Buster

Some of you may have been following my postings over the last year or so, so I have decided to finish my story. WE left London for all the reasons you do and moved to a beautiful house in the north of France. The people were lovely, we had lovely English neighbours, but I knew after the first week it was a mistake. I tried to adapt and struggled for 18 months. I posted on the forum asking for suggestions where I could maybe be happier and Fontainebleau was suggested.WE sold our house in the north and we have rented a house in the centre of town and for the fisrt month or so I really thought I would settle, but slowly I again started to pine for home. Being so near Paris, I thought would be a big plus, but to be honest, although there are some beautiful shops, they dont come close to all the great shops in Knightsbridge, Bond Street and Oxford street. I am a great fan of Paris, but now think London is greater. My husband is not estatic about returning, but money is always tight and we are fed up watching our pennies. I cant wait to get back and find a job. Giving up work is not all its cracked up to be and I have been throughly bored most of the time. Our french was rubbish and to integrate one of you must speak good french. When problems come along its not easy trying to fill your tax form in or call someone out to mend you fridge etc is so frustrating. I also feel I have isolated my daughter from her family. Yes she would have been bilingual, but her English grammar would have suffered unless I kept an eye on her. Now I know its more important to read and write English. I have met french mothers here who cannot understand why I want my daughter to speak french when they are so obsessed with wanting their children to learn English ! I am sure there are those of you out there who are blissfully happy, and good luck to you, but I have met many ex pats in 2 different areas and 95% are not as happy as they want you to believe. So for me, its back to reading my Daily Mail everyday, Sainsburys, Marks and Spencers, pubs, friends, family, etc. Yes there are also the awful things about the country, which I am sure I will be reminded about,but we will survive. At least I wont be stir crazy and home sick !!! THanks to all the help and advice I have received from the forum ,but its au revoir.

Would Sky be able to be channelled through a FRENCH plasma TV. There are some great bargains at 'Carefour', but hubby says this is not possible Thanks for any info

We are desperately trying to re-home our goats. 2 sisters. I posted a few months ago, and found a home, but they have now let us down and we have a week to find some where. We can deliver any where. We can provide some fencing, but they must have an out buiding as they dont like bad weather. PLease can anyone help ?? THanks Lesley Email: [email protected]

We have 2 lovely goats, sisters, who we are desperately trying to re-home. I posted a few months ago and someone answered and said they wanted the goats, but have now let me down. We have a week to find them a home ,and then I dont know. WE will deliver anywhere to a good home, can provide a fence, but they must have an out building as they dont like rain. Can anybody help , please. Lesley Email address: [email protected]

I am desperately trying to contact goatlady. I have emailed her private email but no reply. This could mean she is either away or maybe has the virus on her PC. I'm posting here as a last reort.

A few months ago I started finding dead birds and mammals in the garden. Our french isnt that good , but my English neighbour pointed out that a sign had been put up warning everyone that poison had been put in the streams that surround us. It was to cull the rats. I found this upseting as our dogs could have drank from the streams. Very sad for the innocent wild life, but what is the answer ??

Try bandbnorthernfrance.com Very nice.

We are relocating and need a good home for Daisy and Gertie. They are sisters and just overa year old. We can provide about 40 m of wire fencing if required and can deliver to any reasonable distance. THey must have an out building as they dont like bad weather !! Can anyone help please

We are a small family with 2 dogs that are looking for a house to rent in the Fontainebleau area. Any information appreciated.

Hi, I had IVF in London, and against all the odds ended up with our beautiful daughter on the first attempt. Now we are in France I have wondered what the costs are re treatment and drugs. Maybe you could help ?? Thanks Lesley

Try this wonderful Chambre D'Hote http://perso.wanadoo.fr/chateau.mondan Tel: 0033 (0) 2 43 87 92 16 My husband stays theres regularly as he goes to the trade antique fair which is at the race track. May be fully booked but worth a try. She, Catherine, speaks a little English, and may be able to help with anther B & B.

I'm sure my neighbours would love to help, and as they are so close(3 mins) could generally keep an eye on things. Regards Lesley

We have just put out 2 year old into the local french maternelle, so she will become fluent in French at school and speak English at home. I have read that it will be her English grammar that will suffer in the future in the distant future. Maybe some tuition for this in the french holidays might be an idea.

We are in the North and I found one in our local town. Only went once though, it was very controlled not what I was used to in London where the mothers have a cup of tea and a chat and the kids run riot !!!!

Can I join in ??? My daughter is 2 and a half and I have been in terrible turmoil this week. The local ecole maternelle, where all the village kids go, wanted her to go for 4 mornings all at once . I wanted two days and build up. So i asked at the private nursery in town where they said she can go as many times as she wants, great I think. After one morning, everytime I mention school, my daughter is in floods of tears, and says she is frightened of the teacher. I am sure it is all words , BUT, say it wasnt. SO, I have now decided to put her in the local one, as my husband thinks she wil cry if its for one day or four, true, and if there is anything unto order I am sure the other kids will tell their mums who will tell me. I am emtionally exhaustead, but at last feel calmer. I am sure when our kids are grown up, and are fluent in 2 or more languages, can horse ride(something we do every week for 5 euros each), probably snow ski etc etc, we will look back and be thankful we stuck it out. Anyone want to email me please do Regards Lesley