bonbon

Cranberries and cranberry juice..... very good for you. I'd be pretty miffed if I could not find these in France. Bonbon XX

Well, I 'live' in Coronation Street. Always have and always will. XXX

Leslauriers, what an advantage for your children. You must feel that you have really done the right thing for them, to be completely bi-lingual. What an assett. I am sure that will be an advantage, whatever they do in life. Bonbon

Your daughter is bi-lingual I am sure. I feel my daughter will come back so, with more of an accent, yes, but being able to express herself freely, which is my definition of being lingual. I know French people who have lived and worked here over 20 yrs. They are fluent in the sense they can express themselves, work, teach. But they will always sound French. I don't think you can speak without an accent unless you start very young. I wait to be pronounced wrong?? At what age, can you become totally bi-lingual, and completely for that to be unknown to others of your race?? ie they think that is your first language? Bonbon

How frustrating. The blurb in the RT said all this week would be an update on this family in Brittany. Instead was on the family in Goa. Probably to do with the Olympics, programme chages? Still, when if ever will we catch up with the Brittany people?

What happened to my carefully composed reply?? Tis gone ah well. Thank you Val_2 for your reply. What an interesting area your daughter is going into. I don't think mine has a direction really. She took 2yrs out before uni, worked in a pub, and doing a 4yr course now. She hopes someone will pay her to do a PhD! Well, we saw an opportunity in the Guardian a few weeks ago, so it could happen! Otherwise, she would have to work!! Is it correct that French students still tend to go to the nearest university? My daughter, while not overjoyed at being in an international residence, thought that if she had been totally amongst French students, would have been totally alone at weekends as they went home? She is concerned that she won't get enough opportunity to speak French. I am certain that she will return at the end of the year fluent. Bonbon

I can only believe that when people have been brutalised, then they become brutal. They become dehumanised and just don't think in the way the rest of us do. It is no excuse, this is the most awful situation. To be in the shoes of those trying to defuse this situation. To be a parent. It is just beyond words. Russia has committed atrocities in that region. The UK government has been frequently critical of their tactics. Again, it does not justify this action, we can all see that. The point is that we can see it because we have not suffered the atrocities.

Hi, my daughter has just gone off to spend her year in France (3rd yr of her degree). Is there anyone here with their child off to university? especially if you live there and know the system, I'd love to hear your views. She is thrilled with her accommodation, far better than they were expecting. Own kitchenette and shower room. And a balcony! She loves it. They were told to expect a couple of hotplates, no fridge, for a landing of 40 rooms. Apparently the French students don't cook, they eat the full 3 course meal in the cafeteria each day at about 2 euros. They have been told that there is just not the same social side to university in France. Their booklet says, it is rare for a French student to leave their room to socialise in the daytime or evening, they are busy studying. Now that I find hard to believe! Her main problem at the moment is registering for her modules, it seems there is no central body, it's a question of trailing from department to department, studying the noticeboards, working out nothing clashes, and then being ready with a seemingly endless supply of photos. Still, it sounds like she is having a wonderful time, what an opportunity. We were surprised how early the term starts, compared to university in the UK. I'll end my waffle now, just makes me feel a bit closer to her! By the way, there has been no mention of internet access in the rooms. Is this common in France? Bonbon