As Veronica has pointed out, Cyprus has more than just a touch of schizophrenia about it- the biggest problem is the culture of the average - no one takes pride in their work and no one is in a hurry to get anything done - the ministries and public servants are all overpaid and underworked so there is no pressure or impetus to get anything done, or to adhere to internationally agreed regulations etc. So if you are used to a world where things get done efficiently and competently, life will be enormously frustrating - especially if you have to work for a living. I certainly would not have chosen to live here, but fate and family have brought me here. After four years of quite severe culture shock and several sessions of wailing and gnashing of teeth, pulling hair out and trying desperately to see the good in Cyprus, the good did eventually win out (but it was a difficult struggle). I couldn't see me living anywhere else now, and I have learned to accept that everything will take at least three times as long as stated, everything will cost at least three times as much as quoted and not to get too upset when things just don't happen at all. I now positively love the place, but do be prepared for the fever of culture shock - some get over it, but I know many people that have given up and gone home. Read through the threads to get a flavour of the trails and tribulations and the brighter side of living here. Like almost anywhere in the world there are advantages and disadvantages to living here, and it depends on your cicumstances as to whether the advantages will win out. If you are a young working aged non-greek speaking couple with school aged children to bring up with no Cypriot family network to support you then the disadvantages will almost always overpower the advantages. If you have independent means, do not have to work and have connections, then the advantages just might win out.

Good Luck!