Re: Patriotic.
I used to be very unpatriotic about the UK - too many problems, too many people, government unable to fulfil promises, lies, deceit!
Life has changed incredibly since moving here and I'm definitely better off since my divorce. It's a holiday island and people come here to enjoy themselves - that includes residents. I love living close to the beach and find people are far more optimistic than on the mainland.
I still hate some of the things going on in government, there seems to be no personal integrity or decency in public office - a situation which should be resolved asap.
I'd recommend anyone planning their retirement to consider moving here.
BTW - there's an IOW flag too!