Originally Posted by Tegwyn (Post 4422704)

Hi Jenny, to answer your question. My hubs misses some things about Kilmarnock, old friends, and the extended family of course. He still has his parents in Killie and his brother lives just outside of Aberdeen. We typically get back now about once a year to see them as they are elderly. I used to do the combination trip of South Wales and Scotland when my parents were still alive. Certainly got to cover my fair share of geography during that time. I enjoy visiting but would never be able to go back to live. My hubs feels the same. Can't handle the weather for starters anymore and I do confess that I find I get really claustrophobic after a few weeks. Too many folks in too little space for my tastes, and I been bounced between Africa and the U.S. for too long now to settle back in the U.K. I do miss the pubs, the sense of humour and all good things British.

We did see our fair share of thugs lousing around in Glasgow which is a bit unsettling. Lots of down and outers. Birmingham I find positively scary though by comparison so usually happier to be further up North.

I do understand your desire for change and warmer climes, but really hope you reconsider South Africa. I say this with sadness as it is such a beautiful country, but it is becoming more violent by the day.

I still have extended family in S.A. My niece and her husband just recently offloaded their armed response company as he could not handle the lack of consistent law enforcement after responding to calls for protection. Corruption in law enforcement is rife. His security people had to contend with ever increasing violent crime and all their efforts to protect and arrest became pointless when these scumbags were let out right after they were taken to jail. The government is making it increasingly difficult for whitey to possess a weapon anymore which means you have no protection whilst these thugs are coming at you fully armed.

These things I tell you come from someone that has a deep love for the country but not even I would go back again. I was there last year after my nephew was car-jacked, and I had the shock of my life seeing just how badly things have deteriorated. Again, if you must, take a short trip but I feel I could not knowingly encourage someone to head there knowing what can and does transpire.

My best wishes to you and yours. Tegs.

Originally Posted by jenny varney (Post 4423181)

thanks again for your honesty, I cannot believe how many people have actually taken time to send messgages, its very sad that such a wonderful place can be so bad. I have had various long chats with my husband the past few days as he is abroad working at the moment, and we have both agreed that nothing has been agreed, first of all we will enjoy our visit out there but I cannot see us going there for good, its scary and why on earth would we want to put ourselves in danger for no reason really, we have to have a big think about where we want to go and what we want to do.

What nice people on this forum.


Thanks again for your comments. Im not going anywhere I will still be checking in to see whats happening and what people are saying.

Cheers

Jenny

Originally Posted by NatMatt (Post 4423576)

Hi Jenny

It is with a very sad heart that we will be leaving this year and the only reason I'm doing it is because of the kids. I don't want them to grow up in such a violent society because here it's not the crime but the violence of the crime.

But saying that there are many people who've moved out here (alot of Brits retiring) and they love it and would never think of going back to UK.

Hope it helps and just shout if you need more info !

Regards
Nat

Originally Posted by Campbells (Post 4423604)

Hi, what a great and honest post.

What a lot of people forget in SA is that we (and your family) left / is leaving what you have considered your home.

I have said in previous posts that true love is not selfish and the sacrifice of the challenges moving to a new country is way beyond priceless when you tuck your wee ones up safely at night.

I applaud you for having the love and selfless thoughts to do this for your children.

Where are you folks heading?

Cheers a good luck. :D

Originally Posted by NatMatt (Post 4423761)

Hi !

Thanks for your thoughts - It's true, family comes first and we all do what we can to avoid becoming a statistic and I'd rather leave before that happens.

We're looking at France (first option - I speak the lingo as may mom's Belgian) but the schooling is a bit of an issue at the moment and second option the UK (my husband's British). We did a 2 year stint in Belgium about 10 years ago so we've had a taste of what "moving" feels like. My sister and brother moved overseas a few years ago so it would be nice to be closer to them too. In-laws live in the UK and mom will follow. Going on a "recce" so a bit of a toss up at the moment. But I see it as an adventure and a great learning experience for the kids - kids tend to be more flexible than us ! Life's so short so hell, why not ?

Keep up the great posts - I've spent hours reading the threads, especially the "South African" ones.

Cheers, Nat:thumbsup:

Originally Posted by jenny varney (Post 4429171)

Hello Nat,

thanks for your honest opinion, its sad to say that everyone that has replied to me is of the same opinion but its very much appreciated, I lay last night in bed thinking about this and you have all really helped me make my decision really. We have booked our holiday and we are going to George for a few weeks and I was lead to believe it was safe (safer) there?? My daughter and I will be spending two weeks there and we are looking forward to it, more so looking forward to nice weather. It funny I was in touch with a few real estate companies and they would bite your hand off for your business and I now know why.

I am sure you are doing the best for your family as by the sound of things its not really a quality of life and everyone deserves a quality of life. I would also be on my own a lot of the time. My husband has worked away all his life and it would be the same in SA and I am a bit of a free spirit and like to travel etc and I wouldn't be able to do that in SA which would drive me mad.

I hope you and your family find what you are looking for and it all works out well for you. Thanks again.

Jenny

Originally Posted by jenny varney (Post 4434003)

Hello everyone, I have forwarded all your replies to my husband who was to say the least shocked but not totally surprised and he is just as grateful to you all giving your honest feedback as I am. My husband as served nearly 22 years in the Marines and even he couldn't protect me from whats going on in SA so we have really made our decision that its best to re-think our plans.

All the years we have been together I have nearly always been at home apart from 2 years in Czech Republic and I have always worked and it would be nice to spend some quality time together (unless he gets under my feet of course) and living in SA would not by the sound of things be as relaxing and rewarding as we would really wish for.

I am sat here having finished a day at work, had dinner and away to walk my dogs and do a bit of late night shopping and I suppose I dont really know how lucky I am to feel safe to go out walking, drive to the shops without having to lock my car doors etc.

Anyway we are still going to enjoy our holiday in SA and make the most of it. My daughter wants to do the Safari thing and see Elephants etc and for her that will be an excellent experience and we are excited about it.

Hope you are all safe and well.

Take care

Regards

Jenny Varney and the rest of the clan

Originally Posted by jenny varney (Post 4421833)

I can do better all you need to do is let me know and I can have them vacuum packed and sent to you its not a problem I would be delighted to.

Cheers Jenny

Originally Posted by NatMatt (Post 4423761)

Hi !

Thanks for your thoughts - It's true, family comes first and we all do what we can to avoid becoming a statistic and I'd rather leave before that happens.

We're looking at France (first option - I speak the lingo as may mom's Belgian) but the schooling is a bit of an issue at the moment and second option the UK (my husband's British). We did a 2 year stint in Belgium about 10 years ago so we've had a taste of what "moving" feels like. My sister and brother moved overseas a few years ago so it would be nice to be closer to them too. In-laws live in the UK and mom will follow. Going on a "recce" so a bit of a toss up at the moment. But I see it as an adventure and a great learning experience for the kids - kids tend to be more flexible than us ! Life's so short so hell, why not ?

Keep up the great posts - I've spent hours reading the threads, especially the "South African" ones.

Cheers, Nat:thumbsup:

Originally Posted by zims500 (Post 4438422)

As an ex - S. A myself & been out from my country for 19 yrs,
i still miss it so much. I last visited 3 yrs ago but i couldnt
wait to leave as i always felt so scared most of the time .
So even though i am still on a journey trying to find
a place i can called "home", unfortunately & sadly ,
S. Africa won't be one of them.:(

I can empathise with all fellow S. Africans who posted on
this thread who i'm certain had a little lump in their throat
when writing about our beloved country which we are all
afraid to live in. .

Originally Posted by Douglas jack (Post 4437892)

Hi Nat,have you considered Spain,Andulicia,nice climate nice people,I dont mean coast de sol ,I mean coast de luz,2hours from UK,you can drive to France,north Africa on your doorstep,big wide open spaces of countryside,superb beaches and a better quality of life,great for kids,lots of sun and fine wine.