I was born in Northwich, Cheshire, but have spent most of my life as an exile in the south of England. I am currently married (technically), have been for 28 years, but now have a filipino partner. He and I met on line and lived together from July 2014 until November this year. I have had to return to the UK to finalize my divorce and the sale of the marital house. The latter will take some time. The divorce should go through by May of next year. If there is little prospect of the house being sold, and I can afford to return, I will. Once the house is sold, Kim and I will decide our next move. Ideally we would like to apply for his fiance visa for the UK, for us to return to the UK, where shortly thereafter we will get married, and he will apply for a spouse visa, so that he can get a job ideally in the hospitality industry. Our second option is for us to live in Dumaguete and visit the UK from time to time. I enjoy hearing from anyone with experience of life there both for an expat and a filipino. I assume the job situation is the same as it is all over the Philippines. I have decided that a foreigner I am a guest in the Philippines and as such I do not have right to criticize or make unfavourable comparisons between my adoptive country and my native land. It is discourteous. As far as my interests are concerned, I would put classical music at the top of the list. I love having the opportunity of going to concerts - which happens seldom here. I do play the piano, although by no means proficiently. I have composed some pieces, which are on line. Talking of which, my partner has persuaded me to write my autobiography. As he says, my story will help others who are in a similar situation. I am daunted by the prospect, but understand why it might be of interest to others for me to try this. I have in fact written the first draft, which I will put to one side for the time being. I have gone on to writing short stories and poems. I have said to people that I have found my voice but am willing to learn from those more accomplished than I in order to improve what I say. So, at this precise time, my partner and I are apart. He is looking for work in the hospitality industry, with ambitions to take on a managerial role. He has a lot of potential and has had experience. He is very anxious to make his contribution to his family. In conclusion, I want to say that I have never been happier in my life and look forward to the future, wherever Kim and I spend it.
