Thanks a lot for that mate. If all goes to plan I'll have more than ยฃ8k, so money's not an issue as such - it's more that I'll need a few grand to cover me when I go back to the UK and the more the better!
The plan at the moment is take an early severance package from work and just chill out for a year. I'm slightly concerned I'll go mad when I first get there and spend all my money quickly - I want to spend as much time not working as humanly possible. Ultimately, this is a question that won't get answered until I'm over there and facing temptation on a day to day basis.
I'm planning on renting a no frills apartment for 6 months for maybe 8-10k/month - what i can't work out is the other costs involved like electricity, water, rates, taxes etc. I love the heat so am not bothered about a lot of a/c, which seems to be the biggest drain on electricity and I don't think I'll be using too many appliances, getting satellite etc. I plan to by a bike or moped to get around, so don't need to live in the more expensive areas of town. I don't actually like eating in restaurants, so will buy food from street vendors, and can live without wine. You mention exotic fruits - I'm addicted to bananas - are they cheap and plentiful or rare and expensive?
God, I sound like a right cheap Charlie! I suppose I am, but I'll see the girls right and always stand a round. I'm figuring the majority of my money will go on these 2 areas. There are worse ways of spending your money!