Okay, a more serious response, then:Originally Posted by Eljohno
Just wondering if anyone from the UK is living permanently in the Philippines at present and if yes what has your experience been like both positive& negative..
Yes, I left the UK (with Ruby, who'd been to stay for three months) at the beginning of December 2007, and I'm very much enjoying life here.
Negative points:
Everyone thinks that I'll be delighted to respond to the greeting "Hey Joe"!
There are more caucasians in evidence, every time I go into town!
Some filipinos seem to think that we enjoy paying more than the locals for our purchases. However, there are many more who know that business is business, no matter who is paying. Those who attempt to overcharge just don't get my business.
Local TV is dire - thank goodness for my Squeezebox with Internet radio. Once the new house is complete, I'll see about getting cable or satellite with a wider choice of TV.
Mosquitos!
It seems to be necessary to spend a lot of time queuing and waiting.
Electricity supply is unreliable.
Internet connections are slow.
Positive points:
The weather is great (plenty of rain at times, but it's still reasonably warm)
Cost of living is low, including fuel and travel, but excluding many western goods. DVDs are very cheap - many are only 150 pesos, expensive ones are 450!
Fruit is varied and very tasty.
People are friendly.
Family ties are strong.
The pace of life is slower and less stressing.
I seem to have listed more negatives than positives, but that doesn't really reflect my view of life here - I'm really happy, love the weather, love having our own private beach, love having two great live-in helpers. But, most of all, I love living here with my gorgeous wife, close to her family, and with our first child due to arrive soon.
