OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

This is the new thread for all us oldies moving back. Those who have moved back and those who do in the near future can leave information that might help the rest of us on our new venture.:)

I am 66 and was supposed to moved back 10years ago but got derailed by one thing and another. Sometimes I think I have left it to late but I will do it.

I have worked in nursing home where many pensioners end up either because they can no longer cope on their own and relatives live to far away to be of help. What I mean by can no longer cope is they could no longer drive some became housebound and fell into depression. Once in a nursing home its almost impossible for them to get out without the help of a relative. I never want to end up like that.

Leaving it too long. I had a friend who wanted to move back home but kept putting it off. When she got into her 70's she felt that the upheavel would just be too much for her. She had no family close and those who she thought would welcome her into their homes did no such thing. Shen ended up in a nurising home and went down hill really quickly.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Thanks for starting this thread ... I'm just about to log off (us oldies need our sleep!) but look forward to reading the replies and will post some of my own experiences when I get back from work tomorrow.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Great!!!! Thanks for starting this!!!! Just posted on the other one before I found out, but not to worry, we middlies and oldies often repeat ourselves:)My father passed away in the UK in 2006, the last time I was over there. He was in a nursing home, it was very depressing, and I too said I didn't want to end up like that. I am only 58 and THINK I have a long time left. Anyway, I don't believe he minded it too much because he already had some dementia, and probably didn't realize everything that was going on. He was alone, friends already dead, or in the same state he was, and yes, it sucks. But unfortunately I think this is a generation thing, it seems to be happening more and more as we all spread out further in the world and lose that sense of family unit that is still so prevalent in Asia. Maybe we should all be thinking about moving to Japan??:) My bottom line is, don't know how long I have left of this life, but I am going to make the most of it. I don't believe in mistakes, just decisions that were right at the time I made them and that I can learn from. If this next one to move back to Europe turns out to be different from what I thought, so be it, I will focus on finding something positive in it and not dwell on the inevitable negative there is in everything that happens. Yin and Yang. As long as I am of sound mind, I will venture forth....to boldly go where no man..........etc etc:D

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Well I haven't reached 50 yet, but we've been here a long time. I too am a nurse, I have worked in nursing homes in the past. I don't want to end up in one. But if I do I want it to be a UK one where I'll at least get a good cup of tea. The slop they passed for food and the tepid water with a tea bag floating in it were appalling. I'd die very quickly in depression if I ended up there. Bloody scary isn't it.
So can I join?
I've only 3 years to go till 50 and that is supposed to be our year to move. Ds will graduate high school that year.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

I agree with the making the most of life. It's one reason we got up and did something. We're in our early sixties, but we'll be in our seventies faster than we think and none of us can tell when we'll slow down, become more nervous, or develop health problems that really get in the way. Now's probably the best time we'll ever have for making changes, having adventures, taking some risks. So we are.

We're not looking for family to care for us -- what family we have in the UK is mostly older! Just enjoying life as best we can.

Bev

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

:thumbsup:
Here's to enjoying life as much as we can for as long as we can!!! :thumbsup::thumbup::D:lol::beer::drinkwine::cake:

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Come on in, you deserve it!!! :D

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Hi again .I researched a lot of holiday rentals in the uk and looked at their availablity charts for rentals in winter ,then called them to try and negotiate a deal that included utility costs etc .I eventually got a one bedroom apartment next to a farmhouse in devon and as I am a country girl looking forward to it .
My biggest problem over here in the States are my 2 rescue cats ,all the animal services refuse to take them as they are overloaded with animals being dumped by people leaving their foreclosed homes .I cannot afford to fly them to the UK and am out of time now for shots etc ,I am breaking my heart over whats to become of them as they are so loving and dependent on me ,I am showing their photos all over the estate where i live in the vain hope someone will fall in love with them ,Many people have mentioned on this site about the sacrifices you have to make when returning back to the UK:(:(

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Magistrate have you tried looking further afield for a rescue shelter. I know the shelter where I live takes in animals from other states. Perhaps you could get on line and research it. I wish you the best I know how hard it is.

Aces1. I agree with you over decisions we make over the years. When I made the decision to move to the US I thought it was the best thing to do. I can only say to those contemplating a move don't do it for others in you life do it because you want to. Thats where I went wrong. Plus I had had a hysterectomy 6months previous it was only years later that I was told by another doctor you should not make any big decision for at least 2years after such an operation.:frown: My original doctor never told me that.

On to the future. When we return to the UK we are going to rent for the first year till we decide where we want to live. We are going to take a few holidays and look around.
I think if you take a look at some of the BBC page they do have news for each region you will learn quite a bit about crime and weather. Another thing to look at is are the Government going to start building lot of houses in the area you are thinking of moving to. Just keep your eye on the news and note down areas that you may not want to live. Sometimes we forget about it later also some areas have problems with flooding thats another area where you can keep notes. Even after you have moved back to the UK you can still make yourself aware of bad areas to live. Health care is better is certain areas of the country. I have a favourites folder on my computer that I keep all relavant information.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

ok, some of you been on here for a while may remember me a s I posted so much when I returned in 2005. This site hped me so much.
I am 55 in Nov (Saggitarius-full of adventure):D I left with my parents when I was only five, at the end of 1959. So that makes over forty years in the US. I lived in Florida so I had to relearn cooler temps too. I, like many of you always knew I would come home. I could write a book really, but you all know, life happens. Marriages, children the whole lot. I was really scared too, but more scared not to. My mum and sisters are still in Florida, and one son, which makes it hard...but three of my children and my husband are with me. Its really hard and scary at first, but it does all sort itself out. I was very comfortable, a manager of a small firm, home half paid for, husband earned well...I gave it all up and even had to start through a temp work agency. I worked hard and showed them I was worthy and I am now working my way back up. Its not what I had and we watch our earnings but its getting better and it can be done. I also brought my pets with me so we had the problems of renting with pets. Harder, but it can be done. Just on determination, we have made it work. We have now found a home we are trying to buy. I am originally from Plymouth but came to the midlands as I have cousins here. I would still rather be back in Devon, but that will happen yet.
I just want to say that you can do it and you are all really brave. I love it here and know for me it was the best decision. Yes all places have their bad bits and yes its cooler here, much more so than Florida. But believe me its gorgeous and its home and its special. I find the people here so much more friendly in a real way.
I think we should all have a meet up when more of you arrive! I would be happy to offer any advice or even just a friendly, sympathetic ear.
calle

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Everyone has such good advice, sound positive and is very encouraging. Thanks for that! I think we always come up with enough doubts and concerns of our own before we make any major decision (at our older and wiser age!! :)), so it is really helpful when others can point out lots of good reasons and points rather than those which cause us to worry even more!! Otherwise we go up and down like yo yos!!!! I had never heard about the 2 year rule, always thought it was one year before doing anything major - that explains why I have messed up so much in my life - I didn't wait long enough:D Wish we could all meet up somewhere, wouldn't that be fun!!!

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Mummy in the foothills - thanks for the link to questions for naturalization test. Glad you said it was easy, I looked at it and came out in hives!!!!:eek::). Rodney - go for it, your memory will be less sharp the longer you leave it, so do it now! Anishq - I admire you for moving at age 71, makes me feel like a wimp at hesitating at age 58!! You can show us all!!! :thumbsup:I too am planning on moving South West, with no family, no friends, all on my own, but for all the right reasons (I think), and am looking to rent long term, not buy. My recent bad experience of buying here in the US has definitely turned me off doing that again any time in the future. Most of all because I don't like the idea of being trapped, losing my freedom, being tied down - or so it has seemed, with buying the house right before the market dropped and now set to lose beaucoup de bucks to sell it. Who knows, I may want to move again - after England, perhaps Italy....:)somewhere else when I am 71........(now dreaming of meeting my knight in shining armour and living on a private tropical island:):rofl:

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Maybe you should double-post this in the Caribbean Forum. :rofl:

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

What a great idea!! :lightbulb: Hey, I'm not picky, I'll post it across the board!!! Throw out a net, see what lands in it!!!:rofl::thumbup::rofl:;):rofl:

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Hi Again,
hit a snag re us returning to the UK in 2 weeks .We need to hire a car a couple of days after we arrive but when I look at the car rental companies in the town we are staying in the uk they need a credit card ,we do not have one in the USA as we gave it up a year ago and although we have a bank account in the UK we do not have a debit or credit card and it would probably take too long to get a card processed before we need the vehicle .Any ideas please .

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

You say you have a bank account, can you give them cash?

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Do you know anyone in the UK that could hire it for you? I remember doing this for my daughter a few years back. She needed to hire a van to move stuff and didnt have a credit card. I think from memory i just put her down as a named driver. You could give them the cash.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governme...eUK/DG_4000140

The above website has some useful information worth keeping for future reference.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Which areas of the country have better health care? This would be a big deciding factor for me.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

I would like to know if folks will go back to the big city or will they choose a quieter place.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Well, I intend finding a quiet place, a village, as I am not a city girl. However, I still need some kind of job (part time or full time without stress, am not expecting to earn much, being only 3 years off pension age, 61 now for me as female), and I need public transportation as I won't have a car and don't want to drive (having never, ever driven in England on the other side of the road!). Not asking for much am I? rofl: Thinking of starting off near Bournemouth, see what happens. Treat it as a vacation and look around till I find somewhere (hopefully soon after landing!) suitable. Will be doing a lot of go with the flow as I really don't have a fixed plan, too complicated to do from this end (US) and no one to help the other end.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Thank you for this, I have marked it in favorites and will defiitely be looking at it later.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Hello All,
Been looking at this site on and off for a couple of weeks, joined up today when I read the thread for the over 50's wanting to return home, that's me, it hurts me to say the over 50 bit, but yes I want to return home. Been here 21 years married an American (bad move) traded him in for a dog 7 years ago (good move) It's not all been bad, my Lancashire spirit prevailed and I've made the best of it and I think done ok for my self.
It's been good to know I'm not alone in thinking about a move, my mum thinks I'm crazy, (hoodies, knife crime, bad weather etc etc) why move when the streets are paved with gold, (and I don't even live in Florida) I'm in year 1 of my 2 year plan to move back, I'm happy to have found you all it's somehow comforting to know that I'm not the only one who wonders shall I shan't I.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Hi All .....hoping to move back in the near future as everyone else in the family that was out here has already done so.....kids ..parents and siblings.

thought of being here alone if anything happened to hubby is just too scarey. Working towards the move and getting money back to UK while the rates are so good from this end.....only worry is finding work when we get there......but am sure something will turn up ....no point stressing out about what is not happening yet......

just plodding toward a future back in the country that is in my heart and soul.........

Sometimes wonder how I ended up here as I hate hot weather and snakes !!!!!

Looking forward to reading others posts on here in my age group. That have made the move.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

One thing that concerns being 61 and still 4 yrs to go for CDN pension is this?

If I go back this year will I be retired in UK or not ...

Will Cdn pension fail to cough up the dough if I move there and if they do will UK make up the difference..just worried about survival issues..

Also ...if anyone can suggest a nice place to return not filled with Yobbo's near the coast that is not entirely remote... suitable for us?

Hey........we should all go together

I dream of sitting with a good cuppa and looking out in winter across those green fields and no snow on the ground!

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

old duck....tell us about the two year plan..maybe I can learn something

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Hi,
Thanks for writing this thread, I am returning to UK after 44 years. My husband will be coming over later. Small dog coming in October, large dog and husband coming when I get established.

I was glad to read about other people having the same feelings as I have had for most of my time in Canada. I have been lucky to find a place to live in Kilmaurs. The lady who owns the house is around my age and has now over the course of a year become my friend. She will be picking me up at airport in Glasgow, much nicer that getting a taxi to a hotel. I have been in touch with companies in the area re jobs and I ma quite positive that I can get a job.

I have children and grandchildren who will continue to live in Canada, and that makes me sad but with technology the way it is, I can talk and see them every day if I wish. My 14 year old grandson is already planning a trip over in a year or so.

Because of the downturn in the economy in Canada selling our house has become a nightmare, and wither it will ever get sold is another story. We just decide that we can't wait for that to happen and booked my passage with Icelandic Air, (very inexpensive). I am looking forward to going forward with our lives.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

We have just spoke with Canada Pension, There is no trouble getting your CPP and old age pension sent to UK. It takes about three months to get everything done, but it can be started here. For us, I am going before my husband and will get our bank in UK to fill out paperwork that Canada Pension will send. Good Luck!!

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

How close to the coast do you need to be?

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

always lived in a town and thought a walk along the shore seems attractive somehow..but in a village or small town that is along the water and has some active employment. Need part or fulltime to keep occupied

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Just wondering how you found a place to live and what kind of work you are looking for that you can already be so positive of getting a job - did you do this online, by phone, or have you actually been over for a viist? I won't be leaving the US till early next year, but I am at this point still unsure as to where the best place to go will be to live and find work without being able to take a scouting trip first. (which financially I am unable to do).

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Re pensions. This is a subject I feel totally ignorant in and it gives me a headache everytime I think about it, so forgive me for asking. Does anyone know how collecting state pensions from both countries works? I mean, are both taxed, is one reduced because you have a second? I am referring to US social security and UK state pension. Neither of which I can claim yet, 3 more years for early US S.S., and 2 more for UK, but I have worked in both countries, only just enough years to be eligible in both. Each time I try and get more details from the official sites online, I go from screen to screen to screen ad infinitum.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

My understanding as far as US-UK is concerned:

You don't get double-taxed, and you don't get one reduced because you receive the other (unless you are using one set of contributions to top-up the other under the Totalisation Agreement).

Having said the above, as an ex-permanent resident of the US (or maybe a US citizen?), you have to submit a US tax return every year. The downsiide of this may be that, if you are taxed at a low rate in the UK (likely, as over-65's get a very generous income tax allowance), the US may tax you further, up the rate you would have been taxed if you were resident in the US.

Hope this doesn't confuse you further! :eek:

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

[QUOTE=dunroving;7914827]My understanding as far as US-UK is concerned:

You don't get double-taxed, and you don't get one reduced because you receive the other (unless you are using one set of contributions to top-up the other under the Totalisation Agreement).

Having said the above, as an ex-permanent resident of the US (or maybe a US citizen?), you have to submit a US tax return every year. The downsiide of this may be that, if you are taxed at a low rate in the UK (likely, as over-65's get a very generous income tax allowance), the US may tax you further, up the rate you would have been taxed if you were resident in the US.

Hope this doesn't confuse you further! :eek:[/QUOTE

Kinda, sorta!!! Think I get it, thanks. Won't worry, I have enough to worry without this, just wondered if it made any sense at all to put off my move till I am pension age or if "they" (whoever "they" are!) are formulating a plan to stop me from moving at all! :eek: I refuse to put my life on hold any longer, que sera, sera!!! Time for a cuppa tea to calm down.......deep breaths........

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Hi,

I put an ad in Gumtree about a year ago and had several answers. Picked this one out and since then have had a great time communicating re Skype, phone e-mail with the owner of the house.

I am renting a double room in a beautiful house with all amentities. I have been extremely fortunate that my (now) friend has no problem with my bringing over my 9 mth old Shits Zu to live there. :thumbsup: This will give me time to get to know the area and time to find a home for my husband to come to. We are only bringing over personal items, or things that mean an awfull lot to us. This move has been in the planning for over a year and anything we have purchased in the past year has been with the following questions being asked, did we need it, could it be used in UK, and would it make sense to ship it.

As for work, I am a R.N. but will not be able to work as one in UK unless I take UK exams, not sure that I want to do that at my age. My friend has made enquiries at local businesses in the village and as I have many skills beside nursing, I have a line on a position when I arrive. I have administration experience, restuarant experience, Dog grooming experience, worked as a cashier for a national grocery chain. So I am not to worried I will find something, always have.

This move was something that has been in our minds for many years but kids, job, etc we kept putting it of, now it is time, don't want to put it off any longer.

Only 17 more days to go, and looking forward to it.:D

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Easterndawn.... would you mind my asking how old you are. I think you are going about the move in the right manner. I have made a couple of purchases over the passed year that really made no sense seing as we are moving back to the UK. A chair and table. We will not be bringing them with us. But my daughter will gladly accept them.

I have written down the pro's and con's to area's I want to live and it helps. I also in the near future am going to start reseaching each area. I know I dont want to live in a city I would like to live close enough to a large town so that I can do weekly shopping so you need good bus routes. My family live in both Lancashire and Cheshire but I am not sure which area I want to live in. I dont mind the cold living in New England I am use to it.

This past couple of weeks has been a real eye opener. My husband had an operation on his knee so he cannot drive. I have not driven since we move to this new area 8 years ago. The traffic on motorways around here is awful.So I have been house bound. Depending on my daughter who lives within half an hour for help. My 2 sons both live over 2 hours from us so they are no help.
I never want to be dependent on others or have my daughter being the caregiver just because she lives closest. This has made me more determined than ever to get out of here and home to where I can survive .

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Is anyone from Canada going back and over 60 and under 65?
I am 61 and came here in 75..I have a great home, nice people at work, beautiful location near a river but I dread the long winters and the solitude..on my own now.

Is it worth sticking it out to 65 is the question?

I have looked at a few areas just outside Plymouth and it looks ok there for older people..if anyone has any other places to check....

I would gladly do a meetup for any sort of gathering whether it be a pub-lunch, fish n' chips out of the paper at the seaside, afternoon tea...great idea!

Oh what tales we would tell!

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

I am 55 years young, I am moving close to where I was born, small village but only 2 miles from Kilmarnock, larger city and 20 miles from the capital Glasgow. We are half and hour train ride from Glasgow, the train runs every half hour and the busses to Kilmarnock every 15 minutes.

We will purchase a vehicle after a while, have signed up for driving lessons as I have never driven on the left hand side. The village I am going to has everything that you would need to survive without going to a larger centre. Wither we will continue to live there is yet to be seen. The transportation system in the UK is best to none. Here in Prince Edward Island and most of Canada (as we have lived in a few other provinces) is very poor, if you do not have a vehicle you are stuck, there is no other way to get from the country to a larger town or city.

I will not be going over with a lot of cash, but enough to see me through 6 months, if I don't use our credit cards. If our home does not sell, has been on market for 18 months, dropped price twice, so a this point we would barely make a profit after paying mortgage, lawyers, real estate fees etc. So really there was no reason to wait any longer. Many of our friends have lost their jobs and are struggling to raise their children and hold on to their homes. Luckily our kids are grown and on their own and live in the western provinces, which is almost as far away as we will be when we move.

I have been able to contact some flamily members, school friends etc through the internet and that has given me a sense of belonging that I have never felt here. My husband is Canadian, but has worked in Saudi and the extreme north, and is very supportive of this move. Once you make the final decision to move and set a date, you find your self moving forward to that time and not dilly dallying. When we made that final decision to move, I was very ruthless about what we sold or discarded. Give yourself time to sell things so that you are not pushed into selling furniture etc at a horrible low price. We are now living with the bare minium of furniture, dishes etc. These we will donate to a womans centre when my husband comes. Since starting on this journey I have come to the decision that I probable did not need all that stuff anyways. It really has been like getting a huge load off your shoulders when you rid yourself of all the crap that we accumulate over the years, at least for us it was.

I look forward to this as an adventure and yes I am not in my 20's or 30's or even 40's but I have lots of life yet to live. My parents immigrated to Canada in their 50's and they did quite well for themselves. Hope you can make your decision soon and good luck. If you need any information let me know.

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Oh what a lovely outline..Yes I see and totally relate to all that you say..especially getting rid of the furniture..my living room just looks so much better without the extras..I guess I must be doing what your doing in that I am selling piece after piece..selling things now as I get them out but have not set a date yet..house has not gone up for sale yet.

PEI is difficult spot to be in I understand. I can imagine how things have changed..a lot of folks moved west to the Oilsands and so on. I have tried it in Alberta but the Oil money has brought a lot of the seedy side of life to the fore.,. I did not have a good time there and if not in Oil then the wages are about the same as anywhere else. I came back to Mb.onwards and upwards.

I feel I don't belong here either mostly due to coming here without family,. some came after I did but went back after 1 or two years..Also there doesn't seem to be the heart to heartness.in conversations and I miss that. It's all on a superfical level (have a nice day you too!)

The worst part for me was everytime I got a leg up jobwise, it would come crashing down just about the time I had got a mortgage or some form of payment and then I was left holding the bag. Whats that all about? Now it just happened again with the last so-called economic crisis.

I am ready to move back and am avidly hunting for a location in South England. If I have to stick out the last few years to get full pension then I will and I wil do it in the southern part of Ont where is doesn't get too cold in winter.
My winter here is from Oct to April so it covers a longer period than other folks. I can go away in winter for 6 months and it can still be winter when I get back.ha! Well, I've had enough of 7 months of winter,5 months of road construction and mosquitoes, rushing home after work in the dark to get in from the cold. I'v put in my 35 yrs here and I'm done.

I am learning a lot from this thread about the banks to use websites to find accomm etc (as well as the Roger Whittaker songs) and the attitudes of others like me ...we are not alone

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

I have read all these posts and I am always encouraged by them and they help me retain my sanity in ways you would never imagine. I know I definitely am going back to England, and my deadline is Spring of next year. but I cannot pinpoint a month as I still have US citizenship to come through, and like lots of people, a house on the market not selling and of which I have not yet reduced the price. I am optimistic..........but, there is this other side of my Pisces self, that is bringing me down. So I apoplogize for expressing self pity here, I know I will probably feel different in a few hours, at the most by the morning, but in the meantime I just want to cry......Lots of posters have similar troubles/concerns/circumstances/situations to me, but does anyone out there have them ALL?

I am divorced (second time) financially burned by it, though I do have a little money I dread losing, and I am emotionally wiped out from the short, very stressful marriage. Live in an area I only moved to to get married, therefore haven't had a chance to make close friends here. Too expensive, mortgage draining me, divorce left me with a part-time job I can't change due to economy but it is safe. No one to give advice locally because I don't want my employers to know I might be leaving - at worst, lose my job, at least, my boss will make the rest of my time here even more miserable (she is so hard to work with). Only family here are 2 grown sons but still finding their way and live other side of the US, so no physical help or emotional help. No health insurance, not poor enough for Medicaid, not old enough (58) for Medicare. Have to sell house, work out money situation, deal with all concerns of shipping, selling car, stuff, etc, etc, for move by myself. No support in UK besides older half sister who will call maybe twice a month to give sympathetic ear but doesn't want to be involved with the move other than that. She lives in the North of England where I do not intend living for many reasons. I am focusing on Bournemouth area only because it might be warmer. It's a needle in the haystack, may as well put stick a pin in a map. Haven't been back to UK since father died in 2006. No friends except a long lost college girlfriend only recently regained contact with (email only maybe once a month) after 30 odd years, so really don't feel I can ask for any help from her - and she lives in the Midlands. I could go on in my depressing misery, but bottom line, I feel I am tackling this new adventure completely on my own, mentally, emotionally and physically and I wonder if I am strong enough to do it. I have no one this end to help go through any preparations with me and will have no one the other end when I step off the plane. I feel completely overwhelmed by it all, being pulled in different directions weighted down more and more. Did I say that I am also not completely English? My mother was German, I grew up culturally both (another sad story), and have no one left on that side either. So I have felt that not belonging completely in one country my whole life...........if anyone is still reading this, you are probably as nauseated by my wallowing as I now am, so I need to stop!!! Thanks for letting me post, as I said at the beginning, I shall probably be my crazy, positive, strong self in a few more hours.........it's just how to stop these feelings happening again and wearing me down a little each time? I think I just need someone to say "everything is going to be OK" just once in a while. I would believe them! Saying it to myself doesn't work. At least it hasn't yet.......