Thanks Forumosa and Goodbye Taiwan

[Truant]

It's been 4 1/2 years, and I'm leaving.

Many of you know my wife was diagnosed with Cancer early last year. She continues to battle against the odds at home in New Zealand, and now it is time for me give up coming here part time and go and look after her 24/7. It's a particularly scary time to be quitting work, but that is the priority in our lives right now. 2009 is giving me the shits, I have to say.

I just want to say a sincere thank you to the community here at forumosa. I joined before I came to Taiwan and it was invaluable in getting my feet on the ground, and has continued to be so for the entire time I have been here. I've met some wonderful people thru this site - Some have become life long friends.

Due to only being here part of the time, I think I've only made it to 1 Happy Hour this year, which is a far cry from the old days when I would go to them all no matter what.
Anyway, I WILL be at the Happy hour this Thursday (at On Tap) for sure, so come and raise a glass to good times ahead.

I am really looking forward to living back in New Zealand. Sometimes it takes a fair bit of travelling to realise even though it's home, it really is paradise too. Circumstances change people, and for me quality of life is now more important than anything else.

Some I have crossed paths with only once, other many many times. Some I've never met in real life, but we have exchanged some wonderful PMs and posts. Thank you all. I wish you all the very best for the future in Taiwan or wherever else you may be....

[Jaboney]

Luck to you and your wife, Truant.
You'll be missed.

[zender]

All the best!

Hope things work out for you.

[redwagon]

Peace be with you friend. Best wishes to Trudi.

PS. Runaways, escape artists and exiles are still welcome here.

[Dragonbones]

Truant, I'm glad that our paths crossed. It's been a real pleasure interacting with you both online and in person. You're a lovely couple, and it pains both of us greatly to see you two going through such a difficult time. Please give our love to Trudi, and let us know we're rooting for her. We think of her all the time, and wish you both all the best.

[headhonchoII]

Good luck to you and your wife.

[Taffy]

When you're sat out on your porch with your arm around Trudi, looking out at the rolling waves and enjoying an ice cold one as the sun slips below the horizon, spare a thought for us poor bastards stuck in the suburban grime of Taiwan.

This island is going to be a poorer place without you around, old bean. Returning to the land where the air is clean and the sheep plentiful makes sense, of course, but still you'll be sorely missed.

Safe trip, and don't forget to write!

[Enigma]

Good luck to you and Trudy. Stay in touch.

[plasmatron]

Peace, strength and the very best of luck to both of you...

[cfimages]

I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet you. Best of luck to both of you.