What is your name?Peter Smith
What is your current age or age range?
39
What country are you native to?
Canada
What area of Cyprus do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
Nicosia
How long have you lived in Cyprus?
2 years
When you moved to Cyprus, did you bring your family? What do they think?
Yes
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
No
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
Weather, declining values in North America
Why did you choose Cyprus, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Cyprus?
My great grandfather was from Cyprus. We visited a couple of times and loved it.
What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?
Portugal, Greece, Spain.
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
No, it was quite easy.
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
Privacy. Everyone must know everyone's business. But after a while I realized that this was part of the culture. I realized that was not such a bad thing because Cypriots are so friendly and close to each other. Using the fact that they know everything about everybody when someone is in need guess who comes to the rescue.
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Cyprus?
Not moving here earlier. It such a great place the people are amazing the weather is great. I loved hockey but learned to live with football(soccer)
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
Knowing that we were moving to make our lives better.
Although I had my own business earning about 350000 dollars a year. Something was missing, that was the connection with my family. I never seemed to have enough time. In Cyprus no matter how busy I get, I always seem to spend more time with my family. There is no value to that. The reason I think is the slower pace and the culture.
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
I come back once a year for a couple of weeks to take care of some business. But moving back NO I DON'T think so.
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
N/A
What do you miss the most about your home country?
Hockey
Are there the same recreational activities in Cyprus?
More, I never liked snow that much. Water sports are great all year. You can go hiking all year. There is lots to do. Golf is becoming big. Not much when it comes to theater and movies.
How easy has it been to make new friends in Cyprus?
Very, people here are so friendly that everyone can be your friend.
Do you have many friends from your home country in Cyprus?
NO
What are your favorite activities that are available?
Water sports.
What are the top ten things you DON'T miss about the place you left behind?
SNOW, COLD.
Do you speak the language of Cyprus?
Yes
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Cyprus, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
You can get by speaking english. I beleive if you are making any place your home you should make the efford to learn the language.
Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?
NO
Did you move to your new location after retirement, or are you currently working or looking for work?
I am working
How do you earn your living in Cyprus?
Real Estate
Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?
No
How did you go about finding a job in Cyprus? Was it easy or hard to locate work and get a job?
I applied for a position I found online. I was just looking for something temporary until I started some sort of business. I ended up starting a real estate business.
What types of sources did you use to find a job there? (agency, newspaper, website?)
Internet
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
Every place is different, you have to be willing to let your ways meet the way of the new place and make appropriate adjustments. It was quite easy for us.
What are the top ten things you like about Cyprus?
People Culture Family Values Weather Easy access Great Medicare For me it was easy to establish my business
Do you have plans to move again or travel in the future or what are your future business plans?
No
Did you buy a new home or did you decide to rent?
Build
What is the average cost for housing in your area?
200000 pounds
Was it difficult to find housing in your new country?
NO
Is the cost of living comparable to what you experienced before? Explain the difference.
A little cheaper here. Food costs less.
List some things that are more expensive in Cyprus
Cars gas.
List some things that are less expensive in Cyprus
Food, lodging.
How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?
Amazing
What is the best thing about people in Cyprus?
Their willigness to help everyone.
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Cyprus?
DO IT Don't wait any longer
Do you think you will stay in Cyprus, or it is not suitable for the long run?
I am here for life
Do you have any blogs or websites that you find enjoyable about Cyprus for people living there?
NO
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