Charismatic

The fact that sloths exist somehow proves that if you go at your own pace, and mind your own business, you too can succeed.

Edit: It should be a meme really shouldn't it?

jayandbill

I'm in a different age group than most of you but thought I'd put in my 2 pennyworth. We came to Tauranga 7 years ago to join our 2 children and 8 grandchildren. They both came 12 years ago and we came out from the UK every summer for a couple of months. We were in our late 60s when we eventually were sponsored by our son and maybe that was a bit late in our lives but it was a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea. We made the right decision to come here but it was never going to be easy. We were a close family living in Sussex and saw the family regularly, so it seemed logical that we would join them here if possible. NZ seemed idyllic and we saw most of it on our summer visits. Doing the Maths you'll see we're now late 70s. The grandchildren have grown, so we rarely see or hear from those living in Auckland. Son's marriage broke down and he went to Australia. We're very lucky to have a daughter and her family living 3 doors away but it's worth saying that having left the UK at our age, even though we had lived abroad on and off when we were younger, it has got more difficult as we've got older. I've been back 3 times but my husband refuses to fly long haul ever again. I miss England and I miss being able to pop over to Europe occasionally. We sometimes forget how beautiful Britain is. NZ has changed a lot in the last 12 years, I hardly recognize it. If our daughter decided to go back I'd have my bag packed and ready but that's not likely as they have 2 kids in their 20s. I appreciate our story is very different to yours but it looks as if things will get better for you. Some will always feel homesick occasionally however long they live here. while others never look back.

Damson

Good post. I would just say for balance though that Europe has changed dramatically too over the last year or two. Security, generally, is a massive issue now, especially in France. The free and easy atmosphere is diminishing and I have been glad each time to get back to the UK.