Older Widow's/Widowers/Singles

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
07/06/2010 09:32

Hi,

I have just joined cyprus44 and looking forward to my iminant move to NC in the next few months. I have been browsing the board for a few weeks and got answers to so many questions by trailing through page after page of information, but I still have heaps more questions that I can't find the answers to.

One of them being what is NC like for older/ middle aged people on their own, are there many in NC, are there meet up groups for say morning coffee, walking groups?

Are there regular Craft fairs in any particular area, how do you go about renting a stand for same if they are held?

Is there a need for UK expat childminding?



Grateful for any and all answers and advice. Thx

eager


Joined: 23/02/2007
Posts: 1272

Message Posted:
07/06/2010 09:51

Crikey sunshine, you don't consider yourself old do you,... your only 49 !!

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
07/06/2010 10:05

Sunshine



In relation to the average age of the expat community out here you are a mere teenager. ;-) Whilst I am not one who frequents craft fairs, I understand that there is a fairly bouyant 'market' for this type of thing.



I am sure that others will be able to point you in the right direction.



In the meantime, the best of luck and welcome to the TRNC



Regards



Paul

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
07/06/2010 12:31

Well you are a mere teenager, compared to a lot of us here. I don't know about single groups, but there is a market on Friday and a very big one on Saturday mornings, and another couple of Sundays. At each place there is a coffee area, and as generally people here are so friendly it will be easy to meet and talk to people. Then it is up to you. You will find it is very different going out here. You don't need to be in a couple, there a lots of single people and you will gradually get to know people, then when you go out it will be a mix, married and single.In the paper each Saturday it has a section of the groups activities that are on the following week.

Where abouts will you be living? Good luck, I'm sure you will like it here, but don't join in with the "moaners".

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
07/06/2010 16:13

Thank you all so much for your reply's, it's a very long time since I was called a teenager and I love it, certainly made my day :o)



eager: I was classing myself as middle aged (nearly) :o)



Paul: Thank you



stellasstar1: Great news about the fairs, I am an avid crafter and find the fairs a great way to meet like minded folk and people who don't find they are gifted in making crafts but love to buy others handy work.



Not really sure where I will be living, looking to rent for the time being but not sure what area, where would you say was more popular with the expat community?



Definately not a moaner and have no time for such individuals/groups

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
08/06/2010 09:05

Stellasstar1.........after loads of searching looking at areas around Kyrenia, near to the town and comfortable walking distance to the sea, on bus route for now as not sure if I will eventually have a car or not. Is the bus service regular, can you get to most of the North areas by bus?

Looking at renting a 1 bedroom for visits main time (if anyone has a contact I would be most grateful) Ideally would like to buy 3 bed garden apartment with the above amenities nearby.

Is there a Lloyd's Bank branch in NC?

Thank you again for all help and advice

Carol

kevin


Joined: 08/08/2009
Posts: 152

Message Posted:
09/06/2010 13:20

Sunshine



You mentioned in your first post about ex pat childminders, if you are interested in minding 2 boys (2 and 5)for a few hours at my house 2 or 3 nights a week please give me a call on 0392 8211029 for a chat.

babygirl


Joined: 13/02/2010
Posts: 109

Message Posted:
09/06/2010 13:41

Hi Kevin, just read your above post and would be interested in some childminding work. I was looking after Oliver, son of Andy and Amy from Efendi restaurant for 4 years until recently and currently minding 2 other children on a as need basis but would like some additional work. My name is Karen, I am English and 48 and very much used to looking after children of all ages. If this may be of interest to you my number is 0533 830 2282 or e-mail on karenstammers@hotmail.co.uk



Thanks.

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
09/06/2010 13:47

Kevin,



I'm not yet in NC still here in Dubai, I would have jumped at the chance had I been there. May I please get in touch when I do come over to live as I would certainly help you out.

Sorry I have no idea of the time frame, it is soley dependant on when my apartment here in Dubai sells. It is on the market and I have had 2 veiwings from the same person who assures the agent their company is very interested in my apartment.

Meanwhile if you would like a reference I can send you the email address of the lady I have been childminding for here. I have looked after her 5 year old little boy since he was 3 1/2 for 3 days each week, if you are able to send me an email through this site, I will return mail with her email address.

Carol

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
10/06/2010 05:42

Hi Kevin,

Or you can contact me direct at carol22@gmail.com

Carol

sloan



Joined: 24/02/2009
Posts: 808

Message Posted:
10/06/2010 09:48

Hi Sunshine and welcome to Cyprus44. Back to some of your original questions. There are a lot of single people out here and (from my observations), most seem to have a good social life. I do not know about specific groups that meet, but some bars/restaurants sometimes advertise singles' nights ... I know Hoots' Bar was advertising recently. There is a Harriers group which organises runs where lots of people walk them, with dogs and picnics. There are also ramblers and bird watching groups which have mixed membership which will facilitate your making friends. The markets and car boots have been mentioned from the craft angle, but I noticed there seem to be a lot of craft fairs advertised in the run up to Christmas. Kyrenia is a good choice of location, especially if you are undecided about having a car. There are regular dolmuş services to Lapta/Karşıyaka/Alsancak, Ozanköy, Acapulco/Esentepe as well Lefkoşa . In fact, we drove last time we went to Lefkoşa and I

sloan



Joined: 24/02/2009
Posts: 808

Message Posted:
10/06/2010 09:50

dolmuş. You can even get as far as Famagusta by dolmuş/coach. Although we are not here permanently, we are spending increasing amounts of time in North Cyprus, and although we have managed so far with the dolmuş, hire cars and taxis, are rapidly coming to the conclusion that having a car will further enhance what we believe to be a wonderful lifestyle, but you will be able to make your own decision when you get here. Your decision to rent first is an excellent one. You will probably find that the people you meet are polarised into those who love it here and those who wish they never came. I think that the second group is mainly made up of people who have had problems with unscrupulous builders, or those who came here when interest rates were very high and find that they do not have the spending power now interest rates have dropped. You need to be able to assess the property situation very carefully before you decide to buy and take advice from those in the know.

sloan



Joined: 24/02/2009
Posts: 808

Message Posted:
10/06/2010 09:50

Without wanting to be derogatory and blacken any characters, often you do not have to take what you are told by builders/lawyers/ estate agents at face value as too many people have had their fingers burnt. As I am very much ‘the new kid on the block’ myself, I hope that the information is helpful, and my email address is in members info, so please fell free to email and ask any other questions about our experiences here. Best wishes.

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
10/06/2010 16:43

Hi Sloan,



Thank you very much for getting in touch, unfortunately I apparently don't have enough postings to be able to email you directly but thats ok.

I am pretty sure now that the area of Kyrenia is where I would like to be based especially to begin with.

Not so sure about the singles nights but definately up for anything during the weekend that involves activities during the day.

I am an event organiser here in Dubai for Powered Parachute flights, which have been extremly well attended with waiting lists on every event organised, the group I belong to also organise Kayaking, Go-Karting, Clay pigeon Shooting, Wall Climbing, Bowling, Tandem Parachute Jumps, Dune Buggy Rides, Weekend Wine and Cheese tastings etc etc etc I could go on but don't want to get boring.

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
10/06/2010 17:16

My personal love would be to get involved with the craft fairs, this is where most of my week is taken up along with running after school craft classes for children pre school to 9-10 year olds including everything from making fridge magnets, bookmarks, door knob hangers, personalised picture frames, pencil kits, greeting cards etc and generally being as creative as the child is comfortable with.

It is the same here with regards to those that love it and hate it so I do sort of know what I am coming into. We were lucky enough to buy here in the early stages when property was first put on the market, since then things went really stupid with prices going through the roof for property, and those that bought dear are paying dear now as many do not have property to show for the hefty mortgages they are paying out, the others have their property but fall short of the value of their property. It is very sad and I blame greed more than anything for the way things are the world over.

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
10/06/2010 17:24

My other love where needed is child minding, I am better known in Dubai as the "Mrs. Doubtfire of Scotland" nicked named this from one Welsh couple who's 4 kids I looked after while they were in Dubai, trust me I don't look like 'Mrs Doubtfire' well I suppose I do have the glasses (don't wear all the time) a pet name that seems to have stuck by me the past 14 years here.

Sloan my email is carol22 at gmail dot com please feel free to get in touch

Take Care and hope to meet you soon

Carol

sloan



Joined: 24/02/2009
Posts: 808

Message Posted:
10/06/2010 18:45

I'll email you. By the way, there is no Lloyds Bank here. There is an HSBC, but I have been told that it is not connected to the HSBC in the UK and that it is a franchise, but I do not really understand the implications of that and I am sure someone else will explain it further. Apart from the HSBC, there are a variety of Turkish Banks and North Cyprus banks. The North Cyprus Banks usually give a higher rate of interest, but are thought by some to be slightly riskier. Also, some are being frowned upon by the British ex-pats because of dubious dealings with builders.



I stand to be corrected if this is unfair or incorrect, as as I have said, I am still finding my way round, and often correct information is very difficult to obtain.

fallenangel


Joined: 16/05/2009
Posts: 125

Message Posted:
10/06/2010 22:06

There are no branches of english banks, but Iktisatbank have a holding account with Lloyds in the uk so its easy and quick to move funds from UK to here via Lloyds. There are several markets for crafts, Lambusa market in Lapta on a saturday is very busy, and good for meeting new people. You will find people to be friendly here, the brits and the locals, and there are plenty of things to do if you want to be active.

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
16/06/2010 10:49

Sloan have sent you a friend request on FB



Fallenangel, Thank you for your reply and the info on the craft markets, I have found them over the years to be a great way to meet people and have made a lot of friends through them. I realised within a couple of days of joining this site how friendly people are and so helpful, really looking forward to getting over there.

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
16/06/2010 11:41

sunshine welcome to the forum and very best wishes for your new life over here once you arrive,i am sure you will soon settle and make new friends it did not take us long at all..Good luck.



Spider,X

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
16/06/2010 12:56

Thank you Spider for the warm wishes, just hope it doesn't take to long to sell my apartment here, then I will be packing up and on my way.