topic started by: Rimms on February 25, 2013, 13:30:35 PM
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We arrived to start our new life exactly one year ago on this coming Friday (March 1st) As expected, Manchester airport hammered us for to the tune of £275 for excess luggage, in fact the luggage cost more than the my flight ticket. We stood at check in, both of us wearing 3 coats with every pocket jam packed full of ‘stuff’
With some trepidation we arrived in Istanbul, Turkish airlines had arranged to send our luggage straight through to Dalaman, to be honest, I never expected to see it again but to my surprise it all worked out fine. Our plane arrived late into a really cold and snowy Istanbul, we ran through the airport following a porter who we had paid to show us the quickest way to our domestic connection, God, if we miss this flight then we may never see our luggage containing all of our worldly possessions. As we arrived breathless at the gate, we were told that weather had delayed the flight by over an hour !
Our transfer was there to meet us at Dalaman airport even though it was now approaching midnight, it was probably the first occasion I had to really contemplate what we were doing, our decision to come here and give it a go for a year was taken quite suddenly, Chris had become fed up by being messed about by Liverpool City Council who were (are still) wrestling with the prospect of making hundreds of millions of pounds worth of cuts and in my job, the company had appointed a new MD who was my boss and he was a total incompetent, After getting pension projections, Chris was told that hers was locked away until she was 65, some 14 years away but mine was available and even with a reduction for retiring 8 years early, we worked out that this was ,doable’ Even though, the thought of never again receiving those monthly pay cheques became quite a daunting one as we travelled through the darkness.
We had arranged for a builder to carry out major renovations on the house prior to our arrival, at the start of this project and while I was sending him money each week, the progress pictures came thick and fast, unfortunately, once the money was paid, the pictures stopped coming and the excuses started, again, my fears became heightened at what we might find.
We arrived just before midnight, the house was absolutely freezing and although the builder had cleaned up, it was still filthy by Chris’s standards, most of the work had been done but there were a lot of things wrong, incomplete or missing. The builder knocked on our door with a beaming smile as if to say “haven’t I done well” I almost had to restrain Chris and he left very soon after arriving with a ‘flea’ in his ear. We went to bed, it felt damp, we have never had so many blankets on the bed and we were still cold, we both lay there thinking, What the hell have we done?
I don’t know if you remember the Alan Sherman song? But next morning was bright sunshine and I can’t remember the circumstances, but we had arranged to meet Andy (Tinkerman) at Guven’s at 09.00 for a coffee, when we arrived there was no sign of Carol or Guven, or Andy for that matter, we ordered two coffees and when they arrived, I asked the waiter how long he had worked there, Oh, I don’t work here he said, I’m the butcher! We sat looking out over that magnificent view, not for one minute did we think that the people making the next James Bond film also agreed that this is a world class location, slowly as the sun warmed our bones, our confidence grew and we knew we had made the right decision.
Our first year has flown, Chris has made herself busy putting the house in order, we picked the fights with the builder that we thought we could win, we have had to relent on some things, it does annoy me that I have in effect had to pay twice to get someone else in to either complete work I had paid for or to replace items stolen over the previous winter but to be honest, I wasn’t prepared to spend the first year of my retirement arguing the toss.
Almost straight away, we both got involved with the Children’s charity, to be honest, I had always planned to lend a hand and Chris was going to try and help Animal Aid, as it turned out, I had never for one minute imagined just how hard these people work, in both cases there are people who do more than a full time job and we thought that if we committed to both causes we may never see each other. We have had some great laughs while raising money and met some lovely people at the same time.
Between April and October we became professional tour guides, you never realise how many friends and family you have until you come to live in the sun, the guys on the gate of Saklikent got to know me by my first name and stopped charging me an entry fee thinking I was an official tour guide. I have to say that although we enjoyed seeing everybody, it nearly killed us, we went out for so many meals, drank far too much and spent nearly every day out, in the end we said enough was enough and we took ourselves off for a relaxing holiday visiting Faralia, Dalyan and Kas. I think we learned a valuable lesson last summer and in the future we have to be far more disciplined by realising that it’s our visitors who are on holiday and not ourselves!
In November we made a trip back to the UK lasting 5 weeks, once again we made a mistake by agreeing with loads of people to visit them, in fact lots of them had spent their summer holidays with us, once again, even though it was lovely to see people, living out of a suitcase for 5 weeks is hard going, To be perfectly honest, I was worried about the trip, would we realise what we had left behind? for the second time could we leave friends and family behind? would we miss our house in the UK?
The answer to all of these questions came about in week three of our visit as I found myself looking at flight sites for an early return, it was at that point that I realised just how much I was missing my new life in Turkey and how good life had become.
As you would expect, we’ve had a few ups and downs, happily for us, there has been many more ups than downs. Our application for residency was straightforward however Chris washing my residency book in my shorts was another story! Chris had a bit of a health scare but we were both bowled over by the quality and standard of the service we received at the Esnaf Hospital, I was worried about healthcare before I came here but can honestly say that what I witnessed was first class, there has been a lot of talk on here about the SGK insurance, all I can say is roll on next week when we can apply, I think it’s the best value for money I have ever seen. I’m undergoing a big dental procedure at the moment having implants fitted and a bridge replaced, over the years I have had more than my fair share of dentistry and I can say with confidence that the service here leaves the UK standing. When I left the UK I was suffering high blood pressure and cholesterol, one year in and both of these problems have long gone (as well as the stress that goes with every sales job during a recession)
There is no doubt that prices have increased here, as Brits we often measure this by the price of a beer, not many years ago a large Efes was 2 lira, now its 6 or 7 or 13 if you’re in Istanbul (another story) but all in all, we still think it’s great value for money living here, our council tax last year was about £42, our gas bill for a year has been 72 lira (25.70), our electric meter stopped showing a display soon after we came and despite telling the electric company on several occasions, they fixed it in January and said they would estimate my bill for the summer, which they did at 400 lira (£143) admittedly, some things are expensive here, red meat, imported alcohol, in fact most imported goods as you would expect. Petrol is about the same as the UK and friends who own a car tell me that tax has gone up quite a bit this year. We decided that we wouldn’t buy another car while living here, I would be a rich man if I had the money spent on cars over the years, to be honest, we haven’t missed owning a vehicle one bit, in fact I was visiting friends who were on holiday in Olu Deniz during the summer, he was asking me about the car situation and couldn’t understand how I could get by without one. If I need a car, I pick up the phone and a brand new one, fully insured and immaculately clean turns up at my door for £17 per day, I don’t have to wash it let alone worry about servicing, Insurance, MOT etc. etc. The Dolmus goes everywhere, is regular and cheap and we’ve invested in two really nice bikes which we love riding around on, not least on our Tuesday bike ride where we are joined by about 16 others and we have a great day out culminating in a lovely lunch somewhere.
People told us that we would have to quickly realise that just because the sun shines most days, we would have to understand that we are not here on holiday and although I follow that logic, we still awake each morning and feel that lovely feeling when you wake up on holiday, we can eat out every night of the week if we wish, as an example, one of our favourite restaurants, serves a cracking starter of salad, fresh bread, esme (spicy tomato paste) garlic butter, then a choice of several different starters and main courses, the cost of this is 10 lira (£3.60) each. We don’t eat out every night but we do eat well, I’m not sure if you can buy processed food here, if you can, we certainly don’t eat any.
They are working hard to improve the infrastructure but in typical Turkish fashion, everything seems to be done arse about face, our road has been dug up about six times last year, Gunlukbasi looks like it’s been bombed, as a consequence we have had quite a few power and water cuts and the internet service is a law unto itself. On the positive side, they are laying good drainage so those lakes we see on many roads in the winter should become a thing of the past, they are taking down all of the overhead power cables which will improve the look of the place significantly and they are laying fibre optic cables, so any time soon……. (Fingers crossed)
The plan was always to stay for a year and then make a decision whether to make this our permanent place of residence or return to our home in the UK and make Turkey a long term holiday destination. We have now made that decision and Calis wins hands down. I have learned in life, never say never, but for now, this life suits us perfectly, we often reflect on what we would do day to day being retired in the UK and we can’t for one minute imagine that we would have the same variety and I have to say, the healthy lifestyle we have here. It’s not all about the Sun but of course that helps.
I remember reading with some awe reports on the forum from people who had moved out here and wishing so much to be able to have the same opportunities, the fact that I needed to work and pay a mortgage were my biggest problem. On Saturday, I was invited to watch Gunlukbasi FC for who we had provided the football shirts, I felt honoured to be there. Last year, Nichola invited us to the opening day at Mozaic Bache, again I felt it was a privilege to be there and on Friday I hope to help Animal Aid raise some money, my job is just to play some Motown and Soul music which will be my absolute pleasure.
Just before I asked Keith for some advice, he said, keep you circle of friends small and close, that was a seriously good piece of advice, and I would add, Don’t take the place for granted.
If you’re thinking about making the move then I hope the above helps and wish you the best of luck.
It’s an old cliché but fair to say that it’s the best thing we have ever done. We are so lucky to be able to appreciate just how lucky we are.
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What a truly uplifting post, so glad you are both enjoying your retirement in Turkey.
We have kept a foot in both camps which for us has worked out well. I could quite easily spend all year in Turkey but my husband gets homesick and likes to get back to the UK but after a few weeks is looking forward to returning to Fethiye.
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Arrrggghhh, my battery ran out part way through and I had to run indoors and plug in to read the rest.
Glad you're staying George and Chris!
I can only echo everything you've said, well without the road being dug up and house stuff, it really is a fantastic lifestyle here.
I must bore John to tears keep telling him how lucky we are goodness knows how many times a week, but actually it's not luck.
It's about having the courage to take stock and give it a go and make it happen.
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Great that you took the time to summarise your first year for the forum George - I am sure it will also help others thinking to try it. Glad my advice proved correct - although I did also advise that you need to find an interest (not EPK'ing), don't invest in any business and don't lend anybody any money. Seems like you listened :D
It's a great place to retire to I am entirely convinced of that.
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One if the best posts I've read on here George, I had no idea you'd only been here a year! I love that you've told it like it is, warts and all. Not many warts though and marvellous that you are both so content with your new life. It must be hard to move away from all you've ever known. Most encouraging for many who on the brink of making that scary decision.
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What a truly enjoyable read that has been, so glad you have enjoyed your year and have made the decision to stay, I so want to do what Marrgie does have the oppurtunity to do both (hubby would not move over full time and I need to keep a house over here for my son)I too want to help with the charities and have the time to explore Turkey...
Very interesting about your bp and cholestrol as I have both (high I mean)!! and am convinced I could get mine down with the Turkish way of life...
Hope you and Chris get to have many more healthy and happy years in your home in the sun :)
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Great write up George, long may your happiness continue. 8)
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Thank you so much for your thoughts and honesty on your post. we are making those same decisions about our pensions, and our future at the moment, and it is so heartwarming and encouraging to read your of your experience. We have decided that we could never hope to have the quality of life we would wish for in the UK on our pensions, so Turkey bound we will be next year :) :)
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Yes, a very nice post indeed - thank you .
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What a lovely post !, thoroughly enjoyed reading it, nice to read about some positivity for a pleasant change, brightened up my day :) , thanks for sharing it with us and may your new found life continue in health and happiness :)
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Great post George ,hope you will both be happy for many years to come. :)
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Happy anniversary to you Rimms' - next year will be even better
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Great write up of your first year and very glad to hear you are staying. Here's to many more very enjoyable years in Turkey
(http://s2.postimage.org/3wsb1k0dx/Bordeaux_Red_Wine_Glasses.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/3wsb1k0dx/)
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What a great read. Honest yet positive. And a great help for those considering the option of the 'big move'; you cover off most of the areas of concern so well. Brilliant.
Very best of luck to you both and have a great time!
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Great post George, don't forget that you won the bet about getting a car!
You and Chris have been invaluable additions to the 3C's and Chrissie and I hope that we are counted in your small circle of friends. By the way don't forget to keep your "gavel" handy for your position as auctioneer at the next 3C's promises auction in May and we are soooo glad that you are staying on in Calis.
See you when we get back from Lara.
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it was an amazing post to read. we are dithering about when we move, can we do it etc. thanks it was very helpful
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Happy first anniversary. A great and very informative post.
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What a lovely post for a change instead of all negative comments hope you both will continue being so happy here
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Where are all these negative comments people are referring to?
CBF is a very positive place, except when people post and make negative comments about negative comments ;)
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Glad to hear you are enjoying your new life. Rimms.
1st of march is a truly great day for us as well our grandaughter Eva began her life that day. Eva and our grandson Cameron are two of the reasons I could never abroad. However when retirement does eventually come, (15th June 2018 but who is counting??) I would like to take different types of trips to places, staying longer instead of rationing holidays throughout the year.
Also St Davids day.
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A great and very informative post George. It's lovely that you are staying too.
Enjoy a very long and happy retirement
Anne x
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Great post to read, mostly positive but realistically with some issues which puts moving abroad in perspective. Something that I'll have to save up for a long time to do! Happy anniversary on your first year in Calis, I hope you have many more to come :)
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Great post Rimms, very informative and glad you are very happy with your decision.
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Nice post and very happy for you both :)
Sent from my ARCHOS 80 COBALT using Tapatalk 2
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Really enjoyed reading your post and pleased for you that things are working out so well. Don't think it's something we would ever do (to move out permanently) but will probably rent an apartment and spend 3 to 4 weeks at a time there when we finally retire properly next year. ;D
However, I do admire you and others who have made that move and obviously enjoying your new life.
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Great post wish I were in the position to do the same. By the way where is the Resturant you mention
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George, Chris, what lovely statement to make. We know how heart wrenching it was for you to make the decision to go but we also know how much you have settled and are enjoying life. We still miss you like mad but our three or four nights a week chats on facetime have helped and we feel like we've lived this year with you. From our point of view we can say we've saved loads of dosh as instead of being out and about with you both we now sit looking at the i pad and see you and the four of us have a drink together and a laugh. is We've been lucky to have visited you twice this last year and are looking forward to our visit in June when we will celebrate our four birthdays, Jim and mine being big ones and who knows what else we can get up to while we're with you. Can we also say how proud we are of you both to have the guts to follow your heart and for it to have been a great success. Good luck to you for the next 12 months and can't wait to see you in June, or tomorrow night on facetime. xxxxxxx
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i really enjoyed reading your post...very informative and truthfull...you have both sooooooooooo made the right decision...many thanx for taking the time to share.. ;D :) :)
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What a great post and a a balanced take on the relative merits of 'Camp Granada !' I could see a book in that somewhere. I believe you've done it the right way along with others whom we know have done it in retirement, early or not , when mortgages aren't millstones and pensions are a reliable liveable income. its heartening to see. All the best for the next 12 months and beyond x
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Good post, well written and very informative, this is what makes CBF so good, members such as yourselves sharing tips and information. Glad you have enjoyed your first year long may it continue. :)
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So glad your gamble paid off, i bet quite a few people will be havinga little think about chasing the dream!
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Really good post, very informative thanks for that. ;D
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That was a hart warming post.
I wish you all the best.
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Here's to next years update ;)
Glad it's working out for you both :)
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Firstly thank you very much for myself and Animal Aid being mentioned several times :) Im glad we were part of your settling in period you are both wonderful people who appreciate what helping others brings to your life whether it be human or animal :)
best wishes for the coming year George and Chris :D
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Thanks to everyone for such nice comments, Chris & I are absolutely bowled over with your kind words. It was similar posts from others that helped us decide whether a move to Calis was for us on many different levels and we wanted to offer our thoughts after our first year in the hope that it may be helpful to anyone thinking of making the move.
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I just loved reading that George.....so pleased that you and Chris are so happy......x
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What a fantastic post I really enjoyed reading it and thank you for sharing your experiences over the past year. We too hope to be following along similar lines and spending a lot more than 4 weeks a year in Gunlukbasi..not that we want to wish our time away but it cant come soon enough. We too plan to get involved in the local charities as ways to help and also to meet people as although we have had our place since 2005 we havent had chance to spend as much time there as we would like plus though we like a drink and to socialise we dont tend to go out that much so have not really met many people yet.
Like yourselves we know there will be ups and downs but Im sure we too will prefer life in Calis to that in the UK..we are already making some tentative plans though we are still about 4 years away from making it happen!
Continued good luck to you both and once again thank you for such an inspiring read!! x
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George, I felt quite emotional reading your account of your first year. I've seen how easily you guys seems to have integrated to your new part of the world, and would say without reservation, that your very pleasing personality and willingness to become involved are wonderful traits and a credit to you both. Long may you love your new surroundings and look forward to seeing you soon.
:)
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Thank you for such a balanced and objective view of your first year experience. In 10 years it might be us. My god, that sounds such a long way off!!
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You just relax and enjoy yourself, dont worry about us -- we'll be alright! :)
Seriously as I have serious thoughts about doing similar except I would rent and use the income from renting my "far too large House for the two us now" to enjoy life in Calis. This account is worth ,more than any book on the subject, thank you!
Meldrew
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Loved reading your post and thank you so much for sharing it. We moved here just a couple of months before you and as I read your post, kept thinking that it echos everything we have done and thought in our first year too.
I look forward to meeting you tonight for the Animal Aid 'do' and have to agree that I too was amazed by all the hard work and dedication that the people involved in these charities give. Still it's a good excuse for a little drink and a boogie!
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I too enjoyed reading this post. Like you, we have thought long and hard about making a move to Turkey. Still not sure we will do it permanently, as we wouldn't want to sell up in the UK. But we can have the best of both worlds - over to Turkey for long periods, pop back home, then (like you) I'm sure we'll find ourselves wanting to go straight back to the sun!!! I finished work a year ago, just waiting for hubby to be able to do the same - probably another four years, then we can make our dream happen!
Best of luck for continued happiness and good health to both of you. :)
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Thats one of the best written and interesting posts that I have read on here for a long time George and I really enjoyed reading it. .It is a pleasure working alongside you and Chris. Even at 6 o clock in the morning at the car boots..your sense of humour is wonderful especially when just about to run into the sea on New Years Day.!!!. You are a really welcome addition to The 3CS and as friends.
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Thank you Rimms into giving us an insight. We are also considering making the move out there in the not too distant future, so I hope you won't mind me picking your brains for advice. Sadly we have both lost our mothers this year, our youngest finishes uni and has other plans. So the time seems right. Hopefully the Royal mail will privatise soon and the other half can get paid up,and I work for the Local Council so anything could happen on a weekly basis. I am really interested to know about how much aaprox does it cost to live per month, rental property, no car, no pool 2 adults. One Smoker, including all bills and medical. I know it would be a ball park figure, but just so we had an idea. Also which area do you live in, and what made you chose that area? Any Regrets?
Thanks so much
Bernie
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I can't believe that we are approaching our third, yes third year here! Much has changed since I wrote the one year in review, we are sad to have lost people like Mercury who has returned to the UK although she and Barrie seem to be here more often than not and our dear friends 160606 (Helen & Jim) who expressed their sadness to see us leaving the UK earlier in this thread have made the decision to join us and are in the 'frantic' few days before joining us here full time at the end of this month. We can't wait.
On the subject of people moving on, we have seen quite a few leave and in some unexplainable way it does have an effect on me, strange as it may seem, when I hear of a long standing resident moving either back to the UK or onward to somewhere else, it does make me feel slightly unsettled, it's like have they dodged something I have missed? But then that's probably my slight paranoia. I was watching that TV program "Wanted Down Under" about people who move to Australia, it amazed me that most of them had never even been there before they moved over to live and so I guess it should come as no surprise that around 11,000 Brits move back from Aus. each year. I'm not suggesting that most people haven't been here but I can see why life might not suit everyone. Now please don't take this as any sort of insult, I'm really only expressing my honest feeling but before I came here, Ovacik, Uzumlu and Gocek may have been places I would have decided to live, now I realise that many are happy living in these places (which I love to visit) life there would not be to my personal taste and if I had bought a property there, I may well have returned back and continued to enjoy my property as a holiday home. It's a complicated business this moving lark but if you get it right an find somewhere that tick your own personal boxes then I guess you are set for at least one less worry or pressure.
The other thing you become very aware of while living here is the Rent v Own argument. As with most things in life it's horses for courses, of course renting means you don't have money tied up in a property which for some is one less thing to worry about, especially considering Turkish law after you pass on and of course it means you have more freedom to move should you find you are not in the area you first thought would suit you best or if you have problem neighbors. However, I've also seen plenty of people who while renting and spending a fair amount in making their place a home,only to be told by a landlord at extremely short notice that the property is sold or that the rent will increase by such a large amount, it makes your decision for you. But hey, this dilemma isn't one exclusive to Turkey, we bought here many years ago, we know our neighbors and our area and we love the fact that we live rent free.
The ex-pat community is like a really big family, like all families there are those who don't get on but in the main, they support and help each other out in what I can only describe as an amazing way. If you need anything then just ask and within seconds either through CBF or one of the many Facebook pages you will be inundated with offers of help, you certainly never have to feel alone.
We've made great friendships here, I won't name you because you know who you are, we lived in our UK house for the best part of 27 years and could go weeks and months without seeing neighbors, here, often it's almost a half day to get to the shops and back. The Sunday market becomes a full day out where you bump into an endless line of those wanting stop and chat, I really do love that part of our life. This closeness of community does have its downsides, rumors can spread like wildfire, probably fanned by sites like this and Facebook, someone only has to mention that an acquaintance of an ex neighbors third cousin removed overheard someone saying that all residency will be cancelled and deportations will take place if the PH value of your pool exceeds 7.6. and it quickly becomes law and another excuse to moan about the government.
OK, final negative :-( The law changes here come thick and fast, no sooner have you come to terms with how something works, a change occurs. Thank God for people like Yakub Yilmaz and Volkan Sankir who do a great job and make their living guiding us through these minefields. Many people really worry about these seemingly endless changes and feel that thy are some sort of conspiracy by the government to get rid of foreigners and put an end to tourism, I don't on two counts. First, I've met our HM Consul Richard Moore on a couple of occasions and he has assured me that the foreign community is valued by the Turkish government, and let's face it, why shouldn't we be? Secondly, while we have people like Yakub & Volkan, why should I worry?
So to the future? Well, who can tell? What I can tell you is that our 'test year' is a long forgotten memory, this is now our home, when we return to the UK it's not a journey back home but a trip to England. Our life is full to bursting with days that seem to bring us endless new experiences that seem to be like the water supply, unexplainable but never runs out?
We just had a weekend away at the most amazing wedding, our traveling companions were neighbors I met while taking rubbish to the bin a couple of years ago, even though a Man U. fan they have become great friends. The person who invited me to the wedding was the dental surgeon who assisted in my dental implants and I swear to god, we attended this event, not as guests but as family. I really just could not imagine the same scenario happening back in the UK.
The infrastructure continues to improve for some (not all) our roads are fabulous, the new drainage works a treat and even the much bemoaned internet is in fact OK for most of the time and technical advances like Vinn Wifi have also filled enormous gaps. Fethiye looks wonderful and it's so great to have such a comprehensive and interesting town right on your doorstep. I did relent in he end and buy a car, the honest truth is that I received an unexpected windfall and thought "what the heck" and being able to go anywhere at anytime is nice but don't let not having four wheels put you off, we were more than happy with great Dolmus system. In fact, if you are a nervous driver then stick to the Dolmus, the driving standard around Fethiye could be described as dire if it improved.
So finally a last thought and maybe some advice. If you are thinking of giving it a go here then I for one would definitely recommend it. Despite the fact that prices have increased its till amazing value for money and certainly provides us a lifestyle we couldn't even dream of back in the UK on our fixed income. We got some great advice when buying our house all of those years ago and that was not to rely on rental income but regard anything as an extra. Well, the same should be said for Bank interest, the days of living on monthly interest are long gone unless you have a significant six figure sum put aside, interest rates are still OK but not something to factor into your break even analysis.
Always remember that you are a foreigner here and try to refrain from saying "it's not like this in England" we hear that an awful lot and never tire of thinking how ridiculous a statement it is. Try and learn a little of the language, I used to hear comments put forward in the UK about second or third generation Indian or Chinese families who had no English, unless things change, the same will be true of English speakers here.
So that's it, I will check back with you in another three years if I'm still here, I sincerely hope I am, I really never dreamt I would have such a wonderful and fulfilling retirement in such a beautiful environment spent among good friends. However, if I do move on then it's a S**t hole which is too hot and serves foreign food.
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Fabulous post George. That made great reading. xx
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Great post George I thoroughly enjoyed reading it too, glad you are both still enjoying your lives in Turkey :)
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Great post Rimms, with a lot of information and answers to questions that have been flying around in my head for a while. Thanks.
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A very interesting read Rimms. I wish you and your wife all the best in the future and hope your dreams continue to be realised. :)
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Lovely feel good post. Thanks, George.
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A very interesting post, I went back to the beginning and read it all through again. You seem to have settled in so well and accepted that it is not perfect, but nowhere is!! On a day like today, when the sun is shining and its unseasonably warm, I cant imagine living anywhere but in the UK, however when I get back to Turkey I know that it feels like my "other" home. If I wasn't on my own and was 20 years younger I would love to give it a go, and I love reading the posts of the people who have successfully made the move. Very good luck with your life in Turkey and do write some more.
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I have said it before and I will say it again, I think George and Chrissy are too nice for Calis, what a fantastic couple they really are!
They immediately got involved with 3cs Charity and helped them raise thousands of Lira, they have done the same with Animal Aid, we couldn't have raised the amount of money we did this year without them and now they are involved with Run For Life! Raising much needed funds for Cancer research.
George and Chrissy I raise my glass to you both, long may you keep your sense of well being, humour and happiness, it's not easy living here especially when involved with the charities there are always people waiting to take you down, well done to you both in your first year and long may it continue!
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Great blog George. Phil and I enjoyed reading it. Glad things are working so well for you and Chris.
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We totally agree with what you say in your post, we arrived not long after you and love living in Calis. We certainly have no regrets about moving out here, and look at the positive side of life here, such as today having a cycle ride along the front and sitting on the front in the sunshine with a cup of coffee, looking at the beautiful view and blue sky in February. We too have met some fabulous people out here which we would not have ever met if we had not moved out here.
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Great post Rimms.
Honest , insightful and food for thought.
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The positives of Fethiye & Calis sure do outweigh any negatives that could occasionally occur - great place to live!
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Brilliant post rimms - superb read. :)
All the more impressive for me because it didn't slag off the UK.
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Well said George. I love the way you put everything into perspective. Over the last year while we have made the arrangements to move you have been nothing but supportive and positive and we cannot wait to join you, not only for the whole new way of life we are about to enjoy but also to know that our best friends are just across the garden. We are sitting here with a home that is getting emptier each day and now when you open drawers or cupboards they are empty, but there is no sadness just excitement at what is ahead of us and we cannot wait.
Have to say that everyone we have told a bout our adventure have been nothing less that encouraging telling us that we are brave and how they would be too scared to do anything like this, but we know who the brave ones are.
Can't wait to be at the airport next Thursday with all the goodbyes behind us and to know that you and Chris will be at the other end waiting for us. You and Chris have changed our lives with your bravery of moving to Turkey and we look forward to following in your footsteps. See you soon. xxxx