My Story: Julie Hall

We have asked a few Saffas living in the UK, or just moving over to share their stories with us.  We'll share these every Monday for encouragement to those still making the decision or in the middle of their leap.

 Our first friendly voice is Julie Hall, who tells us a bit about herself and her new life:
1.       Tell us who you are and where you are from originally
Julie Hall ... born in the UK emigrated to SA, aged 5 with my parents.

2.       Where are you settled now?
I chose Overton in North Wales, as I had support with accommodation moving here. I am from the North of England originally and I have family not too far away although they weren't my support to start off with.

3.       What is the route you took to the UK (ie, British passport, ancestral visa, tier 2)
I have a British passport

4.       How long have you been in the UK?
I’ve been here 7 months now, I arrived in November 2016.

5.       What made you choose this particular spot to settle in? What do you love most about it?
It is beautiful here, like Midsomer Murders beautiful and I am thrilled to wake up here every day.

6.       Share one amazing thing about the uk, something that you didn't expect or already know about, before you left?
The speed at which everything works, from shopping online, to applying for anything. And no queues! Also, I live in a little village with no burglar bars or security other than a front door. The headline of our local newspaper  last week was "Residents still defy dog poo rules.", what’s not to enjoy?

7.       Have you had a tough time, or difficult situations that you got through?
I struggled with making friends and I miss my SA friends a lot. I realise that this is partially my fault and it is getting better slowly J

8.       What item do you wish you'd brought with you?
I wish I had brought my Hilti gun. But that's about it, I haven't missed anything material at all. Although I had a friend bring me Corenza C, nothing like it here

9.       What one thing do you miss most about SA and what is the UK equivalent (if you've found one)?
I miss our Rainbow nation, so much that it’s hard to actually describe

10.   What one thing terrifies you about a future in the UK (if anything), and what makes you the happiest?
What terrifies me is being older and not being able to save enough for a basic pension. I have started mining Bitcoin and Ethereum to hopefully shore up the gaps, but I am very worried about that.
Feeling safe makes me happy and my job is great. And looking around this beautiful countryside is like a balm for the soul.

11.    Lastly, if you could speak directly to anyone thinking about the move to the UK - what would you tell them?
Advice...you have to come with the belief that you WILL embrace everything about living here. Going home isn't an option, you have to choose to be happy. The good things by far outweigh my settling in issues so I have actually nothing negative to say.


12.   Any last comments?

I chose to bring my beloved Chloe  the Cocker Spaniel with me, For me it wasn't an option and I am so glad I did. I had to sacrifice to have her here, but she is a life raft in all the turmoil. I do understand those that can't though, it must be heartbreaking.

Comments

  1. Unknown11 July 2017 at 23:19

    I miss my Julie but can see that she has settled in amazingly well, from buying her car and finding a home. I am super proud of all that she has accomplished is such a short time

    ReplyDelete

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