Flaura - Expat in Cyprus
We’ve had the chance to talk to Flaura, 45, who has moved to Cyprus with her family, now works as a writer.
Read more about her experiences in the full interview below.
Q: Where are you originally from? What made you move out of Cyprus?
A: Moving to another country can be a difficult choice. Losing close contact with your friends, seeing lovely sceneries that you are used too, and taking care of the relatives, leaving your memories behind. It will always be exciting though to meet new places, encounter new experiences, the change that often can bring good things to everybody’s life. Moving to Cyprus even if still a difficult choice had always lots of strengths: perfect weather condition all the year, quiet and relaxing destination, and no matter which city you choose to always be close to the mountains and sea, lovely people that most of them speak English and Greek language. What could you wish more?
Q: Where are you living now? How did you come to choose this new country of residence?
A: My experience put me to choose between a cold country and a warm one. Naturally, as I love more swimming then skiing I had to choose Cyprus. Lying on the beach on a hot weather it was for me my favorite choice. Our decision was Cyprus, and now we live a quiet life on the top of the hill with beautiful sea views. No matter the month of the year I can go up to the mountains or down to the sea sometimes even on the same day and spend it wonderfully.
Q: How long have you been living in Cyprus? What has been the most difficult experience you've had when you were new in Cyprus?
A: I cannot say that life did not put us in difficulties here, but I could say that no matter our choice we would be in certain position over the years. For most of the people that came to Cyprus, the graphic was the same. Everybody felt like in a long holiday first. Then in few years, some of them felt that the island is too small or too quiet; some of them missed the crowd of a big city, the big concerts or sports; driving for long hours on a highway; big shopping malls. There is everything of all this here in Cyprus but not the same way you could have in Europe due to the small no of the population also. But then if you would have all of this it would not be as quiet, as relaxing… as lovely as it is now. So finally it all depends on the type of person you are. If you are coming from a big city can you accommodate to this lifestyle? Can you leave all behind and enjoy your new type of life? So be prepared to change!
Q: Would you say that formalities like getting visas or work permits and international health insurance were particularly difficult in your host country? What was your experience with these?
A: I would say that dealing with official authorities in any country can be challenging sometimes. In Cyprus, if you have lots of patience as sometimes it is hot J you will have the chance to meet very good people that will be happy to help you even if you do not speak Greek (One of the Cyprus official language). Some people that come here are requesting that documents/ official employees to speak even their own language. Of course in any European country, you will not be able to find this. But in Cyprus, there will always be somebody ready to help you in English and help you with the translations of any official document. That is something extraordinary!
Q: Are you living alone or with your family?
A: I live in Cyprus with my family and children.
Q: How are they adjusting to the Expat Lifestyle?
A: We are all accustom to the habits and Cypriot lifestyle, and we simply love it. We love the fresh food, the hot sea water in the summer and the rainy days in the winter. We adore spending time outside till very late in the night. Here you will find children playing in the parks in the summer even at 22:00. Families are welcome to Cyprus to spend as much time they can to enjoy any day of the year.
Q: Was it easy making friends and meeting people? Do you mainly socialize with other expats in Cyprus? How did you manage to find a social circle in Cyprus?
A: Cypriot people are very happy and lovely persons. Most of them speak the English language from the youngest to the eldest. So finding people open to talking and to entertain it is not at all difficult. Having friends is something connected to your own attitude towards people. If you are open minded and willing to meet new people you will always find friends very easy everywhere you go. In Cyprus, you will be able to meet people from UK, Russia, Ukraine, Holland, France, India, Romania, U.S.A., Poland, Czech and even Austria.
Q: What are the best things to do in the area? Anything to recommend to future expats?
A: In Cyprus, there are lots of things to do. Of course like everywhere in the world is all connected with your budget. But as most of as live on a normal budget I would say that Cyprus is the perfect holiday destination for the people that love the sea and the beach. Love long walks in the nature close to the sea or high up in the mountains, enjoy history and ancient Greek cities, wonderful sunsets or sunrises, good naturally fresh food. For the youngest, there are amazing disco, waterparks, restaurants with an entertaining nightlife in Ayia Napa.
The best thing to do?
Spend a day at the wonderful, crowded Nissy Beach in Ayia Napa, and one at the peaceful, fantastic snorkeling location at the Blue Lagoon, Latchi, Paphos .
Eat the famous Cypriot Fish Meze in Zygi or Latchi Port.
Spend a night on the clubs in Ayia Napa.
Enjoy a concert or theater show at Curium Ancient Amphitheater or the Opera show every September month in Paphos.
Visit the wonderful Lefkara village.
Q: How does the cost of living in Cyprus compared to your home?
A: I wouldn’t be scared regarding prices in Cyprus. I believe that now like everywhere in Europe you can find good cheap places but also expensive ones. It all depends on your budget and your wish to discover the hidden secrets of each new place you are visiting. So talk to the locals … they will help you to discover them!
Q: How do you find the local culture and people in Cyprus?
A: The local culture in Cyprus is simply beautiful. It is different, new for me and exciting. I love mixing with everybody, talking with the people … be present at local shows. Cypriots can have fun doing things that you wouldn’t expect so mixing … is mandatory.
Q: What do you think are the positive and negative sides of living in Cyprus?
A: The best thing in Cyprus is the weather, the beach, the mountains, the fresh food, the people, the quiet life. The negative sides the costs of travelling outside Cyprus unfortunately.
Q: Do you miss home and family sometimes? How do you cope with homesickness?
A: I have homesickness from time to time but Cypriot sunshine days make everybody forgetting this and enjoying their life.
Q: Do you have plans to move to a different country or back home in the future?
A: For the moment we are decided to stay here. Of course, we will never know where life can bring us.
Q: What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
A: Getting used to living in a small country was a little hard. Sometimes also giving up the winter and the snow can be hard even if I never enjoyed it home. The seasons looks different in Cyprus. From nature point of view, the summer looks like winter here. Everything in dry, there are no green fields and not so many green trees. Everything blooms in the winter time when there are a lot of rainy days. Sometimes you feel like there is nothing to do, but I believe that this happens in the most crowded cities as well.
Q: What tips can you give other expats living in Cyprus?
A: The most important thing is to find the information. Everybody should remember that they do not live in their own country. For this reason information about places to go, what to do, where to find jobs etc. could sometimes be difficult to find. I found that people who made a little effort to learn the Greek language as well discover the Cypriot life easier.
Q: Do you have favorite websites or blogs about Cyprus?
A: J Yes mine, Kids Fun In Cyprus.