Justen and Lynne Karlsson left East Anglia for a new life abroad – and eight years later are finally settled and keen to reconnect

Justen and Lynne Karlsson are having the time of their lives in Cyprus – but the journey from home and career in Norfolk to becoming happy ex-pats was far from plain sailing.

The couple left their home in Hainford, near Norwich, eight years ago, with a dream of living close to the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.

'We used to love to travel and both took an interest in the pharaohs of Egypt,' said Justen.

'In 2008 Lynne's daughter and family moved to Australia. We decided to have an adventure of our own,' We moved to Luxor and built a Nile-side villa. Everything was great, the local people accepted us and we learned the language to become quite proficient.

'Then came the first revolution, and things changed dramatically, this was followed by a second revolution and just as we thought things could not get any worse they did. Poverty among the local Egyptians is now widespread. We got to the stage where we saw people not being able to afford medication or hospital treatment.

'So we decided to move and started visa application forms to go to our daughter's home in Australia. We were almost complete when the English pound plummeted on the Brexit vote. The pound against the Australian dollar also went up and for a retired couple it made it too expensive to move.'

Looking for somewhere warm but more affordable they chanced upon Cyprus.

'We have been in Paphos now for 15 months and enjoy everything about it. Our lives have changed from being bored to doing things most nights. We seem to have reverted to being teenagers again!' said Justen.

'We spend our days down at the beach, eat out a lot and love the countryside. Our home overlooks the Med and we see some tremendous sunsets. In the winter we drive up to Troodos Mountains to watch the skiing.'

But when they are not swimming, snorkelling or watching the huge range of tribute bands which play nearby Justen and Lynne, now in their mid-late 60s, would love to reconnect with life in Norfolk – where they look back fondly on walks in Holt Country Park, people-watching on Great Yarmouth seafront, Sunday lunches in country pubs, and live music from the likes of the Lee Vasey Band and Mickey Jay King's Elvis tribute.

Justen and Lynne would love to reconnect with long-lost friends.

Justen's parents lived in Norwich and his sister and brother-in-law ran pubs including the Morning Star in Southwell Road and the Lakenham Cock. Justen worked in electrical shops and Lynne in offices in Norwich, but after enjoying several holidays in Scotland the couple moved to the Isle of Skye where they built and ran a successful guest house. They returned to Norfolk to be close to grandchildren and Justen commuted to London, fitting the electrics for major buildings including Portcullis House, Canary Wharf and St Pancras Station.

After leaving Norfolk eight years ago he lost contact details when he failed to back up files.

'If anyone remembers us I would really like to be in contact again,' said Justen. To get back in touch with Justen and Lynne, email justen.karlsson@gmail.com.