A big thank you for all the invaluable information we've gleaned from this forum over the past year. We've seen answers to questions we didn't know we needed to find out about!

Hubby and I (dual citizenship) are returning this week with all our worldly goods and pets in tow, 16 years after our last attempt. Older and wiser now, we fervently hope - after some considerable culture shock - that we'll adapt quickly. This is definitely a one-way journey, we couldn't possibly afford to do it all over again, nor have the energy for all the work and preparations.

We'll miss our Canadian west coast mountains, raccoons and skunks, good dentistry, and wild sockeye salmon. But I can't wait for our first supermarket trip - cheap and wonderful cheeses, scrumptious desserts, and good wines at a fraction of what we pay. And with family and friends scattered round UK and Europe, will have a richer life too. Our house in Northants is ready and waiting (no phone or internet yet, thank you BT). Our biggest worry is how the cats will fare on the flight, but I'm sure all will be well.

I guess our next posting will be on the 'Back Home' forum!

Best of luck with your return. We just moved back from Canada in August and so far so good.

Good luck with the final part of the move.

Thanks, if1. You'd think that practice (moving) would make perfect but it's a nerve-wracking process!

You are absolutely right. I am glad that part is over. It all seems like a bit of a dream when I look back on it. Meant to mention, Sallysimmons, shipped her cat(s) back, so maybe she will shed some light on the journey.

Thanks, and I hope you make it back before too long as well. We were tied in the past by economic necessity but now are free to live in semi-retired genteel poverty in UK. It beats the 5.30 am starts, long commutes and 2-week annual vacation.

Yes, I read her posts and they're very reassuring. But the cats have to be delivered to Cargo at least 4 hours before the flight and processing at Heathrow will take 4-5 hours, so they have a very long journey ahead.

You can get good dentistry in the UK but you need to go private. NHS offering is too basic.

Good luck on your move and safe journey to all

I'm jealous! Good luck with your move - we still have the long wait of 2 years and selling our property. Interesting that you are moving straight back into your old house. We initially thought of retiring somewhere to the coast but after a lot of consideration will probably also move back to our house in Buckinghamshire. Keep us updated re your progress and how you find your return.

Good luck with your move! The next step is always an adventure and there is just so much to see and do here!

I've heard this - luckily it appears that UK private dentists cost a lot less than here in British Columbia, where dentists are all private. My OH has incurred about $4,000 in charges the past year.

Actually we bought a new house, mostly over the internet! But I know the village a little and have a sibling nearby. Northants is also very central for travel. We were worried that selling our house here would take ages, with all the news of a downturn in real estate, but it sold fast, leaving very little time to sell cars and furniture. There's nothing like an adrenalin rush to get you going!

We lived on the Island too some years back, loved it but lack of work drove us back to the Lower Mainland. Bucks is a lovely county - hope things work out for your eventual return.

Good luck! How exciting! I hope you'll keep us posted about how it all goes.

Thank you all so much for your encouragement! Logging off now and will post future notes from our new home.