Which CCer was it that lived in France?

[yello]

I seem to recall at least one CCer (perhaps more) lived in France once upon a time and has now returned to the UK. I'm intrigued to know the reasons why they returned and the impressions they had of France.

In truth, because some things here p*ss me off and I wanted to compare notes!

A PM is probably a better idea but I'm happy to go public.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

I wonder what form helmet debates take on French cycling forums?

"Why you should wear your 'ard 'at", perhaps?

 

[yello]

Dunno, I tend to ignore helmet debates in any language!

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

In truth, because some things here p*ss me off and I wanted to compare notes!

The grass isn't so green on the other side, is it?

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Yes, but the wine's a lot cheaper, so who cares!

Wine?? WINE?? what bunch of poofs are you??

REAL ALE ALL THE WAY, and none of that Eurofizz pish either please!!

See? already 2 reasons why its crap, and you can't get a decent cup of tea either!



Sorry, anyway, France, you were saying?

 

[Arch]

and you can't get a decent cup of tea either!

You can, you just have to make it yourself. All the more reason to have a house there with your own kitchen!


I have friends who live there, having had a house there for several years while they still lived here, and who moved when they both retired, and love it. It might have helped that they had the house there for some time, and were well integrated into the village and so on, before they made the final move.

 

[yello]

The grass isn't so green on the other side, is it?

Not quite what I said. There's still no way I'd return to the UK! I'm simply interested in comment from those with actual experience of living here

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Not quite what I said. There's still no way I'd return to the UK! I'm simply interested in comment from those with actual experience of living here

Its true, I don't think I could ever leave here because I'd miss Eastenders

 

[Cubist]

But you can get 'ello magazine delivered, so all is well.

 

[Cubist]

Spill the beans yello, what pisses you off? I have holidayed in France for the last 12 years or so, but f course only have the French idyll to compare with life here.

 

[yello]

I don't think I could ever leave here because I'd miss Eastenders

Satellite? There are many many (perhaps even most) ex-UK folk settled here receiving UK tele. And receiving deliveries of essentials from Tescos etc. To each their own.

Integration, as touched on by Arch, is a largely personal definition. Many class integrated as being happy here, shopping at the local supermarket and buying a loaf of bread at the boulangerie a couple of times a week. Others state quite proudly that they have nothing to do with the 'other' English over here and boast of their French friends.

Personally, I feel you'll always be a foreigner - as much as you might be genuinely accepted. It's naive to anticipate otherwise. There's the whole infusion of culture that you get growing up somewhere. That's something you can never make up for. There will always be the instances to make you feel uncertain, an outsider.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Do you speak that foreign stuff, Yello?

"Good moaning, I was just pissing your place".

 

[yello]

Do you speak that foreign stuff, Yello?

After a fashion. My (English) neighbours think my French is good because I speak in complete sentences! But like anything you learn, the more you learn the more you realise how far there is to go! In short, I'm happy with where I am with it. I'd say I get by plus a bit.

 

[yello]

Was it Asterix?

No, it's not him. He divides his time between the UK and France (York and Limoges, I believe).

Maybe I'm mistaken. Maybe there isn't anyone. My memory plays tricks on me!

It's a big decision to up sticks and move. One that you only fully realise the implications of once you've done it. I've done it a few times and experience tells me that all the research and prep in the world cannot prepare you. You learn to equally embrace, adapt or put up. And some people can't - for a myriad of perfectly good and justifiable reasons - and they return 'home'. Hence my interest.

 

[yello]

I too like visiting periodically. We could afford to move back (not central London, or even the south-east) but somewhere. We wouldn't though. I'd have to get a job for starters - and that ain't NEVER going to happen .