I don't miss my family, I get quite enough of them when they come to visit! We remain close via email and so on. I never visit the UK and don't miss it at all.

The best thing for me regarding language was starting work within a couple of months of getting here. I simply had to get on with it and struggle. It was very tough, but I was lucky, but also put in a lot of effort. After 8 years of employment, socialising, taking lessons and studying, I am fluent enough, but work on it pretty much every day in one way or another. At 54, it will never be my first language!

I felt at home here from the day we moved in, more than I ever have anywhere I have lived in the UK. I knew from the first moment that I would never willingly go back.

I agree with what has been said about money and budgetting - it is very important to be realistic. I have seen many people go under due to over-stretching themselves. Personally, I prefer to live very simply and well within my means, that way I can sleep at night!