Cyprus-Forum.com

[Madeleine]

Hello, I am a new member to this forum. My name is Madeleine. My partner is a CYpriot and we (my partner, our little daughter and I) are thinking about moving to Cyprus. I have visited Cyprus and I do like it. Can people help me by sharing their experience with me. I would really love to hear how life in Cyprus is for you! Thanks!!
Regards, Madeleine

[Maria28]

Welcome Madeleine! Where are you from?

Life in Cyprus moves slower and more relaxed. Sunny most of the time and people are quite happy. Cost of living here is not very high either.

On the negative side salaries are low and shopping is limited.

[dms007]

You never said where you are from, madeline.

they say cyprus is the island of love, well from my experience, since that is what you asked for, i dont think so because i find it quite difficult to get maria to go out with me

some of the things that you can get cheap in cyprus,
wine, olives, olive oil and women from some countries(the names of which i dont want to mention because someone might complain to the admin or mod)in the north east of europe.

wages are not very low, it all depends on the amount of work and the type of work you do.

nightlife is not so great, but if you like to visit cabrets and strip clubs cyprus is the place to be.

if you have money to spare you can go and gamble.

overall life is good in cyprus if you choose to ignore the not so nice things about cyprus.

[andri_cy]

Madeleine, Cyprus used to be a great place to raise kids. I am sure it has gotten rougher nowadays but it probably is still better than places like US, or UK. Have fun and Good Luck.

[dms007]

cyprus is not very good for education, so i think when you raise kids you would want to send them to school too, or not?

[twinkle]

dms007, I disagree that education isn't very good. I think on average most Cypriots have a good level of education and most flash their degrees around like holiday snaps! The private sector is very good and a fraction of the price compared to private schools in the UK. Further education is limited but improving, but most tend to go abroad for university. The driving takes some getting used to. No lane discipline and no knowledge of the highway code, and thats just the driving instructors!!!

The cost of living is high compared to the salaries but as dms007 said it all depends on what you do and how much work you put in (like anything!). Cars are ridiculously expensive and the house prices are constantly on the up and up. There isn't much going on by way of entertainment. Paphos has lots of groups and societies. But I'm in Larnaca. Nicosia has alot going on and is most things are open all year round.

There are cinemas, bowling, pubs, clubs, the English bases have activities like shooting and horse riding. Sports facilities have really improved over the last 10 years with good gyms, with good swimming pools and other interests. Shoppping is limited with choice but slowly improving but you always have the internet and can purchase things on line.

The Authorities and Government Departments will drive you insane. It's very antiquated and slow moving. It takes getting used to. It took me 3 years to finally realise you can't change the laid back attitude and bureaucracy. But I could never go back to London.

[andri_cy]

Yea I was gonna say I dont know about everything else anymore but education was always pretty good. especially at private schools.

[Madeleine]

Hi, thank you all for your responses. What about social activities. I mean, are there any social groups like photography, drama, painting etc. (for english speakers)? For me it would be very important to get involved in these kind of groups to get to know people and be busy doing things. I would only want to work part-time, so I would have to find other things to do. What about tennis clubs, Restaurants and playgroups for baby's/toddlers? I am curious. Was it easy to make friends when you settled in Cyprus? Can't wait to read more. Many thanks. Anyway, I am Dutch but I have been educated in England, so I feel connected to English speakers. regards Madeleine

[dms007]

you can visit the coffee shops, that is where the social gatherings take place in cyprus well most of them.

[stuff]

AND A ''WOMEN ONLY COFFEE SHOP '' is about to be opened ı guess if you are interested.