Polycarpe

Thanks Jane and Danny. I've just re-read the original post. Hmmmm.....got hold of the wrong end of the stick and not for the first time! SatNet is still crap though. Speak soon, R

Hi BJSLIV and Sid, I hope I've got to you in time. DON'T TOUCH NORDNET WITH A BARGE POLE. Unless you only want use it to check your emails a couple of times a day and listen to The Archers. This is not anti-Nordnet, per se, but all the internet satellite providers who seem much of a muchness and who might be condemned in the UK as selling something which is not fit for purpose. They offer two schemes: - unlimited access but regulated meaning that after moderate use, your back to dial-up speeds or less; -"high" speeds (54mbps) up to a max of 2 Gb per month. We asked around and were told that such limits would be fine. They're not. If you used Nordnet like you'd use UK broadband or French ADSL, you'd be back to square one in two days.  We're stuck with Nordnet for two years, which is cheaper than buying the whole kit. We've decided to keep our dial-up for things like the radio, downloading paid-for music etc ( i.e. the sort of stuff you'd want to have broadband for). Good luck! Rob

We're not likely, in the foreseable future, to get traditional ADSL. Has anyone any experience of VIVEOLE which, from 1st March, promises haut debit two-way satellite internet connection?

I watched the final hour of the debate and was surprised by how much I understood. I was impressed too, not so much by the arguments, but by the delivery. Both candidates were way more articulate than UK politicians. And while some of the things they said were clearly rehearsed, they had a better grasp of rhetoric and presentation than the Westminster lot. Having said all that, I don't envy the job today of the French voters. A Royal supporter (?) described the second round as a choice between the flu or cholera. I think France deserves better.

Steak and chips! I'd forgotten such things existed. Mmmmm..... As for authentic recipes, the main rule for cooking as for life is adapt, adapt, adapt!. I'll always follow a recipe to the letter the first time; after that, I do what suits me.  If carbonara with cream is to your taste then go for it. But if ever you're in Aude and want to go back to basics, come round ours for a trad carbonara.

Hi Jane and Danny, Ladern has actually had ADSL since the end of Feb but we're too far out (8km) for it to do us any good. As I said, I'm content NOT to receive broadband. I just resent paying more than than ADSL users for a grossly inferior service. We don't have golden orioles round us but we're awaiting the return of our bee eaters. Flora and I are off looking for mushrooms. Enjoy election day you foreign disenfranchised types! Rob

According to Orange, we are not eligable for ADSL or ReADSL - we live 8kms from our broadband-connected commune. Okay, I can accept that, living in the country, I have to make a few sacrifices. However, I do so resent having to pay more for an appalling 36Kbps dial up connection than I did for my broadband. Orange should be giving dial up away!

Hi Rumzigal, Whereas I can't vouch for the cooking in the particular resto you went to, I have to say that the ingredients sound correct. Authentic Carbonara (a la romana) should have no cream. The beaten egg should be added to the onions, bacon and al dente pasta, after the heat has been swithched off. If stirred a little, the ingredients will continue cooking and if served straight away, the egg will impart a creamy texture of its own. Only if the egg is over-cooked will it become dry. While the old charcoal burners of Rome could lay their hands on a onion, pancetta and an egg, dairy prods like cream were less available. Try it at home. You'll do better than many restaurants would.  

A pledge of undying love on an Easter Sunday morning - What a lovely gift!! However, no word yet from anyone else so put the Interflora order on hold for the time being.

I've heard that Ryanair is planning to open a route between Bristol and Carcassonne. I've searched all the appropriate sites but can find nothing to confirm the report. Is it no more than a rumour?  If anyone knows something more concrete, I'd be grateful for any info. Thanks.

Hi Jane, thanks for the tip. I'll see what I can find out. Charles, if you find anything on offer around Limoux or St Hilaire, perhaps you could PM me with details. Thanks, Rob

I'm planning to build a stone-walled outbuilding to use as storage and a workshop (non-commercial). Does anyone know the maximum area a shed can be BEFORE you need planning permission? Are there other criteria that might apply, e.g. whether the building has electricity? I'd be grateful for any useful pointers. Thanks.

Hello lid boy mark two, Some friends of mine who live 20 mins south of Carcassonne are considering the same thing. They've been in touch with a firm in Tarbes. If you'd like to, you can pm me and I'll pass on your contact details. Perhaps you can get together.  

I've always wondered why dogs stay with some people. Their loyalty and forebearance says more about them than the lovability of their "owners". I've checked the school recommended and its out on the Bram Road. I shall give Villemoustou a very wide birth. Our vet's assisant did suggest a local trainer but he turned out to be a specialist in training herding dogs. Thanks again to all. Rob

Thanks to you both for your helpful replies. I, like you Ian, am not happy to subject our dog to training methods that involve shouting or hitting. I'm pleased to learn that clubs allow visits. We're very keen to get Flora socialised, with other dogs and with the noises and sensations of a busy town, before we move out to quite an isolated spot in the Corbieres. Thanks Possum for the recommendation in Carca. We'll certainly check it out. Rob

We are lucky enough to have taken in a three month old abandoned puppy. Keen to do right by her and us, we've been looking for dog training schools. Our vet gave us a name but he turned out to be a trainer for farm dogs (sheep and cattle herding). I've requested information from SPA but haven't had a reply. When I've asked French friends, they've just shrugged or looked puzzled and suggested that this is the kind of thing you do at home. Does training for domestic animals not exist in France? I'd be grateful for your thoughts.

Will and Quillan, Thanks for the very useful replies - clear and comprehensive.  Rob

I've done a search on capital gains tax but couldn't find an answer to the following questions. Do I have to pay capital gains in France on the sale of a house which has been my sole residence for a year (no property owned anywhere else). If you have to have been resident for a minimum period before being exempt, how long is that? If I do have to pay CGT, what's the % on a sole residence? Any anwers to the above would much appreciated. Thanks

Thanks very much for all your suggestions and views. We'll just sit tight pro tem, and see.

We've discovered bees in the apex of the roof at the end of the building (30ft above the ground), inaccessible unless we break through the ceiling or lift off the roof tiles. An old apiarist advised that nothing should be done while they are makng honey. Someone else suggested that this would be a job for les pompiers. Others have wondered if there is any harm in just leaving them. Any thoughts or concrete advice based on experience would be much appreciated. Thanks.  

Never seen Halloumi over here. Something for the UK visitor list, perhaps. And never been able to eat it raw either!

You two lovely people, you! I'm sitting here with my rippling, muscled bod, smiling from ear to ear! [:)]

Hi Ladies, Don't know how the weather has been in your areas but down here in Aude its beeen hot hot HOT! So, I did three walks last week totalling 26km, up hill and down dale, rarely on the flat..... ...........and put ON half a kilo. What is going on? I haven't hit the chocs and the brandy yet, but I'm not far off. Especially as the weather has now turned. Glad that somebody in this country is loosing. Well done to you all.[:'(]

Not a clue! I just checked on a snake website and identified yesterday's sighting as a grass snake, basking variety.

Aude. Saw a metre-long snake, an adder I think, sunbathing on a rock yesterday. 25 in the sun and not a breath of breeze. Lovely!