Thanks MarylandNed. I know there has been a drastic economic slowdown over the last year or so. Luckily, my husband's job is in a completely different industry.

House prices have taken a real dip and looking on the bright side, if we do decide to buy a house there, we wouldn't need a mortgage!

My daughter and her husband did what you are about to.
My daughter applied for a job online and unexpectedly was offered a job after a telephone interview.
They visited for a few weeks and rented an appartment prior to arrival.
On landing, they spent their first night on a borrowed blow up mattress with a leak.
They stared around that night wondering what had they done.
The first year or so was hard as it took time for her husband to find a job he felt happy with, but took whatever was offered in the meantime.
Eight years later, they are Canadian citizens, they have two wonderful children, live on a five acre plot with sheep, pigs, chickens and a dog and they sponsored us to follow them.
I'm not saying it'll be easy because it won't, but I agree, unless you reach to pluck that apple from the tree, you'll forever wonder what it would have tasted like.

Thanks dave_j. It's lovely to her that your daughter and her husband have been in the same position and have made such a success of their new life. Like you say, you never know how juicy the apply could be unless you reach for it!