Mike,
After living overseas for 6 years (Brazil, Malaysia, Singapore) it became time for me to move home with the family. It was not an easy decision to make as we loved Brazil and Malaysia (Singapore not so much, very nice place but kinda like living in a hospital if that makes any sense
) the fishing in Malaysia was amazing. Boat/Kayak on the roof most weekends and buggering off into the jungle chasing Snakehead, Jungle Perch and Gurami. On the other hand however it cannot be considered a safe place to live, numerous break-ins in my neighbourhood, countless snatchthefts and a family taken hostage in their home just round the corner from us.
None of this would have bothered me in the past but now that the little one is around (and another on the way) I was starting to get nervous leaving them alone when I had to travel on business so we made the decision to move back.
I suppose it depends what you are looking for in a location. For me we had to sit down and decide all the pro's and con's of coming home and eventually we made what I think was the right choice for US.
Now that I am home, I can leave for work in Russia, relatively safe in the knowledge that my wife and child are safe without me around. (some might say safer
) and when I do return I can step out of my door, rod in hand, dogs in tow (without muzzles - required in Singapore) and bugger off and fish without anyone bothering me. In fact most of the time I hardly see a soul on the main river I fish which suits me just fine!
A lot of my friends think that I am off my head for coming back to what many of them refer to as a s$#thole. Granted these are the few who have not had the same opportunities to travel as I have and I can only put there comments down to ignorance.
For me the balance of safety, family/friends, ease of access to everything (no language barriers, semi-efficient services) and scenery is just right for me and I am delighted that we have moved back to Scotland.
Just my 2p worth
Steven.
