Chel in the cher

Hi-   Another one here, but I'm American if that still counts.  We actually have a British couple who live up the road too.  And there is a gay American/ Bristish couple not 5 miles away.  I am sometimes surprised how much English I here spoken, even here in the deep, deep depths of the Cher. One of  the draws of this department to me  is that it is very unknown (outside of Sancerre) and very "French country".  We are outside of La Guerche sur l'Aubois.  It is just minutes away from Apremont sur Allier- designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Hi all-  Does anyone have an opinion on whether the 6.10 euro Mortier colle from Brico Depot is any less effective than the 12.90 euro a bag stuff?  We call it thin set in the States- what is it called in the UK?  I am laying tomettes onto cement indoors, if that makes any difference. Both products say they are suitable for terre cuite.  I am quite tempted to but the cheap stuff, unless someone has a warning otherwise.  Thanks in advance!

Hello- I am also a vegetarian who eats a similar diet to yours, and it is not impossible in France!  Being American, I'm not familiar with the term "soya mince", but I have been able to find some acceptable meat substitutes.  Ask around town or check the phone book for a marche biologique.  We have one outside of Nevers which isn't a huge city, so I think most areas would have one nearby.  They carry all thing organic- what we call a health food store in the states.  They have about 10 different varieties of soy based products- provencal flavored croquets, faux sausages, etc.  I even saw unflavored tofu at the Atac supermarche in Bourges.  That being said, it is still not easy.  I was looking for canned lentils and had to make 2 trips to find ones that weren't made with goose fat.  Label reading (and a good knowledge of all French meat based products) is a necessity.  I certainly end up eating way more eggs and cheese for protein that normal when I am in France!  Good luck!