Where’s the new flat then?

Immigration into Iraq was rare before the 1970s, but with the rise of oil prices and increasing oil exports along with increasing private and public expenditure in the mid 1970s a market for foreign labour was created. The workers who moved to Iraq were mainly Egyptian and before the Gulf War their numbers may have been as high as 1,600,000. Many Egyptians also worked in the public sector during the Iran-Iraq war, filling the positions left vacant by Iraqis who had gone to fight on the frontline.

Repression under Saddam’s regime led many Iraqis from the south to migrate to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Whilst in the north many Kurdish people were forced to resettle in the south in order to weaken support for the Kurdish rebels. Many Kurds also fled abroad, mainly to Turkey or Iran. Since the Iraq war many Iraqis have migrated to neighbouring countries or to the west to escape the violence and chaos.

Foreign nationals who wish to enter Iraq for any purpose including leisure, employment, investment or permanent residency must obtain a visa from the Iraqi Embassy or Consulate in their current country of residence. There are special laws that cover the rights of foreign nationals visiting Iraq and failure to comply with them can lead to deportation. Foreigners may also obtain a residence permit which allows them to stay in the country for up to 8 years. After that they must request a residence extension.

VISAs are hard to get hold of

Despite the problems in Iraq not all Iraqis are that keen to leave. Reports in the American press have cited America’s recent financial problems as the reason for some Iraqis choosing to say in Iraq rather than immigrate to the USA. Although the figures for unemployment are higher in Iraq than they are in America many Iraqis do own their homes and they are eligible for monthly food rations. According to the Los Angeles Times stores, restaurants, parks and even nightclubs are opening in Iraq. Violence still occurs, but it has been decreasing. On the other hand many Iraqis have struggled in America due to the lack of support and poor job prospects. Many face homelessness as the economy founders. The government’s refugee-assistance programme is in crisis and is failing to meet even its most basic mandate of serving and protecting refugees.

Of course there are those who point out that Iraq despite its recent history has a lot going for it. It has beautiful weather, amazing scenery and a wonderful history. Many of the people are decent and hard-working and want their country to be restored to its former glory. The thinking goes that buying property in a place that few would currently touch means that you can get it at a low price and then reap the returns when the situation improves. In recent years a lot of money has been pumped into certain parts of the country and for the would-be immigrant to Iraq there are websites on the internet offering Iraqi property for sale. In the Kurdish north the American village has been built near Erbil not far from the international airport. The village offers spectacular views of the Kurdish mountains and is completely self sufficient. It offers private security, wireless high speed internet, a restaurant, waste water collection and treatment system, water supply, 24-hour electricity and a commercial centre. A four-bedroom property costs around £151,000, far lower than a similar property would cost in the UK. However, whether this would be enough to attract people to Iraq is another question. Gated communities may sound very nice, shielding residents from the realities of everyday life, but is living in one really all that great? Also unless you are going to live and work within the community you will have to venture out into the real world. Part of the attraction of going to a new country is mixing with the locals and learning about their culture, something that would be difficult to do in a gated community.

But they do have nice countryside!

Business prospects are said to be good in the area and the government is looking for people who are willing to invest. The Economist, however, paints a less rosy picture. Under Saddam Hussein the state controlled everything and although the Americans have tried to kick start a private sector it has largely failed to take root. Their biggest problem was attracting foreign investors who were wary despite the security, offices, food and accommodation that the Americans offered in Baghdad’s green zone. There have been a few notable successes, but amongst investors the country is still considered too risky and only time will tell if the early investors will reap the profits or simply be a cautionary tale.

That’s more like it!

Surprising as it might seem there have been attempts to get people to either return to Iraq or to settle in the country. Many in the Arab world and beyond were surprised when the magazine Israel-Kurd was recently launched. When its second edition appeared on 22nd July it was greeted with astonishment. Israel-Kurd has 50 pages all of which are in the official language of the semi-autonomous region of northern Iraq, Kurdish. The magazine appears to be aimed at improving relations between Israel and Iraqi-Kurdistan. The editors are particularly interested in the history of Kurdish Jews who emigrated from Iraqi-Kurdistan to Israel in 1948. Such Jews would have the right to return to their country of origin. Farhad Amwni who is the leader of the Kurdistan Syndicate of Journalists views the magazine as proof that freedom of the press is a reality.

Free press is an important thing. Now if we can only get it in the UK

Others also see the magazine as an important step in the improvement of freedom of expression, but just how well the magazine will do remains to be seen. Meanwhile although it is claimed that the editor of the magazine is impartial there are political ramifications to the magazine, Kurdish Iraq has been increasingly positioning itself between the Arab World and Israel. Not surprisingly the magazine has aroused the wrath of conservative Muslims, but the editor Dawood Baghestani believes that his publication could help the cause of the Palestinians. According to him there are 1.5 million Jews in Israel who are there because they were forced to flee from Arab lands. If these people could return safely to their land of origin this would make more land available thus allowing the Palestinians to also return to their lands.

Delhi the capital city of India is a mixture of the old and the new. It is the home of the India Gate, Jama Masjid, the Parliament buildings and Humayan’s Tomb, which is a World Heritage site. The city of Delhi is the cultural centre of India where one becomes aware of the great diversity existing within India.

The natives call Jaipur, the Pink City and the centre of India’s cultural highlights. Here you find the Amber Fort and the exquisite City Palace and Observatory. The name Jaipur stands for the city of jai or victory and it is the capital of Rajasthan. In 1728, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built the city of Jaipur. In the beginning, the buildings of the city were grey in colour however today the city has the title, the Pink City. In 1883, Prince Albert was coming to city and the people painted the buildings the colour of welcome in his honor. The old wall of the city remains a shade of pink in contrast to the rest of the buildings.

The bustle of Indian life

Orissa’s capital city is Bhubaneshwar often called the city of temples. This makes sense since there were 1000 temples crowded into the city. Many of them surround Bindu Saravar, which is a water tank filled with water from the holy rivers of India.  The city of Amritsar is the largest of the cities in Punjab. It is here you can visit the revered Golden Temple considered the holiest of all Sikh shrines. There is a long history of religious and political strife caused by the presence of this temple. It is the only temple every attacked by government troops. The attack occurred in 1984 causing extensive damage to the beautiful and much revered shrine.

Agra known locally as the ghost city is the ancient capital of the Mughal Dynasty. Here you and visit the famous white Taj Mahal and experience is colour changes as the sun rises in the morning.  The Red Fort and the Itmad-Ud-Daulah stand as symbols of Agra’s past history. In the old part of the city, you will find many local shops selling some of the most beautiful embroidery pieces worldwide. Gold and silver threads form the beautiful, intricate designs in each piece of embroidery. The embroidery work has the appearance of Mughal inlay on marble.

Varanasi offers the Sarnath, the Evening Prayer Ceremonies held at Ganges and other interesting sites. While cruising along on the Holy River Ganges you can see the religious rituals and local people going about their daily activities. Varanasi is among the oldest living cities in the world. Pilgrims visited this city over 2500 years ago.

2500 years old. Older than the cheese in my fridge!

The streams of the Varuna and Assi flow into the Ganga River. The name of the city comes from combining the names of the two streams. Natives also call Varanasi by the name Kashi believed to be Sankrit meaning a bright appearance or to shine. The belief is light comes from the god Siva who lives in Varanasi. In the midst of the red sandstone buildings of Agra is the Fatehpur Sikri, which was the capital of the imperial city Akbar. This is the location of the palace and the royal Jami Masjid mosque. Agra is the burial site of Shaikh Salim Chishti, the Sufi saint.

In Ajanta and Ellora, there are many historical monuments. Among the sites to see are the hand-hewn caves in Ellora and the 30 Buddhists caves in Ajanta. In these caves, you will see sculptures and many well-preserved frescoes. These monuments from the city’s past remained undiscovered during invasions by the armies of other countries. Ellora cave has 34 rock-cut temples not discovered by invaders because they were so deep in the cave. These are Buddhist, Hindu and Brahmatic monuments well over ten centuries old.

This stuff’s even older!

The caves of Ellora and Ajanta are manmade by artisans without the help of scaffolds such as workers use today. The builders began working at top of the tomb and slowly worked their way to the bottom. The now deserted city of Hampi is near Hospet in northern Karnataka on the banks of the Tungabadhra River. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 14th century and today the most important archaeological highlight in India.

Jaiselmer was the home of the Bhatti princes and in 1156 AD the capital city of Rajput. This is where you find the magnificent temples of Jain built between the 12th and 15th centuries.  Khajuraho offers the Madhya Pradish temple from 950-1050AD.  During reign of the Chandela Dynasty, there were 85 temples in Khajuraho and today 22 temples still stand in majestic beauty. There is no architecture more exquisite than these temples. In the temples of Khajuraho, ornate carvings and sculptures reveal the superior artistic abilities of ancient artisans.

Mysore is a wonderful place to visit, a lovely city buzzing with activity. The Mysore Palace is a breath-taking sight when illuminated in the evenings during the annual 10-day October festival called diwali. Elephants and horses with ornate decorations surrounded by floating incense lead the annual procession through the streets of Mysore. Sanchi is the home of the Buddhist pilgrimage to honor the relics of Gautama Buddha. Mumbai renamed Bombay is India’s commercial centre where the Arabian touches the shore on three sides of the city. Bombay is home to the rich and the poor of India.

Not Paris, but India

Kolkata is one a small trading city where you will see exquisite palaces from the time of Raj. It is one of the key cultural city’s of India. Chennai once the city of Madras is the capital of Tami Nadu one of India’s larger cities. In the city of Chennai, you will discover remnants of the Tamil culture.

But can you get Sky Sports News?

Of course Ben’s job is not permanent; he is on a 6 month contract. So for the rest of us what would it really be like to live on a tropical island and in today’s crowded world is there still anywhere that is really remote?

One of the problems with immigrating to a tropical island is that global warming is threatening many idyllic areas of the world. The Maldives are renowned the world over for their beautiful beaches and gently swaying palm trees. These islands are the epitome of what a tropical paradise should be. However, the Maldives are low-lying islands and if global warming continues the sea level could rise eventually flooding this tropical paradise. The elected president of the Maldives has already indicated that the country would have to set aside some of its billion dollar annual tourist revenue to in order to buy a new homeland as the rising seas are threatening to turn the 300,000 inhabitants into environmental refugees. Rising sea levels are not the only threat that beautiful parts of the world are facing. Montserrat was also once an island paradise in the Caribbean, but the eruption of the previously dormant Soufriere Hills volcano in July, 1995 left much of it under a mountain of ash. Two-thirds of the island’s population were forced to flee and although some people have remained in their homes large parts of the island are uninhabitable and these areas are certainly not picturesque. A beach-front property may be everyone’s idea of the ideal home. After all what could be better than having the sea lapping at your front porch? When the weather is fine it would indeed be ideal, but tropical regions are often lashed by typhoons or even tsunamis which means that your once idyllic property can be swamped beneath the waves.

Storm comes, that’s your ride home….

Many people have moved to areas that they considered a paradise, only to have things go wrong either due to lack of money or lack of research, or to find that it was not as idyllic as they had expected. However, if you do your research first then you may well find your paradise.

One of the first things that you need to consider is whether you really would be suited to life on a tropical paradise. You may have beautiful skies and blue oceans, but can you really leave behind your family and friends? You may find that there is limited contact with the outside world through television or mobile phones.

Picking the right place is also important. Some people love the hustle and bustle of city life whilst others long for the peace and tranquility of a remote island. If you have always wanted an ocean view then now is the time to do something about it. Researching the right place before you go will help you settle into your new home.

Make sure you know what you’re getting into

Before leaving you need to simplify your life. Get rid of all the things that you don’t really need. Give away or sell your items. You need to be realistic about how you live when you get there. Can you survive on your savings or will you need to take a job to make ends meet? If you need to work you must carefully research what you could do and make sure that you take your original educational qualifications. If you are dreaming of starting a business in your destination country you will need to think carefully about what you are going to do. For example if you are an experienced diver taking qualifications that would allow you to open your own diving school would be a good idea. You also need to check what qualifications or experience your new country requires you to have.

Maintaining your health when you move to your tropical paradise is also important. Many people have found that they were forced to return to the UK through ill health. In the UK we have the NHS, but in many countries people must buy their own medicines and pay for visits to the doctor. Also if you need special medication, can you buy it online?

Do you need your drugs from that e-mail you get?

The internet can be a valuable resource for finding land or houses for sale. You need to be careful to ensure that the property you buy really belongs to you. Different cultures have different ways of doing things and if you are not careful you may find that you do not have the legal title to the land or property despite the money that you have paid. If you can read the local newspaper online it will enable you to get a feeling for the place and culture. If English is not commonly spoken where you are going to then taking language lessons will help you to fit into the local community more easily.

The final step is to break emotional ties with your old home. The first six months in a foreign country are the hardest, but if you get beyond that you will probably stay.

As they live in Bracknell and dream of this….

Northern Australia - funny rivers run through it

Australia is located below the equator.  This means that the warmer portions of the country are located in the north.  The dry season occurs from May to October while the rainy season encompasses the remaining months.  Monsoon season occurs between December and March.

Needless to say, there are several highlights that tourists from around the world visit each year.  Many areas in northern Australia are reliant on their tourism industry, which continues to be quite profitable even in the current difficult economic times.

Queensland is located in the north-eastern portion of Australia.  As a large portion of Queensland is known for being arid, most of the tourist draws to this area are located along the coastline.

Head to the beaches of the North, you won’t be disappointed

One of the most popular places to visit in Queensland is the Gold Coast.  This city is located north of Brisbane and its beautiful beaches attract people from all over the world.  One area of the Gold Coast has been named ‘Surfers Paradise’.  The white beaches at this destination are incredible and there are plenty of water sports waiting for you here.

If you enjoy beaches, you will want to visit Fraser Island while you are in Queensland.  This island is made out of sand and is the largest of its kind in the world.  Fraser Island is home to more than 75 miles of pristine beaches.  There is a large selection of freshwater lakes that can be found throughout the island.  Visitors will also be able to enjoy a selection of animals on Fraser Island including wallabies, dingoes, and echidnas.

Fraser is so popular in Australia, they named an Island after him (not really!)

Far north of the Gold Coast lies the city of Cairns, which is also located along the coastline of Queensland.  The most popular destination for tourists visiting this area is the Great Barrier Reef.  This World Heritage Site is considered to be a natural wonder of the world, and snorkelling and scuba diving are major pastimes at this destination.  This is an opportunity to swim on the largest reef on the planet and see some of the hundreds of species that inhabit this area.  It is truly an incredible opportunity and there are plenty of tours that are waiting to accommodate your needs.

The Daintree Rainforest is an additional World Heritage Site that can be found in Queensland.  This rainforest is the largest in Australia and encompasses around 1,200 square kilometres.  Visitors to the rainforest will have an opportunity to see a variety of different species, including several marsupials and reptiles.  A large portion of Australia’s butterflies are also located in the Daintree Rainforest.  While looking for the many animal species that inhabit the rainforest, don’t forget to take a look around at the impressive variety of plants and trees that can be found here.

Only celebrities with odd eating habits need apply

Once you have spent time in Queensland, you will want to visit the Northern Territory. This is located in the central part of the northern portion of Australia.  For the most part, the Northern Territory is filled with deserts, and is sparsely populated.  The capital of the Northern Territory is Darwin, which is located along the coast.

One of the most popular attractions in the Northern Territory is Uluru, more commonly known as Ayers Rock.  Photographs of this geological feature are easily recognizable.  Uluru is considered to be sacred to the Aboriginal people that reside in this area.  This sandstone mountain rises some 348 meters.  Depending on the time of year, the colour of Uluru changes between deep reds and greys.  Although tourists are allowed to climb this incredible natural formation, the local Aboriginal people prefer that you do not due to its spiritual significance.

Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage Site that is located closer to the coastline in the Northern Territory. This park spans nearly two million hectares, which makes it the largest in Australia.  Tourists head to this destination to check out the large collection of Aboriginal rock art that can be seen here.  As the park is expansive, tourists will likely have the opportunity to see a large number of animals and plants during their visit. There are also numerous waterfalls and gorges that can be found throughout Kakadu National Park.  Visitors will find walking paths that lead to several of the most popular sites.

A world heritage site
Watarrka National Park is another popular tourist attraction located in the Northern Territory.  This park is located in what is called the Red Centre of Australia, which simply represents the desert area located in the southern portion of the Northern Territory.  Tourists will want to head to King’s Canyon, which is the most notable site in the park.  The canyon is surrounded by steep walls, and King’s Creek runs through the bottom of it.  Visitors can take part in walking tours that lead to fascinating areas throughout the canyon.  Expect to see a wide variety of birds including the Black Breasted Buzzard and the Grey Headed Honeyeater during your time at King’s Canyon.

If you are visiting the Red Centre, take a trip to Alice Springs.  With a population of a little more than 27,000, this is the second largest city in the Northern Territory.  Inhabitants of the area refer to the town as “The Alice.”  Many tourists visiting the area may want to stay in this small city due to its close proximity to several popular destinations located nearby.

Alice springs is beautiful

There are clearly plenty of incredible destinations to explore in northern Australia.  Whether you want to hike through a canyon or lay on the beach, both activities can be easily accomplished.  The area that northern Australia encompasses is vast, so it is important to recognize that travelling between the different areas may take some time!

Russia, during summer. If you feel the cold, don’t move

Let’s start by looking at the cost of living.  There are increasing costs everywhere at the moment, or at least that’s how it seems, and Russia is no exception – but it still remains a relatively low cost place to live. As I mentioned previously, you don’t have to pay council tax in Russia. You may have heard that some parts of Russia are known for their glamorous and expensive lifestyle, but this is only to be found in the major cities such as Moscow. Many parts of this vast country are still very backward compared with the more extensively developed western countries.

Fortunately, although some places can be quite expensive, you could live quite comfortably if you aren’t expecting a lavish lifestyle. If you live like a tourist, dining out every night and picking somewhere high class to live, then of course your expenses are going to be rather costly. An apartment is probably going to be your most expensive purchase but if you look around and try a little haggling, you should be able to get somewhere comfortable for a reasonable price. Utility prices are relatively low, along with the cost of transport and fuel. Another great thing is that local phone calls are free.

A typical Russian hotel

If you like to eat out then Russian restaurants are very affordable, but if you’re looking for a taste of home, you may find yourself paying the same sorts of prices you would at home, if not more. If you move out of the city areas and look for something a little more rural, you’ll find the costs even cheaper but be prepared for the lifestyle to be more rustic.

Even though the cost of living is relatively cheap in Russia, the funds that you go out there with will quickly start to run out unless you get a job soon after getting there. It is best to secure your employment before you leave your home country.  So let’s take a look at job prospects for a foreigner looking to move to Russia.

Fancy a career move?

Most of the jobs available for people who are moving to Russia from the English-speaking world are jobs in teaching English. This may sound relatively easy to do but it might be better if you also spoke fluent Russian. Another possible job prospect is becoming a translator. Obviously this one will require you to have a strong grasp of both the English and Russian languages. Other common jobs are editing and freelancing. You can find a lot of these jobs by doing some searches on-line and joining some agencies both on and offline.

It is probably best however to seek work with an International company that has branches in the country, so before you leave for Russia you might want to contact one of these companies and seek a job with them. They may also fund your visa costs.

If you’re moving your whole family to Russia, you need to take a look at some of the schools out there for your children. Moscow’s English International School is a great choice with high levels of teaching and great support for students who are moving from the UK to Russia. This is helpful not only for your child in regards to education but it will help them to settle in and socialise with locals. It’s also useful for you as a parent. You should have trust in the school that is helping your child make this adjustment, and being able to go to open days and visit the school gives you a chance to be involved in your child’s education. This may be beneficial to the both of you. Of course there is more than one school out there and you should do your research into all of them before you move, and choose the one that is going to best suit your circumstances.

The schools are nicer than this now…

One of the things to remember is that making friends is not just about socialising.  They can also provide some very valuable advice. They can point you in the right direction when it comes to housing and job vacancies. The Russian people also consider themselves well educated and enjoy the fine arts and theatre. This means that entertainment is readily accessible and very affordable. If you enjoy a bit of culture in your life, Russia is going to be a great experience for you.

Some people worry about leaving the UK, with our free on–demand healthcare system, but that’s not a problem that you need to worry about when moving to Russia as medical care is also free there.

So as you can see, there are plenty of benefits if you decide to move to Russia. Job prospects are available for foreigners who both speak Russian fluently and those who have no grasp of the language whatsoever. I would suggest learning some basic words or phrases, preferably before you go out there. It will help with everyday things like getting around, finding out how much things costs and where certain things are, like the nearest hospital. It will also help you find vacancies for jobs.

Learning Russian will help your job prospects

With free healthcare, a great education system and a welcoming society, you will find the transition of moving from the UK to Russia pretty smooth. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your research. No matter how great a place sounds on paper, it can still have its pitfalls and you should make sure you plan as much as possible before you leave. As long as you’re not planning to live like a film star on a teacher’s budget, you should be able to get by, living a rather comfortable lifestyle in Russia.

Finally of course there are the visa requirements that you will need to enquire about with the Russian Embassy in London.  You will have to contact them anyway so why not speak to them first about what you want to do; they will be able to give some invaluable advice.  Also please bear in mind that you have chosen a country that has one of the most difficult languages to learn in the entire world.

You know where this is?

Perhaps a good place to start is a topic that most people associate with Great Britain… bad weather! The UK is notorious for rain and grey skies, and I’m sure that even people who have not been here would give that description! However, at least the weather does provide a shared interest, especially amongst strangers, and encourages conversation! The temperate weather can be unpredictable but has the power of raising everybody’s mood when the sun occasionally decides to make an appearance. Would we really prefer constant heat? After all, variety is the spice of life!

Many things make the UK uniquely British. A non-Brit may stereotype us as a nation packed with red double decker buses, tea drinking, Big Ben, the Queen, umbrellas and even red phone boxes. However, some of the best things are the small things which all make the UK our home – from chip shops to ice cream vans, corner shops to the milkman, or perhaps best of all our good old British pubs! Great traditional British food such as toad in the hole, Cornish pasties and shepherd’s pie are also worth a mention. Brits are known for their sense of humour… perhaps too dry for some to understand, but nonetheless we do like to laugh!

Blimey, it’s so busy it’s like….

The diversity between cities can be vast and very interesting. The people within these cities tend to have their very own identities, cultures and traditions despite being closely geographically located. It is amazing how all the differing cities still unite and have a common sense of identity by being united within the United Kingdom. Perhaps the best example of this type of diversity is the variety of accents. These are recognisable worldwide – England alone has a vast number of accents and dialects, from Manchester to Liverpool, Somerset to Essex! Even within London there are many differences between speakers. This pattern is true throughout the UK (Scotland, Wales and Ireland) and plays a big part towards our vibrant culture and interesting mix of characters!

The population of the UK is rich in ethnic diversity and this variety influences the amount of creativity held within our nation. Considering its population and size, Britain has given the world proportionately more than any other nation on earth. Our English language is the international language of business as well as the most widely taught second language in the world.

English is the language for business

As a whole the British population tends to show consideration for the rules and we are a nation known for queuing! We show consideration (most of the time) for the rules and tend to treat others the way we would want to be treated ourselves. British citizens enjoy freedom of speech, which is not a universal privilege. Many facilities and attractions within towns and cities are located within the realms of great public transport links.

The UK has produced many of the world’s most influential bands and artists, such as The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Queen, Amy Winehouse, Elton John, Oasis, the Rolling Stones and (to a far lesser extent!) the Spice Girls, to name but a few.

Not our best ambassador

The people of Britain are proud of their achievements which seem to unite us and bring us together to celebrate! This is the case especially through our very popular sports – football, cricket and rugby. We do well at the Olympics, and this year we even did well at the Eurovision Song Contest! Things must be looking up.

Unlike a lot of countries, Britain has a long history that it can, by-and-large, be proud of. Historically, the UK has contributed vastly to much that has influenced how we live throughout the world today. We have vastly added to the knowledge and understanding of many subjects, such as the sciences – all of which I’m sure we take for granted to some extent. There are endless examples of UK contributions. Sir Isaac Newton, with his laws of motion and illumination of gravity; Evolution by natural selection, by Charles Darwin; the many works of William Shakespeare, plus an endless list of literary inspiration; the development of the world’s first supersonic airliner, Concorde; the steam locomotive; the jet engine; the structure of DNA by Francis Crick et al; Sir Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin; the development of the World Wide Web; the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell! Also, the Industrial Revolution has shaped so much of the world we all live in that I can’t imagine how different our world would be without the achievements of our UK citizens, past and present! Amazingly this is just the tip of the iceberg!

Sir Issac Newton changed the way we saw the world

An issue which is repeatedly raised as a negative is the education system. However, every child is entitled to a free education which is something that not all countries have the opportunity to offer. Also, some of the best universities in the world are British.

Saving the best for last, I’d say the National Health Service (NHS) embodies what’s best about the UK. Although our NHS tends to be under-appreciated and often taken for granted, it is easy to forget that not all countries are as lucky as we are here in the UK. The fact that medical treatment is free to all that need it – anything from treatment for common illnesses to life saving operations – demonstrates the nature of the British people, in that we respect the importance of health and we look after each other.

God bless the NHS!

Whether you love it or hate it, there always seems to be something going on in the UK. Past and present the United Kingdom is rich in culture, history, music, talent, worldwide contributions and diversity of people. Our nation is not perfect but our spirit is something to be admired!

So where are we again?

The initial phase in moving to France is an important one.  With enough research and preparation, the procedure of emigrating to France can be a painless one!  It may be more of a mental preparation than an organisation of tasks to do before moving. It is not so much a case of which house to buy and in which area, but for most it will be a case of working out if it’s the right choice.  Some things cannot be planned and so a general positive approach to the whole process will be a great start to moving things in the right direction.

A positive approach is key

Employment and financing are probably the biggest issues to consider whilst planning and organising the move.  In France, a mortgage is basically a loan which is based on your income.  In order to have a mortgage in France, it is necessary to have a fiscal resident status – for tax purposes this is usually achieved after you have lived in the country for over 183 days.  If you don’t have the luxury of funding from the sale of a property back home and subsequently have to borrow money for a French home, then there are generally two options open to you. You can either remortgage on the property you are keeping, or you can take out a new mortgage on the French property which you intend to buy and live in.  A mortgage can be obtained in either Euros or sterling.  A French bank account will be necessary to handle the various fees and payments encountered during the course of the buying process. Initially, renting an apartment or house may be a good place to start.  This would give you a base to search around a location you are interested in for a home to buy (if you are financially able).  Renting would allow you to get a feel for the area and if it is not right for you then you haven’t made a commitment and so can rent elsewhere.

This could be where your property begins

Although personal contact (via telephone or in person) is a preferred method of contact for the French, the internet is a tool which can prove invaluable for researching various things before you are in the country.  It is an up-to-date method of researching house prices and looking for employment.  An excellent property website to explore is “Immobilier France” (www.immofrance.com), which can also be displayed in English.  Google Maps is also a useful tool for exploring various locations of houses of interest in France.  Some generally useful information can also be found via the websites www.expatica.com and www.relocate-france.co.uk. There are thousands of websites which specialise in overseas property.  If you use a French estate agent then it is important to ensure that they are members of either the trade body “SNPI” or “FNAIM”. Make sure you bring all necessary documentation with you for arranging things like the mortgage. These include a copy of your passport(s) and birth certificate, overview of finances and marriage certificate (if applicable).

Make sure you take all your paperwork

It is advisable to spend a number of weeks in the country before considering buying a place, or in fact emigrating.  This may be best in the spring or autumn in order to avoid too much of a ’summer holiday’ feeling which may sway your opinions too much. There is one language in France – French.  If you are not a French speaker then moving to France may seem daunting at first. It is advisable to start learning the language as soon as possible as at least a minimal standard is required to communicate.  Learning French is extremely important.  The French are intensely proud of their language and appreciate it when a foreigner will at least attempt to speak their language to them (even if only a small amount).  Around the larger cities (such as Paris and Lyon), many people will speak English, but this is not the case for most other areas, especially rural countryside. In general, the French are a polite and kind nation, whilst also being very bureaucratic.   They tend to assume that you will research and find information for yourself, rather than bringing information to your attention.

If you speak French, they are polite

If you are not familiar with French customs then it may be worth familiarising yourself with some.  For example, the way to greet people varies depending on the situation, person and time of day.  The way women greet varies from handshaking to kissing an air kiss next to the cheek. Small children tend to be hugged and kissed on the cheek, whether they are known to the person or not.  These small things are not necessary to research before going but are the kind of thing which may ease the transition of moving full time to France. Before leaving the UK you should contact a number of places so that you are ready to start your new life in France.  If you are still earning money from activities within the UK while living abroad (such as rental income), then you may be liable to pay income tax on those earnings.  Contact HM Revenue & Customs to check your status.  Your bank and GP should also be notified of the move abroad.  If you are getting your mail re-directed to your new address then also remember to contact the Post Office.

Contact the post office!

After making the decision to emigrate to France and knowing that it is the right choice for you (and your family, if this applies), then it seems the most important thing is not to rush your decisions.  Take time to get to know an area before jumping in and buying a place to live.  Once you are on the road to speaking the native language then you will be a step closer to making France your new home.

Although it is commonly known as Mexico, the full name of the country is the United Mexican States. This vast country has an intriguing history that dates back thousands of years. Mexico is bordered by the United States of America, Guatemala, and Belize. Parts of the country lay along the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. In all, Mexico covers approximately 2 million square kilometres making it one of the largest nations in the world.

It’s not all deserts and vultures you know…

Because the country is so large and consists of 31 different states, it is hard to summarise what the country is really like. In order to get a true taste of Mexico, it makes more sense to pick some of the larger cities in the country and examine what each one has to offer. Some of the cities attract tourist from all over the world while others are less than desirable places to be.

The first city that we should take a look at is Mexico City, the capital of the country. More than 20 million people call this city home which makes it the third most populated city in the world. Only Tokyo, Japan and Seoul in South Korea, are larger cities. It is also interesting to note that Mexico City is considered a federal district and is not part of any of the states that make up the country.

Mexico City - it’s a very busy place

Those that visit Mexico City will find that there is plenty to do in this particular area. There are clubs and restaurants that vary greatly in style so that just about anyone can find something to suit their needs. This area only experiences two seasons which are differentiated between the dry and rain. Much to people’s surprise, temperatures can get quite cold here. Although Mexico City is generally considered to be a safe place to visit, it is always best to use caution here because it is a large metropolitan area.

One of the most popular places where tourists head in Mexico is Cancun. This city lies along the Caribbean Coast and offers holidaymakers beautiful clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. This beautiful city is no accident though; the Mexican government actually planned for this area to be developed for tourists.

For anyone wishing to visit this area, you might want to avoid the months between June and October. Due to the positioning of the city it is susceptible to hurricanes. These months are also very hot in Cancun and tourist season is considered to be from December to April when temperatures are milder.

Spring Break!!!

Another popular beach town in Mexico is Puerto Vallarta. Located on the opposite side of the country, vacationers will enjoy the Pacific Ocean here. The months to avoid are between July and September when conditions are hot and humid and the threat of monsoons is very real.

Even though Puerto Vallarta is well known for being a luxurious place to visit, this city still maintains the charm of Mexico. You will find old streets made from cobblestone and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world here. In the distance you will also see the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Looks lovely, doesn’t it?

One place you might want to avoid if you are considering a trip to Mexico is Tijuana. It is located close the southern border of the United States and is well known for the crime that plagues the area. Many countries warn their citizens about travel to this area because there is crime that varies in degree. With that being said, there are around 4.5 million people that do live there.

There are several reasons that people choose to head to Tijuana. The housing in the area is very affordable and the temperature is fairly mild throughout the year. Although Spanish is still the primary language in Tijuana, English is also widely spoken here which is useful for tourists.

Tijuana, very close to the US

An area in Mexico that is quickly growing in popularity is the Mayan Riviera. It is located in the same general area as Cancun in the southern region of the Yucatan Peninsula. There are several popular tourist areas included in the Mayan Riviera such as Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Puerto Aventuras. The beaches here have beautiful white sand and clear oceans to swim in. There are plenty of water sports to take part in while visiting this area in Mexico including excellent snorkelling and scuba diving.

If you want to take a look back at the history of Mexico, check out the city of Chichen Itza which became a World Heritage Site in 1988. You can find some incredible Mayan ruins here and tourists from all over the world travel here just to see them. Sometime during the 16th century this area was abandoned by the Mayans and the jungle swallowed up the buildings for many decades. It has only been within the last 100 years that these buildings have been excavated and this still continues to this day.

Fancy a bit of culture? Seen ‘The Fountain’?

Behind Mexico City, Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico. The city is rather laid back although there is plenty of congestion if you happen to find yourself travelling during their rush hour. The city sits at a higher attitude which helps to contribute to its milder climate. In the summer you can expect a decent amount of rain to fall but the rest of the year sees very little rain at all.

Guadalajara has really prospered in recent years thanks to its growing electronics industry. A number of electronics companies like IBM, Hewlett Packard, Intel, and General Electric all operate facilities in and around this area.

Guadalajara is old and new; and all very nice

Clearly Mexico has a lot to offer. Depending on where you are at you could be enjoying a beautiful day on the beach or exploring ancient Mayan ruins. If you prefer more urban areas, there are plenty of these in Mexico as well. Because of the various climates found throughout Mexico, it is easy to find one that will accommodate your needs and travel schedule which makes this country a very interesting place.

That’s why Geologists go to Iceland

The climate in Iceland is one of the first things that we should examine.  This country is located near the Arctic Circle which should give you a decent indication that Iceland is not a warm place to live.  In fact, the highest temperature on record is just 30.5 degrees Celsius.  You might think that is not cold but keep in mind that is a the norm here.  During the course of the year, average temperatures do not usually go above 5 degrees Celsius.  Depending on how much you like the cold, the climate in Iceland could be a pro or a con!

If you are thinking that it sounds cold in Iceland, you might be surprised to know that it could be much colder.  Iceland has a special feature which actually allows this country to remain much warmer than it should given its great distance from the equator.  The Atlantic Gulf Stream sweeps by Iceland which helps to keep the country warmer.  There are also a number of geothermal pools which attract a lot of people as well.  The Gulf Stream certainly should be considered a pro for Iceland.

Nope - not that type of Gulf Stream

Iceland lies along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the island was produced through volcanic activity.  In fact, many of these volcanoes are still active today.  In total there are around 130 volcanoes in Iceland and more than a dozen of them have erupted over the last few centuries.  Not to fear though, the last major eruption was back in 1783 when the Laki Fissure released around 14 kilometres of lava.  The results of this eruption were pretty ferocious with around 25 per cent of the population killed from the famine that followed.   The threat of an erupting volcano is a constant worry for Iceland.

Volcanic activity is a constant worry for Iceland

Another pro for Iceland is its rating in the Human Development Index.  This index considers a number of factors such as the literacy rate of a country, life expectancy, and even the GDP per capita.  In both 2007 and 2008, Iceland held the top position beating out countries like Norway, Canada, and Australia.  Another pro for Iceland is that they have the fourth largest GDP in the world.

Iceland boasts possibly the highest literacy rate on the planet.  Nearly 100 per cent of the population over the age of 15 can both read and write.  There are likely few countries that can rival such an impressive statistic which certainly makes this a huge pro for Iceland.

Think of it as a country of Lisa Simpsons

The official language of Iceland is called Icelandic.  Learning how to speak this language could prove to be difficult simply because it is not widely spoken.  Luckily for those who do not speak Icelandic, just about everyone in the country speaks both English and Danish.  Study of both of these languages is considered mandatory in the school systems in Iceland.  Because other languages are widely spoken in Iceland this aspect should remain a pro for the country.

Freedom of religion is granted to everyone in Iceland which is certainly a pro.  The country does have a state church which is called the National Church of Iceland.  An interesting note here is that the government actually keeps track of the various religious affiliations of its citizens.  As recently as 2005, around 80 per cent of citizens claimed the National Church of Iceland as their own.

Environmentalists might not be happy to hear about the high percentage of car ownership in Iceland.  The number one way to travel in this country is by a car and statistically speaking just about everyone over the age of 17 owns a car.  This could certainly be a con for Iceland but keep in mind the relatively small population of the country.

Lots of driving - try walking when it’s so cold!

One of the cons of living in Iceland is that workers typically work a much longer work week than most of the other countries in Europe.  This would certainly influence my decision not to move to this location but others might not find this to be an issue.

If you love the outdoors, Iceland certainly has a great deal to offer.  There are plenty of whales that inhabit the ocean in this particular area.  This makes a great opportunity to board a boat and try to sight a few of them in the distance.  Speaking of boats, many people love to fish in this area and trout and salmon are both plentiful here.

Because this country has some pretty severe winters, there are plenty of activities to do here in the snow.  Grab a pair of skis and head to a mountain or hop on a sled for some thrills.  About 10 per cent of Iceland is actually a glacier which certainly attracts a number of people to visit each year.  If you do not mind the cold weather and love the snow, you can put these activities in the pros column for Iceland.

The winter’s a bit bracing!

Iceland has had a difficult time dealing with the global economic crisis that has affected so many countries.  Their banking system fell apart and then their government collapsed under the pressure.  Iceland was forced to ask for a bailout from the International Monetary Fund not too long ago.  Finally in February of 2009 a new government took over which is currently being led by Johanna Sigurdardottir.  One interesting note here is that Sigurdardottir is the only openly gay leader of a country in the world.

Clearly there are several pros and cons for Iceland as there would be for any country.  There are plenty of pros here that most people will find far outweigh the various cons.  If you can handle the cold weather and you are not afraid of volcanoes, Iceland is a great place to be!