| Many people are considering a new life in a | | | | worry, most people you will come into contact |
| warmer climate where things aren't so hectic and | | | | with in Crete speak English, and want to practise |
| the cost of living is relatively low. Crete Island in | | | | it on you. Learning a little of the language though, |
| Greece is a top destination for north Europeans | | | | will be much appreciated. |
| especially. Here are some things you might find | | | | 5. Bureaucracy can be a problem, but it's not that |
| useful to know if you are thinking of moving to | | | | much different than other countries (try opening a |
| the Island of Crete. | | | | bank account in the UK!) The only difference is |
| 1. It can get very hot in Crete, but expect cool, | | | | that you have to cope with it in a foreign |
| damp winters. Buy or rent a property with central | | | | language. Your lawyer/accountant/neighbour |
| heating, or better still, a cosy wood burning stove. | | | | ex-pat community will guide you through it. |
| 2. Brace your taste buds. Food is a lot tastier in | | | | 6. Greek TV is not what you are used to, |
| Crete than you might be used to. That's because | | | | although many Greek channels have top |
| it is mostly organic, free range and locally | | | | Hollywood films and series' in English with Greek |
| produced. But if you don't like olive oil -- don't | | | | subtitles. There are some good satellite providers |
| move here! | | | | too, with full access to English language |
| 3. Crete people are friendly. But like most | | | | programmes, including news, sports and films. |
| Mediterranean peoples, they are not afraid to | | | | 7. Fast connection broadband internet is available |
| express their emotions. Don't be surprised to hear | | | | throughout virtually the whole of Crete, except |
| what sounds like some heated arguments -- | | | | remote regions, some remote villages, and the |
| they're probably just discussing the price of | | | | hills and mountains. So you can easily keep in |
| tomatoes! | | | | touch with those you left behind with Messenger |
| 4. The Greek language is hard to learn. But don't | | | | and a WebCam. |