What frustrates me about Northern Cyprus

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 17:45

The lack of mains water



The shitty beaches



The tatty & unfinished property all over the place



The red tape every time you need to do anything



The rocketing prices



The litter



The system that favours the Cypriots 2,000 miles ahead of the Brits



The lack of kocans



The fact that builders can have you over every which way and there is feck all you can do about it.



The crap entertainment.



The fact that Cypriots are wonderful people until you involve money.



The fact that it is impossible to sell your home for anywhere near what you paid for it.



The falling interest rates on your savings and the massive car crash coming round the corner.



The fact that it is almost impossible for a Brit to obtain a legitimate job.



The fact that the system makes it nye on impossible to start a business.



The fact that if you have a business the only way to make a small fortune would be to start with a large one and be in business for 12 months...

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 17:46

Negativenick, why are you still here then?

paulgeordie


Joined: 19/07/2008
Posts: 1050

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 17:50

read live music post and get your self there Nick, you might enjoy yourself.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 17:53

Scooby - Because I CAN'T SELL MY FECKING VILLA !!



Like many thousands of other Brits who jumped in feet first and are now waking up and smelling the coffee....



Nick

Kitty Kat Jac


Joined: 18/03/2008
Posts: 230

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 17:55

And what is better back in the UK????????

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 17:58

In that case, I am sorry, at thought at first you were one of wingers that I do wonder why they are still here. I wish you luck and hope you get a sale soon. Are you heading back to uk or somewhere else?

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 17:58

Nick. I sympathise with you, but we are all in the same boat. We all walked in with ours open and put the possible consequences to the back of our minds.



All I can say is have some faith. I'm optimistic of a solution thats helps everyone. If it goes against us however,then the s**t will have well and truly hit the fan.

sparta


Joined: 24/10/2008
Posts: 226

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 17:59

he might get a life!! because here he certainly does not. have one..

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 18:02

Hiya Nick we all try to make the best of a bad job and as bill said keep faith. Its not easy running a buisness here as a forigner as you know but all we can hope for is peace willl prevail. keep strong.xxxx

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 18:08

i've also been trying to sell my little house, to no avail...but you've GOT TO stay optimistic, otherwise you'l go mad!! Have you thought about going away and letting your house? That way you can calm down and get some perspective, or at the very least a break from it all... xx

arrry



Joined: 19/08/2008
Posts: 1235

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 18:11

Oi Nick come on stop sitting on the fence !!



Do you like it or not ???

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 18:23

Man that sits on Fence enjoys spit up bum !!

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 18:30

If the re-unification talks go in favour of the brits keeping their properties and paying a 'token' compensation, I bet there won't be many people selling then!

Macha


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 650

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 19:29

NN: "Like many thousands of other Brits who jumped in feet first and are now waking up and smelling the coffee...."



Gotta respect posts like this. It's the aggressive ones in denial I like to wipe the floor with.

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 19:33

nn you ignored the typo



Man that sits on Fence enjoys spit up bum !!



IT SHOULD READ Man that sits on Fence enjoys SPIE up bum !!



Perhaps you enjoy BOTH!!!

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 19:37

Macha...msg 14



It's fair enough to wipe the floor with the aggressive ones in denial....but adopting a patronising,arrogant and superior tone with those who have innocently (maybe through their own naivety) fallen into the TRNC property trap is unnecessary and actually weakens your valid arguments.

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 19:38

Nige...msg 15



Still makes no sense....did you mean Spike....or Spy (as in GC spy ) ?

jakki



Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 865

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 19:39

Try selling your house in the UK and try running a small business - it's not just NC, it's global!!! Personally, I would never give up everything here and live in NC - we have a villa (it's nearly ready at Sweetwater Bay) on a wonderful development - nice for a holiday but that's about it.

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 19:45

Crons either take your choice any which way the bloke is ashamed of himself and rightly so .



Happy and proud to say who I am Happy to be spotted out and about here there north or south I stand BY MY WORD a shame more do dont and prefer to SNIPE.

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 19:49

Whoah.....easy Nige...I was only commenting about the ongoing typo !



Your personal aggro with negativenick is nowt to do with me.

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 19:51

Message 18 - totally agree. We too have a holiday home here, but, to be honest, as much as I like the TRNC I'm starting to wish we'd never bought it. I'd like to go to other places on holiday again, but then you think "oh, it'll only really cost the air fare, etc. etc" and end up going back again.



J

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 19:55

Unfortunately, I have sympathy for Nick. I wish I could contradict his viewpoint I really do. I have to agree with the points he makes though. His points re falling interest rates and falling house prices also apply elsewhere i.e. the UK I admit, but as for the rest re life in NC well, sadly he is right. Over to the rose tinted & go home brigade.

jakki



Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 865

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 19:56

Well, I suppose we are very fortunate because having a villa will not stop us going on holiday elsewhere.



Message 1 - I don't think the beaches are 'shitty' - we have found some wonderful beaches (luckily not a Brit in sight) - so perhaps you needs to explore more.

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 19:57

The-Wicks (and Jakki).......same here.



I reckon if other people were really honest with themselves they would say the same.

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 19:59

Cronos



" Whoah.....easy Nige...I was only commenting about the ongoing typo !







Your personal aggro with negativenick is nowt to do with me. "



NOWT TO DO WITH ME Live and let live I say

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 20:00

The tragedy for NC, is that it needn't be like Nick (& many many others including me) point out. The TRNC Government could easily put many of the issues right and probably increase tax revenue, tourism and investment by doing do. A real win, win situation.

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 20:06

Message 24 - thanks, Cronos. I too think there are probably quite a lot of people who feel the same, were they honest enough to admit it.



I always think there are a lot of ex-pats who "doth protest too much".



J

jakki



Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 865

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 20:06

Well I quite like it the way it is, quiet roads, quiet airport etc. The thought of Sleazyjet coming to NC is a horrible one - but then again I don't live there so my reasons are purely selfish ones I know.

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 20:28

Jakki- I know what you mean, but I would also like my holiday home be an investment, not much chance of that at the moment. Unlike Mrs Wick I don't regret buying our place, but thats another argument, really, it will probably start when she reads this.

Paul

keithr


Joined: 20/08/2008
Posts: 720

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 20:35

I've just decided to live here permanently after spending several weeks out over Christmas and New Year.



I like the slightly shabby look,litter is a pain though and the culture will take getting used to I'm sure.



But,I don't want it to be like the UK or Spain or other euro countries. I am a guest here and feel obliged to live by their rules. I know that rip offs occur,just be aware and have your eyes open to the culture shift here.



I love it !!!

biker-babe


Joined: 30/12/2008
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 20:43

i think what Nick is saying is absolutely true. Every point is absolutely spot on.



How glad i am that i'm only renting, so we can get out of here if it gets too much for us.



We are looking at other places too, including mainland Turkey, Panama, Montenegro and Thailand. Suzie

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 20:52

Keithr

suggest you get a few years living here and see how you feel then. Remember you are still living the holiday, reality has not yet set in.

SaraP


Joined: 30/04/2008
Posts: 295

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 20:53

NN......I Couldnt have put it better myself.

johnnybgoode


Joined: 08/12/2008
Posts: 252

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 21:02

your in the same boat as everyone else, until there fully co-operative finale salution, then there nothing we can do.

so give it a rest with the negative attatude nick

borodave


Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 167

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 21:14

i could of bought 2 years ago but decided to rent which for me was a good decision. while i still like coming to the t r n c i think there is a lot of problems. money will solve a lot of these problems for the goverment thats why they need the holiday trade. holiday people have a set amount of money to spend and spend that money on the tourist industry creating more wealth for that country and there goverment. from what i have seen in the past few years is people who have sold up at home buying a place in the sun and trying to make there money last as long as possible. nothing wrong with that but sitting around the pool or on the veranda having bought cheap plonk at the super market will not make the country prosper. one last thing and it is the builders fault once they have built your houses they do not give there goverment the tax for the land or the vat thats why most people have no deeds

SaraP


Joined: 30/04/2008
Posts: 295

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 21:37

We all seem to be on the forum so much! WHY? We all live such exciting lifes in the TRNC. Each and everyone of us is entitled to our opinions and its always the same people on the forum, I am guilty myself..it is very addictive! I mysef did not do enough research before I came here, if I know what I know now I would not have come, and its getting worse DAILY! It is not easy to just sell up and leave as everyone knows, I have made my bed here so I have to lye in it...for the time being!I would not go back to the UK as everyone assumes that people that have moved here from the UK would return there if they are not happy here.I have tried to be positive here but the brick wall always confronts me!

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 21:42

NN



You forget one important point (IMHO)



The way some of the animals are treated.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 21:43

Come on guys (and girls) let's be optimistic. No one knows what the future holds, enjoy it while it lasts.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 21:50

Went to the Mayors Christmas do at the Malpas on Sat before Christmas, I couldn't believe my ears when the ex-pats started singing "he's a jolly good fellow" after the Mayors speech because to me he doesn't seem to be getting things done in Girne, the pavements and the litter are a disgrace and it's things like that putting off tourists because they are saying "not coming back here it's dirty" . Seen traffic wardens booking people for parking on yellow lines but you can't walk along a footpath because of the cars parked on them yet they don't get booked! Drivers don't take any notice of zebra crossings you take your life in your hands when you cross a road.

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 22:09

I feel very, very sorry indeed for a lot of people here, who bought, relying on their pensions (be them private or state pensions), who ran away with the idea that they could live the life of Riley in NC for far less than it would cost them in the UK. However, what did they think - that it was Utopia? Things change, prices increase - did they honestly believe the the people of Northern Cyprus were going to sit back and watch a Cash Cow pass them by? No - because no nation in thei world would do that. I have heard, over the years, so much bragging that ex-pats could live in NC "off their savings with huge interest rates that anyone would be a mug to stay in the UK". Well, sorry, you pays your money and you takes your choice. Please believe me, I am not condoning dogdy builders/developers/advocates, etc. and I feel we have probably been quite lucky. But, I have been sickened by a lot of people I have spoken to complaining about everything that is "wrong" about NC. cont'd

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 22:11

cont'd.

If it's any consolation, please go to BBC/Watchdog - tonight's programme.



You are not alone!

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 22:14

Was Watchdog a warning about Bulgaria?

As in NC,price is the obvious initial attraction,and it would appear that people are getting their fingers burnt.

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 22:26

Unfortunatley Northern Cyprus has lost much of the charm that many people found attracted them there in the first place.



From the top it is an island which makes promises yet fails to keep them. Gullible people used to visit by the planeload every day and buy property on the promise of a settlement is near, good investment etc. Couple that with the natural charms of the hospitality of the people and the beauty of the northern part of the island. It could have been a paradise. Money and the arrogance that goes along with it has spoiled many of the things which attracted visitors in the first place.



As a foreigner we have no rights in the north. The red tape is incredible even to obtain a residency permit. Even those rules change whenever there is a chance to raise more revenue.



Is it any wonder why there are more people leaving than arriving?



Nick your first post hit many nails on the head.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 22:35

Bye Stubs

Are you leaving soon?

Maybe you do not even live here anyway.

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 22:47

Nick

Agreee with you 110% well said.

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 22:48

msg43

"nick your first posts hit the nails on the head" sorry i don,t get it .

i move to another country ,i don,t like the way they run their country and start slaging everthing about it ,well this is how it is ,you can,t blaim the country the country did not come to you ,you came to the country,so stupid country or stupid person ,you work it out.



one thing i can tell you ,stupid post.



musin

long live the kktc

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 22:50

musin

Keep the faith.

AJ

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 22:55

AJ



I lived in the north for 3 years full time and I have owned a property there since 1999. After putting up with the ever changing rules, unsustainable tax levels, blatant rascism, the three tier pricing system, first world prices but third world service etc we had enough and returned back to the UK.



My parents have been visitors to Cyprus in particular the north for in excess of 20 years. The changes they have seen in that time are incredible. They remember the days when there was around a dozen houses on the road from Kyrenia to Alsancak and the road to Esentepe was a single track dirt road.



Anyway to answer your question we left a while ago however we still come over and visit some of our friends.



Tell me AJ is there anything in Nicks original posting which is not true?

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 23:04

Nick - can I ask what decided you to up sticks and live in the TRNC in the first place? I am not being facetious here, just curious. I don't know how long you've lived in NC or how long you have wanted to sell up and go back to blighty. Over the years, I have met a lot of people who have "burnt their bridges" - some seem to be remarkably happy and others I have met seem to have just "given up" on life itself. Now, I would never consider moving over there full time, but that's just a personal point of view. So, I am curious to know why you, and many others like you, reached the decision to do as you have done.

PS please don't reply if you think I'm a nosy old cow ( I am)



J

biker-babe


Joined: 30/12/2008
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 23:04

Musin, message 46 - you are talking rubbish, i'm sure more Britts are cheesed off about the TRNC than are happy about it.



10 years ago people came here because it was an unspoilt paradice - now its just spoilt.



What realistically does it offer tourists and or people who want to settle here ?



suggest you read the original posting very carefully. Suzie

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 23:05

Musin



re msg 46



Musin your tag on the bottom of every one of your posts says long live the KKTC.



If the KKTC is so good is there any particular reason why you choose not to live there?



Do you have to get a permit in order to apply for a permit in London where you choose to live? When you try to buy something from a shop in London is the price based upon your race? Don't think so



Please go back and re-read my post. The way northern Cyprus has changed over the years means that more people are leaving than staying. Much of the characteristics which attracted many people now hardly exist.



As for not liking the way a country is run, you are right it is not my country. I was a guest there and thus expect to be treated as such. Are you happy they way your country is being run? The results of the elections will tell you how many people are happy with the way the KKTC is being run.



Bon chance

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 23:17

stubs



i have spent my entire life between the uk and cyprus ,and let me tell both have changed dramatically ,it,s called moving with the times.



at least you moved from cyprus because you did not like it,i can tell you a hundred things i don,t like about cyprus ,but the same goes for the uk,i,m sorry nicks post is not110% correct as mindy suggests.



i love both my countries the uk and the kktc the good and the bad.



we can,t have it both ways.



musin

MrAngry


Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 47

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 23:29

Of course all the TC's think it's great here (well it is now!!). When I first came here in 97 things were a lot different. For a start only the casino owners drove Merc's and BMW's. The rest either had a car held together with string and sticky tape (some still on the road today) or like lots they had to walk!! well some may have been able to borrow a donkey.



I remember going to the local shop to get bread for breakfast. For a start you had to chase the chickens out of the shop first, only to find they had eaten half the loaf you were going to buy. 2 of us out for a meal with drinks for £6. oh they were the days.



Supermarkets!! I do not think so.



cont'd

MrAngry


Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 47

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 23:29

So why do they have a negative approach to us moving to this country? How many drive merc's and BMw's now??? Do they now have to kick chickens out of the shops? Have things for the TC's changed for the better? I think the answer is yes, so why make things hard for expats? Surely, if we all packed up and left tomorrow they would immediately go back in time. Is that what they really want?

MrAngry


Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 47

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 23:31

Message 35 should have been posted on this thread too. http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/10644.asp

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 23:31

biker babe





which bit is rubbish.





musin

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 23:33

Musin



I am on the outside looking in now. Believe it or not much of what Nick has wrote is true. There are many people out there who feel the same way.



Countries do change, the UK too but Northern Cyprus in my opinion has not changed for the better. Many of the things that attracted us there in the first place no longer exist.



Interesting that you did not answer any of my questions in my last post.



How would you like it if you tried to buy something in London and the price was more expensive because you are Cypriot?

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 23:42

stubs



what are you referring too as more expensive ,do you mean food items or furniture or properties ,or do you mean electric ,please specify.



musin

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
09/02/2009 23:57

Musin



In general terms the TRNC is now an expensive place to live. Compare wages to the cost of living. I don't just mean imported goods but also locally produced goods.



Anyway how would you feel if you went to buy something say for example a new tv in London and the price was more because you are Cypriot? How would that make you feel?

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 00:11

stubs

the whole world has become more expensive ,but believe it or not i experience the same thing in cyprus ,yes they think the british have money ,however when this happens and i think they have overpriced me i walk away and if i really want the item i barter which is a normal occurence and tradition.



the turkish are not alone in this ,the whole world over charges tourist or foreigners ,recently outside madame tussads a burger cost me 6 quid from a burger bar,i bought a similar burger outside b&Q for 1.20 ,it happens everywhere.

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 00:18

Musin



How many tv's do you think tourists buy? Your burger was the same price as everyone elses.



This is one of the reasons why it is more expensive at the harbour to sit and have a beer rather than at a bar a couple of streets back.



So how would you feel if you went to buy something in London and the price was more expensive because you were Cypriot?

stewy


Joined: 18/10/2008
Posts: 279

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 03:35

Interesting post NN and pretty much sums up why I sold up.

I had to take a hit and lost about a third on the price I paid. However I am glad I took the plunge as I was increasingly unhappy living in Cyprus. The frustrations of life there outweighed the benefits. The place seemed ideal when I first arrived. But has slowly gone down the toilet. Life got increasingly boring and I am happy now away from the place.

I hated the animal cruelty. I hated the racism. I hated more than anything being ripped off.

Nunu1


Joined: 31/03/2008
Posts: 536

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 04:23

Negative Nick and Hector, Points taken some very valid!



TRNC is a unique place in the World...One that is not internationally recognised!? mmmm



However, we went, we liked, we researched (some of us) we bought!



Well still waiting for the dream to come thru!



There are a lot of frustrating things about TRNC, but there are many similar issues throughout the World including the UK.



I think the Powers that be, President Talat, The greek President, Koffi Annan and all other parties involved have strived to get things right in a very complicated political republic country.



I do feel that the TRNC Government could do so much more to improve their internal infrastructure and local issues and matters for all that live or chose to live in TRNC.!



They really could get the place prosperous. I feel for President Talat that I believe to be a worthy loyal dedicated Polititian Leader. A tough job he has had!



nunu1

Chaz4566


Joined: 31/12/2008
Posts: 32

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 08:24

Nick, agree with you 100%, the place is going down the pan rapidly. We were all led down the garden path by builders, lawyers and other Brits who had already been led down the garden path.



if only i could re-wind the clock.



Chaz

Becks


Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 130

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 09:18

we wernt led up the garden parth . we all went in for the pound note now it's coming back to hawnt a lot of people .

Amber


Joined: 26/09/2008
Posts: 561

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 12:57

NN - message 1 DITTO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mellie


Joined: 30/01/2008
Posts: 145

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 12:57

Negative Nick,



You say you jumped in feet first, don't feel too bad about this.



My Husband, who researches everything 100%, even down to buying a new TV, spent nearly a year reseaching everything there is to know about North Cyprus, and managed to convince me to leave all my family and friends for a better life over here. He spent hours telling friends how wonderful the place is, what fantasic lives we could live out here by putting our money in the bank and living from the interest. So I put all my trust in him, and we moved out here lock, stock and barrel.



I agree with all your frustrations and I am frustrated at my Husband for not seeing all these things two years ago, during all his research.



Like you, we are in the same boat, trying to sell our Villa, but sadly we have also separated. So I am now very worried about the interest rates and how I am going to survive if they do go down rapidly.



Only other alternative is to go back to England and start again.

Becks


Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 130

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 12:59

negative , are you the GC nicos is disgiuse ? why do you not answer the questions you just say something and go away ?

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 13:08

RE msg 67, mellie : (...) I agree with all your frustrations and I am frustrated at my Husband for not seeing all these things two years ago, during all his research. (...)



===> Was there anything that kept you from doing some research yourself as well?

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 13:18

Isnt it amazing?



Many people on here prefer to debate the poster and not the post. If anyone says anything bad about the TRNC they accused of being a GC or a GC sympathiser.



Many of what NN has written in his first post is a fair reflection on life in the TRNC so far out of almost 70 posts no one has came on here to disagree except perhaps one on someone finding some nice beaches.



There are some who justify what is happening in the TRNC ie in particular Musin who compares someone who is looking to buy a tv for their house in the TRNC with paying £6.50 for a burger at London tourist attraction.



A few years ago whilst buying some veg at the market in Girne the person serving me was told to charge me more because i was English. When i answered him in perfect Turkish that he could shove his potatoes where the sun does not shine he was shocked!

mia100max


Joined: 19/03/2008
Posts: 404

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 13:43

What difference would that of made. I researched everything about buying here myself for over a year, but you can't research the fact that you're builder will not pay for the electricity to be brought to you're house, the road not being done, despite it being in the contract. That he has not paid his planning permission fees so you can't GET that electricity unless you pay them for him. When you go to register you're house, it may be remortgaged. You may not be granted permission to purchase. When you go to pay for you're water meter, it is over 1,000 ytl yet you know that the Turkish Cypriot on you're estate only paid 200 ytl. That the lawyers (mostly) are corrupt and receiving backhanders from the estate agents.

To top it all off, you can't sell because the builder will not sign over the house unless you pay his 6.25% fees to the goverment!

You just have to bite the bullet, put on a brave face & look for the positive (once you clear the rubbish & builder's rubble out of the way)!

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 13:48

mia100max welcome to club reality trnc

tattlad


Joined: 13/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 13:54

Msg 1, What's wrong with the beaches in karpaz ? they are the best on the whole island, and you can have a whole beach to yourself, I suppose there's just pleasing some people.

Mellie


Joined: 30/01/2008
Posts: 145

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 14:22

re mess 69 - I suppose I could have, but I believed and trusted my (estranged) husband.



I really only wanted to buy a holiday home out here and still have a place in England, but it was more him that wanted a change of life, so I suppose I did it more for him.



Like I said earlier, he did loads of research, but as mia100max said there are things you cannot know. But I know he was always on the message boards so why did he not pick up all the problems from there? Were things so different over here a couple of years ago?

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 14:31

Mellie

you have my sympathy. unfortunately many people read these boards asking for info and advice but unfortunately when they are given advice that they don't want to hear they just then criticise and say people are only moaning . they should be aware of those that say everything is wonderful and start slagging off the UK. Deep down it is probably those who do highlight the problems here are those that actually do care about the place and would like to see some things improve. So be cautious of the UK knockers brigade with their smiling faces and rose coloured glasses.

denizkisi


Joined: 18/09/2008
Posts: 196

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 14:39

I don't think it matters how much research you do, there will always be the unexpected just around the corner...... I know of friends that have a completion date guaranteed in their contract but we all know that in reality - nowadays, most of these guarantees mean nothing!! On the other hand another friend bought over here 5 years ago, the villa was a few weeks late and she was put up at the Merit hotel, expenses all paid by the apologetic builder until it was finished. Times have changed, but Cyprus is still the place to be, at least in my opinion.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 15:32

hi melie so sorry to hear o f your plight. i t must be a nightmare. thats all i seem to hear about since being here divorce and deaths of a few friends. Nobody could forsee just like the global credit crunch. Hindsight is wonderful and beleive me i would never have left my famiy to work this hard and long for little or no rewards. we all had faith and thats what must keep us going now. nige has it right we are all in the same boat and yes mellie i do not know you or your husband but in his defence it was all looking so good. i hope and pray we will all get ou of it without too much stress placed on us. good luck xxxxx

Cyprusactive


Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 128

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 15:37

OK this is such a depressing thread, I have to go through some of NN's list of complaints:

- Lack of water - a problem I can live with, made me aware of how much water you can save by being sensible

- Shitty beaches - I can think of a lot of very nice beaches, some you have all to yourself

- Unfinished buildings - this is a developing country, what do you expect?

- Rocketing prices - it just used to be really cheap here, now prices are more in line with UK. Why should it be cheaper here?

- The litter - a matter of education, I remember my native Holland was full of litter when I was little, until a government campaign taught us to be tidy (Laat niet als dank...!).

- Crap entertainment - luckily I don't need to be 'entertained' to have a good time

- House prices falling - look no further than the UK, we just sold a house after dropping the price by 1/3

- Falling interest rates - there is a global recession going on, what about interest rates in the UK?

- Lots of Brits have job

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 19:41

Nick



There is a lack of water and we too where very cautious, however it doesnt help when you TC neighbour insists on watering their garden every night and hosing down the road. It is not just the unfinished buildings it is the unfinished building sites and lack of regulation. Many of these buildings are not sold.



Prices are inline with the UK but salaries are nowhere near it. Yes many brits have jobs but as you know setting up a business there is a nightmare as well as getting the necessary permits. I know you yourself have had many problems with permits etc



House prices are falling throughout the world this is correct. How many builders in the TRNC are still building houses which are not sold but not finishing the ones they have been paid for?



As you know the mentality over there is strange. Remember a couple of years ago when after a bad season for tourists Escape beach put their prices up to 15ytl. They blames the lack of users for this!!!!

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 19:45

Cyprusactive. Good positive post.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 19:51

stubs they do that all the time if a product does not sell put the price up and never mind the sell by dates. escape now 20 th last year this probably 30 . then they cry people shop in the south. If hey kept in line with a retail price index they could see for temselves. im told some supemarkets here are just a front for money laundering and they do not mind not having customers. Its hersay I know and I dont want to start rumours.

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 19:55

Lilli...if you don't want to start rumours you shouldn't have mentioned it....naughty !



But I must admit it has definitely crossed my mind before...not just supermarkets , but restaurants with more staff than customers,and the multitude of mobile phone shops in Girne with no-one in them !

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 19:56

Lilli - this is very true. A friend of ours visited a bar last year and was gobsmacked at what he was charged for a drink. He pointed this out to the barman/owner and tried to explain that the reason he had no customers was due to the fact that the drinks were too expensive. The barman couldn't follow this line of thinking at all and said that the reason the drinks were dear was because he didn't have any customers and so had to put up his prices.



Is it me????



Lilli - hope you are well and keep the e-mails coming!! Jean xxxxxx

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 19:59

you can tell the money launderers they do not use the till !!



Just chuck the dosh in the drawer and use a calculator to tot your stuff up !!

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 20:20

HI J AND P i will nearly got all the keys working on this laptop now. should have seen me with the hair dryer. its true the mentality here is unique my friends and family were saying well do it like this or do it this way. i told them unless you see it for yourself you would never beleive it. now they have only doubled the rates for buisness permits and now a accident insurance on top. oh well want to buy a restaurant. Will try email you after eastenders xxxx

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 20:22

Just out of interest Nige - do you have a till for your cab? and do you give receipts?

rtddci


Joined: 29/12/2007
Posts: 842

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 20:28

Hate to break it to Littlenige but I'm told that the Ship Inn is closed at the moment (along with an awful lot of other hotels and restuarants). Hopefully they will open again once the season gets underway. I understood that the Ship Inn stayed open all year before. Another rumour is that the police were out and about in Girne fining people 500ytl for smoking in side bars and restuarants. Ezic Premier is totally non smoking indoors.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 20:36

J&P. Mess 83. You couldn't make it up could you? )



Hope you're both well.

kaiserphil


Joined: 14/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
10/02/2009 22:48

The-Wicks - mess 83. "A friend of ours visited a bar last year and was gobsmacked at what he was charged for a drink. He pointed this out to the barman/owner and tried to explain that the reason he had no customers was due to the fact that the drinks were too expensive. The barman couldn't follow this line of thinking at all and said that the reason the drinks were dear was because he didn't have any customers and so had to put up his prices."

No, it is not you! What you describe is the cypriot business mentality. A nearby restaurant is doing better business than you, has more customers. It is because of their trickery, nothing to do with your prices being higher, or your food or service being inferior, so the thing to do is to raise your prices so those customers you do have are paying more. Simple!

cmriver1


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 34

Message Posted:
11/02/2009 00:11

NNick,



take a chill pill. I live in the US and you think things are bad there..... if i lived near any beach that alone would make things better.



-Unfinished properties

You should visit downtown Dallas and see all the unfinished projects and are on hold it the economy get better.

-Rocketing Prices

the cost of food and all goods went up with the gas prices. now that the gas prices are low to you think they lowered the prices of goods....HECK NO

-Enertainment

we have some of the best enertainment come to town but who can afford it.

-Houses

you can get what you paid for anything right now

-Starting a business

there are so any businesses going under. you have to be crazy to start a business now.



now nick go get a drink and go to the beach and take that chill pill.



cindi

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
11/02/2009 08:36

Maggie&Bernie if I had a cab I am sure I would have a till.

daveb


Joined: 06/11/2008
Posts: 52

Message Posted:
11/02/2009 10:23

little

nigel

you have a condision called foot and mouth



every time you open your gob you stick your foot in it.



read your own posts .



cyprus is a beutiful country

follow the rules and the laws of the country nigel.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
11/02/2009 10:25

mess 91 - Take a chill pill ? - i'd need a bucket full !



Mess 93 - it's not just me then ?





Nick

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
11/02/2009 10:27

daveb



thank you so much.

daveb


Joined: 06/11/2008
Posts: 52

Message Posted:
11/02/2009 10:43

negative





can you pleaze give every one a run down on britain like the one you done on cyprus

so every one can work owt just what % out of 100 of you realy is neg

why did you leave britain was it cheap house and lots of intrest on your 50p

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
11/02/2009 13:44

I find it amazing that so many people find it acceptable and even make excuses for some of the garbage which goes on.



Things have been bad in the TRNC for a number of years, rising prices, lack of house sales, rising inflation etc etc. It is not the global economic downturn which has caused the problems in the TRNC, although I am sure the effects are felt, the problems have been going on for much longer than that.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
11/02/2009 14:06

I would guess that most people who bought in the trnc done so because the properties were at giveaway prices. Granted that some people 'love' the place, 'love' the people, but the majority bought because the properties were very very cheap. Unfortunately some went even further and moved here lock stock and barrel. Investing whatever money they had left out of the sale of their UK property and found that the decent rate of interest they got provided them with a half decent life style because it was very cheap to live over here.



However now we have a world wide recession clearly bought on by bad Bank management practice's, it's not so cheap to live here. But hey, it's not cheap to live anywhere at the moment. If you enjoy good health and are able to eat every day then you are lucky - some people are not so fortunate.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
11/02/2009 14:11

RE msg 97, Stubs : (...) I find it amazing that so many people find it acceptable and even make excuses for some of the garbage which goes on. (...)



===> Well, a lot (?) of British expats are leaving or would obviously like to leave TRNC asap. Do it or don't. But I have now read enough of your moaning and whingeing. What's the use of polluting this board further? Find a board for frustrated expats and go on telling each other there what you don't like. Leave us in peace - SOME PEOPLE LIKE IT HERE THE WAY IT IS. NOT PERFECT, NOT "LITTLE ENGLAND", NOT "LITTLE HOLLAND" OR WHATEVER OTHER WESTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRY, BUT WE LIKE IT. UNDERSTOOD? WE LIKE IT!

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
11/02/2009 14:14

mess 98 - Doyen good post.



Mes 96 - rubbish reply, at least in the UK you get consumer protection and a legal system that wouldn't tolorate the mess in the TRNC.





Nick

karakum5c



Joined: 18/03/2008
Posts: 1021

Message Posted:
11/02/2009 14:20

I like Cyprus because it is not the UK, if you want to live some where like the UK dont apply for a passport.

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
11/02/2009 15:00

Hans re msg 99



You do make me laugh. Are you seriously telling me that there are some people who like being ripped off and having absolutely no rights?



Are there deluded people living there now who like these practices?



Hans have a look around and listen. How many people are not happy there. There are loads. Some will admit it privately and not publicly. After all no one likes to admit that they make mistakes do they?



None of my posts are complaints they are facts. Has anyone disputed the facts that i have shown on here?



No I get accused of whinging and moaning.

lottie


Joined: 21/12/2008
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
12/02/2009 10:30

For goodness sake could all bitter and twisted Brits please go back to the UK.

Or learn Turkish and try to fit in to the ways of the country you have chosen to live in. I am beginning to feel so sorry for the Turkish Cypriots. No wonder they try to 'rip you off' They are probably sick and tired of your bad manners and yobbishness.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
12/02/2009 10:36

Mess 101 - Top post Stubbs, telling it how it is...



Mess 102 - Lottie wake up and smell the coffee...





Nick

lottie


Joined: 21/12/2008
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
12/02/2009 10:45

I AM smelling the lovely coffee. What are you smelling ?

lottie


Joined: 21/12/2008
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
12/02/2009 10:47

Bye Nick. Got better things to do with my time. What about you ?

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
12/02/2009 10:50

Lottie

perhaps you could explain who is being bad mannered and yobbishness?

If some people are having problems and make their feelings known why do you assume they are all bitter and twisted. Are you prepared to be given a rough deal and just accept it and say nothing, if so no wonder some are being ripped off!

Macha


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 650

Message Posted:
13/02/2009 01:17

stubs:



''Many people on here prefer to debate the poster and not the post. If anyone says anything bad about the TRNC they accused of being a GC or a GC sympathiser.''



Well saıd. It dıstracts them from fıllıng theır knowldge gaps.

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
13/02/2009 03:31

Lottie



Would you elaborate on who your are referring to in your posting in msg 102?



Are you saying that you it is excusable to be "ripped off" because we moan about being ......... let me see errr getting ripped off?



Tell me do you think it is fair that on buying certain goods it is ok for the retailer to charge more because you are british/english? Is that the kind of behaviour that you find acceptable in society?



The facts still remain that many ex-pats have paid for goods ie houses yet do not even have the deeds to their property. Do you have your deeds?



Ne iyi sizin Turk?

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
13/02/2009 03:33

Macha



re msg 107



You may very well be right.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
14/02/2009 10:52

not being allowed to fly our bayrak, that p----s us off.

horselover


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 129

Message Posted:
14/02/2009 17:00

you can either be depressed in dirty, cold grey miserable england, with no housing, english becoming a second language in london n feeling foreign even tho u were born here, drugs,lager louts, guns stabbings...shall i go on?..OR you could be depressed in cyprus, n cry under a beautiful pine tree in the mountains, or winge while watching the waves crash against the rocks in the fresh air...erm..i know where id rather be

ataturk


Joined: 09/09/2008
Posts: 712

Message Posted:
14/02/2009 22:44

A lot of what nick has said applies to Britain as well not just N Cyprus but if you look around at other E.U countries there is the same thing going on, people buying plots of land and getting ripped off (in Spain, Bulgaria, Romania). Many cab drivers in London that I know have often told me of stories where they have ripped off tourists with cab fares. Many a builder in the UK doesnt not pay all or some of their taxes. How many of you have had work done and preferred not to pay the Vat (alot of you I suppose). Although the system in my opinion does favour foreigners now in the UK, my parents came over to the UK in the fifties and had to put up with a lot of racism by the english, they had to do the dirty work that the english didnt want to do. My father had two and three jobs at times. The same shit goes on all around the world, sometimes what goes around comes around. Everyone has and makes their own choice, I know where I would rather live and raise my kids.

Lemtich



Joined: 15/02/2007
Posts: 1487

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 00:27

Msg 111

you can either be depressed in dirty, cold grey miserable england, with no housing, english becoming a second language in london n feeling foreign even tho u were born here, drugs,lager louts, guns stabbings...shall i go on?..OR you could be depressed in cyprus, n cry under a beautiful pine tree in the mountains, or winge while watching the waves crash against the rocks in the fresh air...erm..i know where id rather be



Not in my part of England, it ain't.



http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/Lemtich/IOW60001.jpg



http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/Lemtich/IOW50001.jpg



http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/Lemtich/IOW40001.jpg



http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/Lemtich/IOW20001.jpg



http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/Lemtich/IOW10001.jpg



http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/Lemtich/IOW80001.jpg



http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/Lemtich/IOW100001.jpg



http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/Lemtich/IOW110001.jpg



Lem

Lemtich



Joined: 15/02/2007
Posts: 1487

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 00:27

Oh, it does get a mite chilly sometimes.



http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa219/Lemtich/IOW120001.jpg



Lem

Macha


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 650

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 00:46

Keep Wıght whıte, RU saying?

Lemtich



Joined: 15/02/2007
Posts: 1487

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 01:32

No, but the rot hasn't reached here yet.



You can still leave your door unlocked at night.



Lem

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 01:46

I've never understood that.

Why would anyone want to leave their door unlocked...at anytime....even if they lived in the safest place on earth?

What benefit does any one get from leaving a door unlocked?

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 02:10

Mach..msg 115



Oh very good....very good indeed !



Snow fooling you is there?

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 11:08

Lem

nice photos. I seriously think that the 'UK Knockers Brigade' have never ventured out and visited the fabulous countryside of the UK. Could easily see that the photos were not the TRNC....... no rubbish anywhere.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 12:17

Quarmby,



I think a psychiatrist would say that" UK knocking" is a defense mechanism

chick


Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 323

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 12:43

Ataturk Msg112



London Licenced Black Cab Drivers do not rip tourist off they have a meter that records milage and extras. Maybe you are referring to mini cabs that drive around with no tax or insurance and cars that would fail MOT.

lottie


Joined: 21/12/2008
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 13:43

Lemtich. I come from where you come from. And I agree with your comments. And it's nice to know that we CAN leave our doors unlocked if we want to.

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 13:46

Lottie...I get the underlying message...but once again...WHY would you want to leave your door unlocked?



AND....what would the reaction of your Insurance company be if you were burgled as a result?

lottie


Joined: 21/12/2008
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 14:01

Well if I'm honest I sometimes do it by mistake...even at night (with the keys in the door sometimes) Just a bit gaga I suppose. But so far so good !

scotsguy


Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 249

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 14:58

I loath ignorant arrogant expats, who constantly moan and groan about the TRNC, tell me ,who held a gun to your head and forced you to come over, were you wearing rose tinted glasses, done some simple caluations added 2 + 2 discovered it made 10. Nobody is forcing anyone to stay if they don't want to, pack up go back to the land of milk and honey in the UK and leave the people alone who actually want to enjoy Cyprus. if life depressed me that much here, I would not be staying, try a life swap on ebay, sure thousands would love to be in your shoes here. We chose to come here, no one forced us. Try and get a life. I can't find enought time when I'm here to do all that I want to, but then again I don't spend all day moaning on this forum.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 16:13

Why come on at all then if you don't want to read other peoples opinions? You have yours they have theirs,anyone can make a mistake and its not always easy to get out of it. I have holidays in TRNC but no way I would live there because I don't go around with my eyes shut and half the time I don't like what I see going on.

scotsguy


Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 249

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 17:11

Woodspeckie, Well maybe you should have educated some people on this forum why you don't live here full-time, also advise others why not to come in the future, would save some people with the rose tinted glasses not to come and moan. This would also stop the insults to the TC's regarding what is their country and there way of life. We have a choice, you either like it or you leave it.

ataturk


Joined: 09/09/2008
Posts: 712

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 19:07

Chick re msg121 Dont be so naive

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 19:37

Ataturk



Do you think it is right then to base a price upon race?

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 19:48

Woodspeckie,

As a forum member, just like to say,you dont need to educate me as to your reasons for doing various things in your life, Also, it is none of my business where you live , or how long for. I consider your reasons for choosing certain paths ,as being personal, unless you chose to make them public.

I certainly dont consider you loathesome or ignorant and I dont know if you are an expat.

In that spirit ,I look forward in your further participation on this board regardless of whether I agree with you or not.

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 20:02

just to get back on topic,all the whingers and moaners????

BillyB


Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 436

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 20:42

I used to leave the doors unlocked until this morning, when I came down stairs and found seventeen goats in the kitchen. Lovely.

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 20:43

Billy goats ?

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
15/02/2009 20:47

nice cronos