Brits abroad: Asia

The BBC asked Brits abroad to tell us why they decided to swap the UK for another country and what has kept them from returning.

Here, expats living in countries throughout Asia tell us their stories.

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NICK HOPKINS, CHENNAI, INDIA

NAME: Nick Hopkins AGE: 34 WORKS: Offshore Delivery Consultant LIVES: Chennai, India

I came to Chennai in 2004. Initially it was only for a six months, working as an offshore delivery consultant for a software house. I fell in love with the city and the people, and decided to stay.

I have a beautiful apartment overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Almost every day dawns with blue skies and warm sun. People are hardworking and friendly. Life is fast-paced, colourful and varied but never dull!

I miss my family and friends. I don't miss British weather. It is a privilege to be in such a diverse city, not just as a tourist, but as someone who has become part of it.

HEATHER SAVILLE, MUMBAI, INDIA

NAME: Heather Saville AGE: 36 WORKS: Head of HR for an advertising agency LIVES: Mumbai, India

I left the UK in 2000. I had a great job in advertising and loved living in London. But I was getting a little bored with my life and as I hit my thirties, I thought it is now or never.

First I spent a year travelling. Then I worked for a couple of years in Thailand. After that I moved to Mumbai where I am now.

Life here is either incredibly easy or incredibly difficult. It's always in the extreme. People are very hospitable, which you don't get in England, and that makes life easy.

On the other hand there's poverty and bureaucracy on such a huge scale that it makes lots of things difficult. But I do love it.

I have no plans to go back the UK at all. I visit once a year and that's it. I miss British newspapers and TV. I also miss food. I love curry but sometimes I have cravings for little things from home, like pickles and marmite.

One thing I don't miss is the attitude of people on the streets; the ones that make no eye-contact and don't acknowledge the presence of other people. I am glad it is not like that over here.