The Big Decision

Those of you that have followed my progress from my arrival on Zakynthos last July will know I came to test the waters, to trial whether I wanted to make a permanent move here.

You will also know that I came on a career break from my Civil Service job which, following my request to extend the break from 6 to 9 months, is due to end on 30th April 2007 at which time I would have to return to work if I decided to return to the UK.

I could wait until the end of my career break to make my final decision but I already know what my decision is and in my heart I have known it for some considerable time now.

Zakynthos is to be my new permanent home. I love the island and what it has to offer and I am privileged to be able to have this opportunity to live a very different lifestyle.

There are still many things I don't understand about the systems and procedures here, but will become more familiar with in time I'm sure. I have a long way to go to get to grips with the language. I am still adapting to the laid back approach here, learning that there is absolutely no point in expecting anything to get done when you are told it will get done. Invariably it will get done eventually, maybe today but more likely tomorrow or maybe the next day or maybe in a couple of weeks time. This is how it is so don't stress about it, just accept it. I have come here for a slower paced, less stressed lifestyle so why should I expect that anyone here should stress themselves racing around for me.

Already I've put several wheels in motion. People who know me well will not be at all surprised to hear that, knowing as they do that once my mind is made up there's no holding me back.
I said in earlier posts that I was considering taking my Civil Service pension early, well I've had the figures confirmed, thought about it, applied for it and had it confirmed that it is being sorted out. I've asked that it be effective from 1st January this year so technically I am a 'retired civil servant' and that has a very 'old and tweedy' ring to it but again I think all those that know me well would agree that isn't me. I'm not ready to take up residence in a rocking chair with my tartan travel rug and my knitting yet.

The tenant that has been renting my house in the UK is vacating at the end January. So I have also now instructed the agents to put the house up for sale. Also, as there will be no rental income coming in to cover my mortgage payments I have negotiated a 6 month mortgage instalment break with my lender and hope that a sale at a reasonable price is secured within that time. I shall be keeping a keen eye out for a small property to buy here.

When I receive the lump sum part of my pension I will probably use part of it to arrange for my belongings, currently in storage in the UK, to be shipped out here so I'm no longer paying storage costs. I also hope that I'll be able to buy a car.

I'm looking forward to seeing family and close friends visiting during the year so that I can proudly show them my Zakynthian home.