-- So how's the house-hunting going?
-- We're in the process of buying somewhere...
-- Wah! Congratulations!
-- Probably not the right thing to say... A) It could still all fall over. We keep hearing stories of these things falling over... B) It's a bit like congratulating someone who's just discovered she's pregnant, and doesn't really know how she feels about that...
-- OK... So let's stick to the practicalities. Where is it?
-- Outskirts of Douglas. That's the capital of the Isle of Man. When people asked me where on the Island we were looking, I would say: Anywhere, really. But I'd prefer not Douglas... And here we are... It is on the edge, though. When I first saw the advert, I dismissed it as wops-wops.


-- So that picture at the top -- is that your area?
-- No, we're going to be on a (relatively) modern estate, and it's a tiny, terribly ordinary house. Terraced. One of a million.
-- You're not really selling it here...
-- It's practical. It has been well maintained, and it's ready to move into. The garden at the back has been nicely paved. It's easy to lock up and leave. Small and terraced means it should be easy to heat. And if we change our minds about this whole business, it will be easy to rent out. We saw plenty of places with lots more character, but they all came with drawbacks that made them seem like too much effort.
-- And the area?
-- Seems nice. Has a good rep. Felt pleasant the two times we visited. Handy for buses, shops, and a couple of cafes. Plenty of urban-ish walks nearby, and bus access to lots of others. An hour's walk down to the prom. The vendor spoke spontaneously of nice neighbours. And there are tons of cats.
-- Oh, that's promising. They always know a good thing when they see it.
-- Yeah, the vendor has a cat called Trevor. He won't be staying, though.



-- So, is it big enough for guests, this house?
-- It's big enough for one guest to stay as long as she likes. Two guests would probably not want to stay overly long: Only one bathroom, you see. But while we're still dividing our time, we hope our friends and family will feel free to use it for happy holidays on the Isle of Man.
-- Dividing your time?
-- The plan is to still spend part of the year in Malaysia.
-- But move your centre of gravity to the Isle of Man?
-- Precisely.




-- It will be interesting.
-- That's one word. I still find it very scary. But in my heart of hearts, if you peel back all the layers --
-- Oh! Not a good image...
-- Let me rephrase: My core feeling is that we're doing the right thing.
-- Excellent. Logistically tricky for the next little while, I assume?
-- Yes. But as friends keep pointing out, we've done way more difficult things. So I guess we can crack this one, too.
-- And the Island is beautiful.
-- There are no two ways about that. The Island is very, very beautiful.