Is life difficult in North Cyprus compared to England?

Nicolas


Joined: 16/08/2010
Posts: 60

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 01:38

I obviously can understand that you guys have glorious weather out there all year round...which is a huge plus I can imagine.



But can life in Northern Cyprus be complicated at times?

For example, are people there as pertinent as they are here in the UK?

Also, in terms of facilities, how does Northern Cyprus compare to England?

What's the infrastructure like?

Is there corruption in the government?

What is the health care like? It's not like the NHS is it?



Tell me what it is that is better in Northern Cyprus than England?



Kindest regards, Nic

kimig


Joined: 04/02/2008
Posts: 103

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 07:08

Nicolas - yes, life in TRNC is ALWAYS complicated, because every Official, Shopkeeper, Policeman, Customs officer, Tax man, Politician, Uncle Tom Cobley and all, make up their own rules, which they then ignore, change or refuse to implement .

Not sure what you mean by "Facilities"? Electricity is available, sometimes. Many power cuts - though, to be fair, not as many as there were when I arrived 5 years or so ago. Water is sometimes available, and most people would say it is not drinkable although, apart from turning me bright green, has never apparently harmed me.

Infrastructure mostly either very old, or non-existent.

Health Care reasonable, but VERY VERY expensive, unless you use the local hospital, which is noisy, often dirty, and you will wait for hours for anyone to see you,except in an emergency situation, when you will be looked after very quickly and efficiently, but without sympathy

Corruption? Yes YES YES

Better that England - scenery, people, lifestyle

Hope this help

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 09:31

Kimiq, where do you live? I live in Lapta, and can't remember the last time we had a power cut. We have had water all through the summer, every day that is, and our mains water is clean and safe to drink. I have had treatment in private clinics and the hospital and found all to be very reasonable and very efficient. I have been to the local hospital a few times with other people, and they hae always been seen within 1/2 hr.



Ok there are various things here that could be improved upon, but this country officially doesn't exist, so you really can't expect the same level of efficiency and upto date technology when they don't have the money.



It's a beautiful country, but if you live here you just have to live it like the Cypriots do, and not get ypset over things you cannot change, just look for the good, and you will find plenty of it.

sienna


Joined: 09/01/2009
Posts: 1627

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 09:42

message 1 North Cyprus is not England, that is part of the charm thank goodness, think back, if you are old enough 35 years in the UK, and then you will be thereabouts where North Cypurs is today !

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 09:42

stella, i also live in lapta, and had 2 power cuts only last week. They do get EU grants and quite a lot, where it goes is another matter x

cyprusman3



Joined: 09/06/2009
Posts: 297

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 10:25

i lived in London for 33 years, you cannot compare North Cyprus and UK its like comparing coronation street and Dallas !! by the way North Cyprus is Dallas !!

HNComputers


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 472

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 10:26

When you move to NC, you then realise how you used to take things for granted in the UK....Electricity, health care, food, people....

oceana


Joined: 12/07/2010
Posts: 395

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 10:47

Overall, comfort wise I'd say England for health and the importance the goverment gives to it's citizens, and it's much cheaper in England. But scenery wise and life style North Cyprus I would have to say,it's beautiful with it's natural beauty(beaches, sand,trees, mountains, houses, weather....) and it's life style... Some prefer these over having a more secure life in England. Depends on what your looking for. Another thing I would like to add is, in England you can rely on the goverment but in Cyprus you rely on your money.

ClaireCat44



Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 739

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 11:00

I can assure you we don't have 'glorious weather all year round'!! In fact, I had better start waterproofing my roof again before the rain sets in! And get my winter clothes ready, and my quilts and hot water bottle, and logs for the fire and gas for the heater, and my boots for the mud! Don't get me wrong, I love the winter but it can get very cold and damp inside the houses unless you have 'central heating'. It's usually warmer outside than in!! And of course smoking outside is a nightmare!!! It is not 'cold' like England but it's a different kind of cold. It's a damp cold. In England the houses are warm because of central heating but here you feel the cold more.

paddywack


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 959

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 11:15

Msg 8.

Lost me here,cheaper in England?

What about council tax, water and sewage, heating oil,my heating came on this morning by the way,in August,and the ever rising food bill.

You can rely on the government in England,come into the real world,there is room for one more.

Nicolas


Joined: 16/08/2010
Posts: 60

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 12:45

People have spoken about the "lifestyle" being better in the TRNC.

Who exactly do you mean? Is it the feeling of the country? The ambience?



Also some have mentioned the landscapes, the trees etc. But is that not just because in England most live in the towns/cities. Out in the country, we have wonderful sceneries. Is it more to do with the fact that the TRNC has nice sandy beaches?



@ClaireCatt44, gosh, I'm surprised to hear about that. I always thought in the med countries enjoyed warm pleasant weather 12 months of the year. ClaireCatt, why did you move to North Cyprus?



Ok, how about the availability of food and the quality? How does it compare to say, the sort you'd get at your local butchers, or even to a Waitrose?

Nicolas


Joined: 16/08/2010
Posts: 60

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 12:51

Also, what are the people like? Here in England, I've seen a change in the country. When I was younger, people used to know their neighbours and we'd all mingle (far more anyway). These days though, I think because everyone is more national now (i.e. people move away with university, people commute long distances to work etc)...England has lost that close-knit community feel.



What is it like in TRNC? Are people a greater part of a community?



And do people live differently there? Here, I bet most people after work etc, spend the night watching TV and maybe going to the pub.



There, do people go to the harbour most nights, or spend the nights on the beach? I really wonder. Do people live their life more there?

suzi1951


Joined: 14/02/2010
Posts: 191

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 13:00

Have you been here, even for a few days? I have spent a few holidays in North Cyprus, met and made friends with a number of people and have now bought a villa and am moving out in three weeks time.

I know there are lots of challenges ahead of me,lots of them, but I will do my best to thrive on them and not let them get me down. I like the last part of message 3 in particular. Moving from the north east of Scotland I am looking forward to even the winter weather in Cyprus compared to what we had last year and is the long term forecast fot this! There is something about TRNC that draws me to it.

Nicolas


Joined: 16/08/2010
Posts: 60

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 13:08

You know what it is Suzi, I feel like I'm missing out on life. I hear all these stories about people moving abroad, but it makes me wonder about whether it's actually better abroad, or whether actually I have it better here in England.



I've never been to North Cyprus, but I've read quite a bit about it. Besides the weather, what made you move Suzi? Did you just fancy the change? Was it a case of "I've lived in the Uk for x amount of years, now I'll try somewhere else"

Nicolas


Joined: 16/08/2010
Posts: 60

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 13:31

Also, what are the native Turkish-Cypriot people like towards foreigners? Are they welcoming? Or do you feel a degree of hostility?

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 13:35

Nicholas,

Why not rent and experience several countries before deciding whether the life style is for you? Corruption is rife in the TRNC (see the threads relating to buying or appearing in courts or two prices, one for Brits and one for TC's) and although there is a lot wrong with the British system there are laws to support you and you do have a voice. The same cannot be said about the TRNC where discrimination is very evident.

Regarding infrastructure and scenery I always say that the best description I have heard regarding the TRNC is,

"Pockets of beauty amongst lots of shite"



The numerous, well lit casinos, give some areas a "Blackpool Appearance" Yet there are some really friendly helpful TC's and Turkish people that I can only describe as some of the most friendliest I have ever met.

Claire is correct it certainly is not an all year round sunshine holiday destination despite what the adverts say. It can be bloody cold.



Life is what you make it wherever you are.

sienna


Joined: 09/01/2009
Posts: 1627

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 13:37

Different folk, different strokes, people can only give you their point of view you need to go and have look for yourself.



The natives are friendly and very welcoming , North Cyprus is a nice place BUT as in any country there are pros and cons about it all, the good the bad and the ugly!



)))

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 13:46

Life is what you make it to be..positive happy and content or unhappy complaining constantly..we all have our problems and i sure have had a belly full myself in the past..but I make today what i need from today..my wants may not get met always but my needs always are. I have all I need today and I can cope with any problems or situation in a positive frame of mind..and that is very important





Spider,X.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 13:52

Msg 12 I think people whom have relocated here do pretty much with their time here. Its a far better social life. Most just want to enjoy their villas and do. There is plenty to do if they want to go out. Just read about all the entertainment. A lot of culture here. Read all the posts re property and the problems. Come over for a visit and see for yourself what the pros and cons are. It may not be for you.You will not know that until you try x

cyprusman3



Joined: 09/06/2009
Posts: 297

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 16:23

i think your fab spider don't know you but you got the right attitude in life and i hope it continues all the days of your life coz u deserve it.

stockiefan


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 574

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 16:36

Nicolas. stay where you are, the grass is NOT always greener!!!

Yinglis


Joined: 13/10/2008
Posts: 290

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 16:44

Hi Suzi, we are from the West Coast of Scotland at present living in France but moving to Karsiyaka in October .... hopefully we can catch up soon ??

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 17:22

It's chalk and cheese!

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 17:36

cyprusman3 thank you so very much..and you never know perhaps one day we may even meet..To some people my life has been horrendous at time and difficult too. But today is all i have and i will live it,love it and treat others with nothing but kindness along the way.Well I will do my very best and that is all that we can do. )





Spider,X

suzi1951


Joined: 14/02/2010
Posts: 191

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 17:52

Nicolas - we came to TRNC to spend a couple of weeks in a holiday villa owned by friends in Aberdeen and had a great and peaceful holiday. Met people who are close friends now and meet up with them every time we are out. Came back again last year and started thinking we might like a move but did not think we could afford it. Did some research, came back December/January, looked at some properties, did our sums and realised this could work. Did lots of research online and via our friends in TRNC as well as getting fixed up with a solicitor. The place just grabbed me the first time I was there and the feeling became stronger every time I returned. Been out three times this year and out for good soon. That is my experience but may not be yours, so do your homework, visit and explore all possibilities and find out the good the bad and the ugly (as somone else mentioned) before making any decisions.

Good luck

suzi1951


Joined: 14/02/2010
Posts: 191

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 17:55

Yinglis - yes, would be good to meet up. We are in Karsiyaka too. I am out on 20th September and my hubby joins me on 4th October.

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 18:01

See thats what its like here new found friends..We never forget our old friends who have crossed out paths but life changes and we meet new people that somehow and just because, they become trusted and loving new friends..



see you all soon in Karsiyaka )





Spider,X

cyprusman3



Joined: 09/06/2009
Posts: 297

Message Posted:
30/08/2010 21:07

Nice one spider

oceana


Joined: 12/07/2010
Posts: 395

Message Posted:
31/08/2010 00:19

Nicolas, people are very friendly and warm here, beaches are excellent and the weather 8 months of the year is summer, you only have 4 months of winter.