Running to or running from?

Both, Nick. After teaching here for a year and a few years later doing a maîtrise here, I felt better here than in the UK. I was also "pushed" from the other side by a teaching post in a horrendous school, insane property prices, a recent dicorce etc. etc...! Advantage for me was that I "came back" to a country where I already spoke the language, had been to uni here and worked here, albeit briefly. It must be a completely different experience for all those who come out here with no language skills or knowledge of "how things work". I met my OH here, we now have two children who understand some English but still can't speak a word but I'm still working on that one! I've moved around and changed careers here a few times too! In short, it just seemed the thing to do at the time and still does although I miss family in England who I only see once every couple of years at best which is a shame as my kids don't even know who my Mum is...!