Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Last Flight to Gozo.


Well I say last flight to Gozo what I actually mean is my flight on Saturday to Malta before transferring to Gozo will be the last one before my permanent move to Gozo in April next year.
It is just starting to hit home and is quite daunting to think that in January I will be giving my notice to the London Fire Brigade after more than 30 years dedication and loyalty to the service.

My plans for the future are so different to the extreme compared to what I am used to, how can it not seem daunting, different country, different culture, different language to learn, well and truly removed from my comfort zone.

I remember Gill and I going on holiday to Gozo for the first time more than 15 years ago. We had such a great time that we came back on holiday for the next three years and on the forth visit one of said to the other this would be a lovely place to come to retire I must add that this was just a passing comment not meant to be taken seriously at all, fate is such a strange thing.

We are both looking forward to another take it easy week in Gozo and meet up with all the friends we have made over the years since we have been visiting the islands.


"Don't simply retire from something; have something to retire to". Harry Emerson Fosdick.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an exciting time! And congrats on taking such a bold step. Keep in mind that living in a place is different from visiting it. There are bound to be disappointments and hard moments, but keep it all in perspective and remember that you would have had bad days back in the UK as well. Enjoy your last holiday in Ghawdex!

(Incidentally, I have been told that if you settle here you are allowed to bring in one car without the heavy tax. Do look into that.)

Unknown said...

Thanks for the words of wisdom Grego.

Unknown said...

Hi Steve

My Name is Gail. Sabine suggested I contact you as my partner Bill and I are also intending to leave UK and live in Gozo. I have just retired after 34 years in the Probation Service, and several elements of your profile accord with our interests etc. We were hoping to take advantage of your knowledge about moving to Gozo,(bit of a cheek I know) as we are currently in the early planning stage, of trying to achieve the same.
I have really enjoyed reading your blogs, and hope you continue once you have reached Nirvana.

Enjoy your holiday!

Anonymous said...

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20071205/opinion/editorial

Anonymous said...

Oh Gosh, Steve, your post has really taken me aback because I've only just now seen it... Does that mean you came to Gozo - and left already?! Where did the months go???! I'm so sorry I missed that... Can't quite believe it, really!

Unknown said...

Hi Gail,
Sabine did contact me about you, I will be very happy to help you any way I can. Do you have my email address?


Hi Sabine,
I have just returned from Gozo, I had such a busy week organising things for our move I just did not get to give you a call. I will drop you an email to catch up just as soon as I can.

Unknown said...

No Steve I don't have your email address but mine is gail.metcalfe@lycos.co.uk if you want to contact me direct.

Cheers Gail