Cyprus-Forum.com

[Svetlana]

To follow up the question of Cypriot attitude to pets - and this thread might really take off now!! You will find that many Cypriots do not have the concept of 'animals as 'pets', they have to work (on the farm or hunting). Thus, many non-Cypriots will see what they regard as cruel treatment here.

Similarly we have to realise that until, say 10 years, ago, many Cypriot families were poor and had to supplement their income by growing their food, thus many older Cypriots find the expats obsession with gardens as strange - "why grow it if you are not going to eat it?"

The different culture is part of the charm of life here; while there is never excuse for cruelty to animals, we should respect a different attitude, form thos of our 'home' countries.

Lana

[ex_pat]

I think Cyprus is the perfect place for retired people. It is warm, slow paced and the cost of living won't affect you so long as you are not looking for a job to maintain you here.

I am trying to convince my parents to retire here, while at the same time I myself cannot wait to get out of here. As I said, it is good for old people, not so good for the younger UK generation, who are used to, and expect a much higher standard of living in reward for an honest days work.

Wouldn't recommend Larnaca - very anti-everybody here, unless you are a Cypriot of course

Look into Paphos, think you'll find it's exactly what you're looking for.

Of course, come try life in Cyprus for at least a couple of months before making any real commitment.

Good luck, whatever you do!!!

[rivington]

Hi Lana,
Thanks for taking the trouble to give me some facts about the Island, it's appreciated.I understand what you are saying about the animals,let's face it a lot of British farmers have a very money orientated attitude to their stock. The cat is a house cat,so I don't think he'll be pulling up the neighbours plants,perhaps pulling his tongue at them from the balcony,but not digging over their garden.

Bill

[rivington]

Hi ex-pat,
Thanks very much for your reply and advice,sounds good. You say that Larnaca is a little bit anti, what's the general attitude to the English in Cyprus? I can understand them getting a little peeved with a greater influx of immigrants, after all it's one of the big talking points over here. Is it easy to intergrate?, or do you have British enclaves in the towns?
You also mention Paphos,Do you know the area 'Tombs of the Kings'? If so can you tell me what the place is like.
Thanks again for your interest.

[Svetlana]

Hi Rivington

I have lived here for five years and never experienced any resentment. Some people choose to live solely within the expat community but they miss so much. It is easy to integrate with the Cypriot population, they are generally very warm and friendly, so much so that British people with their 'sang froid' are sometimes suspicious of the friendliness displayed towards them.

TOTK is a road with many bars and restauarants in Kato Paphos best viewed by drivng through it at high sped, in my opinion. Fine for the occaional holiday maker visit but there are so many much nicer tavernsas and cafes within 15 minutes drive at 2/3 the price and twice the friendliness.

Nice places to live in the Ppahos region are Peyia, Tala etc - both about 15-20 minutes drive, but with some altitude to give nice sea views.

Lana

[rivington]

Hi Lana,
Thanks for replying.The reason I asked about TOTK was because I had seen what looked like a reasonable appartment on one of the Cyprus property pages.I know I was being a little premature, but I was having a look around to see what was available.Your advice to drive through the area at speed, puts a different light on the place. I wouldn't dream of ,or want to leave England for another England in the sun.I think part of the beauty of moving to another country is getting to know the people.I worked in Australia for a few years and even though it's a English speaking country, you've got to go along with the locals to be accepted.Either that or you become the sterotype 'whinging Pom'.

Thanks again for your reply

regards Bill

[ex_pat]

I agree with Svetlana about TOTK, and for any tourist area in Cyprus for that matter - you don't really want to be living among tourists.

There are lots of really beautiful towns on the outskirts of all the main tourist towns in Cyprus. Lots of them have a high number of ex-pats living there so you will be able to ask around and see what's what.

As I said, best thing is to come for a couple of months, see for yourself what best suits your requirements.

As a retiree, you will love Cyprus, without a doubt.

[rivington]

Thanks ex-pat for your information.As I said before I can't really do much until around spring next year so I have jumped the gun somewhat.Your suggestion about staying for about 2 months sounds very sensible , the problem is our four legged friend. He might take exception to Cypriot furnishings and I don't want to start off on the wrong foot.It will probably have to be a couple of two week breaks while we have a look around. I'll see if I can arrange something this september and then again in spring.
regards Bill

[Marinella]

Get your cat a pet passport, then you can bring him with you.

Depends on the temperature though, some airlines won't take animals if the ground temp is above something like 80 degrees. Check beforehand what their regulations are for Cyprus flights.

If you find accommodation for a couple of months, it'd be okay to bring him with you. Just make sure with the landlord beforehand that it's okay to have pets, otherwise you'd be in a right pickle.

Since he's a house cat, you don't have to worry about him getting lost in the new territory, which is good. Best to keep him a house cat over here, there are so many strays around and he might get mixed up with them and who knows what would happen then.
Don't want him getting in with a bad bunch

[rivington]

Hi Marinella,
Thanks for your thoughts and taking the trouble to reply.I don't know about our fellow getting in with a bad crowd. If you know cats,and you probably do, they all seem to be affected by spontaneous bouts of complete madness.On a more practicable line, can you or any other forum readers give me any info about internet connection in Cyprus,ISP's and costs.Also I'd like to watch my football team on the box(they have the smallest Greek player in the Premier league)-can you get Sky reception on the Island.

regards Bill