What is your name?Steve Holmes
What is your current age or age range?
50
What country are you native to?
I have lived in the UK most of my life. I retire from the London Fire Service at the end of March 2008.
What area of Malta do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
My wife and I start our road trip to Malta & Gozo at the start of April 2008
How long have you lived in Malta?
We have owned property in Gozo for 6 years.
When you moved to Malta, did you bring your family? What do they think?
Just my wife and I.
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
Yes. with regular cheap flights these days you are not apart for very long.
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
You only live once, if you get a second chance grab it with both hands.
Why did you choose Malta, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Malta?
Climate, friendly people, laid back lifestyle.
What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?
Spain, it is almost a cliche
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
No because it comes under the EU.
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
Ask me that one in 6 months
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Malta?
See above
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
See above
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
Yes of course, to see family and friends.
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
Ask me in 6 months
What do you miss the most about your home country?
see above
Are there the same recreational activities in Malta?
Yes.
How easy has it been to make new friends in Malta?
We have made many new friends since we bought property in Gozo.
Do you have many friends from your home country in Malta?
Yes a few.
What are your favorite activities that are available?
Eating out, any water sport you can think of, walking, cycling many more.
What are the top ten things you miss about the place you left behind?
Ask me in 6 months
What are the top ten things you DON'T miss about the place you left behind?
As above
Do you speak the language of Malta?
Only a few words at this early stage.
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Malta, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
English is spoken by everyone.
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?
Retiring from my current job, but still to young to be putting my feet up yet.
How do you earn your living in Malta?
I will be starting my own business.
Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?
Yes in the same field, but not exactly the same.
How did you go about finding a job in Malta? Was it easy or hard to locate work and get a job?
Starting my own business
What types of sources did you use to find a job there? (agency, newspaper, website?)
networking is the best way.
If you are telecommuting, what obstacles, if any, did you face in setting up your communication methods?
None at all.
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
I think moving into any culture different to your own has it's problems, you need to be easy going in you nature and get used to being outside your comfort zone.
What are the top ten things you like about Malta?
Ask me in 6 months
What are the top ten things you DON'T like or find strange about Malta?
Ask me in 6 months
Do you have plans to move again or travel in the future or what are your future business plans?
not at the moment
Did you buy a new home or did you decide to rent?
Buy a farmhouse
What is the average cost for housing in your area?
probrbly more expencive than you think.
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.
Cheaper than the UK
List some things that are more expensive in Malta
White goods, anything made with wood.
List some things that are less expensive in Malta
Food, eating out, anything to do with leisure.
How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?
Very friendly, you could not ask for more.
What is the best thing about people in Malta?
Friendly and laid back.
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Malta?
Try a long holiday of 3 or 4 weeks first.
What are the good or bad things about living in Malta?
Ask me in 6 months
Do you think you will stay in Malta, or it is not suitable for the long run?
No plans to leave.
If you are living there for the short term, what other countries are you considering?
No plans to leave
Do you have any blogs or websites that you find enjoyable about Malta for people living there?
Yes my own.
What else would you like to say?
Life is too short, get out of your comfort zone and try somthing different.
Please enter the name of your Blog
In Search of Nirvana
Please the url of your Blog
In Search of Nirvana
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