Ruth

Just a quick update which may be of some use to others parking at Girona. We followed Nell's suggestion and parked at Hotel Vilobi right by airport. Lots of parking space fenced and security cameras. Spent six wonderful days in Rome and paid 29 euros for the parking.                                   Many thanks to all.

We're just hoping that Ryanairless will have put their screwdrivers to good use before then!!                       Ruth

We're flying from Girona in 2 weeks time and wondered if anyone knows of a safe carpark within walking distance of the airport which is cheaper than the airport carpark We'll be away for 5 days.                     Thanks Ruth.

No-one seems to have pointed out that the right to join the French healthcare system and not to subscribe to private healthcare was introduced by a Socialist government. The present changes are  being made by 'the others' plus the fact that many more Europeans are in the E.U and therefore the burden is greater.

I just feel that the Sunday Times article gave the impression that in France those who retired to France...early or not had been previously all entitled to FREE healthcare!!             

I too read this article which gave the impression  that expats had previously enjoyed free healthcare in France when retiring early. We retired in 1995 and paid a lot of mony to BUPA International to cover us just for hospital care. We were relieved when the Loi Aubry came in and we were able to join the French system - contributions according to our income....much cheaper than BUPA International but for more. No question of free healthcare which was not normal for the French too. We paid for topup but this still worked out cheaper than BUPA. We are now on UK State pensions and don't still get free healthcare.....like the French. The UK contribute but we still pay for topup. Recently I had 2 minor strokes and have been granted 100% reimbursment for anything relating to this. There is NO free healthcare in France for such as retired diplomats as suggested by the article but I presume that certain companies may be happy if this idea continues.

As far as I can gather here it is only a certain category of people( low income unemployed ?) who can actually get a licence to sell muguets.

Switched off for 5 mins and time now correct. Thanks for the advice. But why has this never happened before when the clocks changed?

Am I going bonkers or have Sky really forgotten to put their clocks forward!!?? All progamme listings both yesterday and today are two hours behind French time and I had to ring my daughter to check that clocks went forward in the UK too!

Hi Zak         I booked on Dec 12th so keeping fingers crossed.                               Thanks Ruth

We've booked a Ryanair return flight to Liverpool in April and as yet have received no e mail regarding the extra charge. Is it up to us to pursue the matter? Also I cannot fathom why Ryanair make the credit card charge per person per flight when it only involves ONE transaction on ONE card. Also they charge the full whack for a French debit card.

Helena Frith Powell was the child of a divorced Italian father and a Swedish mother. She was brought up in England but I think she missed out on the essential advice of all British Grans about being run over by a bus!!

Just checked too using IE7 no probs.

The dusky pink set included matching suspenders!

Has anyone else been irritated today by the latest rantings of Helena Frith Powell in the Sunday Times? Not for the first time she goes on about being a Frenchwoman means having to wear matching lacy undies and that the Brits don't do so. She has lived in France for 6 years so of course she speaks as an expert!! Having lived in France full time for 12 years I don't profess to have intimate knowledge of my neighbours' undies but can remember well buying.....along with many friends.....matching lacy sets from M&S in shades of cream and dusky pink!! All this was about the woman who woke up thinking she was French and how she would have to chage her ways! She also says that the male equivalent would have to stop going down the pub and asking for a lukewarm beer asking instead for'a glass of your finest Burgundy along with olives stuffed with anchovies'......for aperitifs....best Burgundy?....nuff said          Bonne Annee  Ruth

Er have we lost the thread??

Good news! Southampton-Avignon back next summer and Exeter-Avignon too!!

Jay Jay we too used to pay 9.95 for Alice Monde but a couple of months ago the calls became free with the ADSL package. You don't need to pay anymore unless you want to phone 100plus other countries. Have a check but I'm sure it must apply to you too. You have to go to a little box in your account and desactiver Alice Monde though.

On menu services choose info conso.

But not everyone moving to Australia has English as their first language! The highest number of immigrants in France come from Portugal but I don't think they publish the tax forms in Portuguese either!

It's Ok I found what to text and my credit runs out in 2030 so that's fine as I'll be 90 then!! Mind you that's not what they said about being without limit ! I could be another Jeanne Carment! (live to 123!)

What number did you ring? I only have a text no to ask the solde.

As a matter of interest in how many languages are the Australian tax forms published ?

Going back to Tonshun's original question...I too am with Tiscali/Alice and pay 30euros pm for ADSL and free French calls using a Triway box. I have subscribed 9.95 euros pm for Alice Monde  the last 2 months giving me free calls in Europe and US. Latest e mails from Alice say that this is now free with an Alicebox. I rang up the free no 1033 and got through straightaway! I was informed that this offer is with Alicebox and I would need to change my Tryway box....at no cost. Monthly payments would then be only 29.95 euros.....1yr contract. Anyone spot any snags?

According to the latest info on NRJ the top ups before 19th are without limit ...that's why I want to top up as much as possiible!