Val50

My husband works with seaweed and Nova Scotia has the biggest seaweed industry in Canada.  Halifax is actually one of the fastest growing areas in Canada.  They have set up a Nominee Programme to encourage people to move here but one of the problems they have is that after 6 months or so, people do move on to Vancouver or Toronto - if they can afford to.  Unfortunately they don't have much seaweed there so we can't!  It is supposed to be a permanent job, but then so was the one in France!!! Hubby has just let me know that he has a conference in Spain in May and we can go via Normandy.  Amazing the difference a phone call can make. One thing I have learnt by using the Living France forums is that a person can make a difference, how ever small and insignificant you may be.  My husband's boss wants me to be actively involved in bringing to the Canadian gov. attention how difficult it is for new immigrants and how much they are discriminated against when they first arrive.  Maybe a new career beckons!!!! Thanks again for all the replies, feel so much better - had almost forgotten what it was like to laugh.  Good to know you are all on form still Val

Thank you all for writing, reading your comments made me laugh for the first time in weeks. We are in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Not a Mountie in sight!   Originally from Birmingham I can honestly say Coventry seems a better bet than here.  We are surrounded by tiny little box houses, no privacy (you are not allowed to put up fences between the properties!!!).  They have  electric shock systems to keep your dogs on your property.  Needless to say our poor things are inside all the time.  Have a bit of a wood behind us but not a maple tree in sight, just lots of tatty pine.  The town is filthy.  We also lived in Johannesburg for 10 years before moving to France,  and I can honestly say this is very much like life there.  There is so much rubbish in the steets (it is only collected every other week, and we live in the middle of town).  There are so many people begging and a lot of people really do live in poverty here.  Quite a few have to work  2 jobs just to make ends meet.  I am sure there are pretty parts to go visit, but it is more expensive for us to fly to Vancouver from here than it is to fly to London, the country is that big! Our eldest daughter finally managed to get into 2nd year at university here after completing her first year in France.  She is so bored.  Work she is doing now is the same as she did for her bac in France!  She got 100% in nearly all the exams she sat in December, but you have to wonder exactly how good this degree is going to be worth when she finally gets it. We are only about 5 mins from the sea, but they have built the railway all along the coast so you can't get access to it, having to drive for over a hour until you can find somewhere to walk.  I miss the Normandy countryside so much - the freedom to walk along the beach, listen to the birds (we just how crows here and seagulls).  Even miss our barn owl and the bats!  Got excited when we saw a small red squirrel the other day, but otherwise the wood looks pretty empty and downright spooky at night!  If you've seen the Blair Witch movie you know what I mean. Haven't seen a single Mountie yet, just the local Police.  Cannot believe the high crime rate here, every day there is a story of someone being shot, raped etc.  We were surprised to see we had a alarm system in the house we bought, and didn't want to connect it but have been advised by everyone we've spoken to here to do so as there is such a high rate of break ins. Not big drinkers, we have given up completely since we arrived here.  1 bottle of wine here is the equivalent of what you could buy 6 bottles for in France, and I am not talking just cheap plonk either!  Even the local beer is about 10 euros for a 6 pack. I know it will take time, make new friends etc. but it has just made us so aware of how much we had in France and how much we miss life there.  They don't even have the equivalent of Living France forums!!! At least being able to log on and catch up with what you are all  doing helps - just enjoy it whilst you can! Thanks again for all your emails, you have no idea how much they help. Val    

Well it's 7 weeks now since I left France to start our new life in Canada and what a move it has been.  Undoubtably the worst of our life (it is the 6th in the last 25 years).   Forget moaning about BF, Ryan air etc.  you've experienced nothing until you travel Air Canada (or Air Geriatric as we've renamed it).  Although my husbands salary is now double what it was in France, his take home pay is just about the same as it was  there, mainly due to the high taxation here.  The cost of educating children at both university and high school level is unbelievable.  The cost of housing is more compatible to UK, there is a lack of fresh food in the supermarkets,  a health service that is worse than the NHS (I kid you not).  Not a day goes by when we don't ask ourselves why we did it and wish we could turn back the clock.  The sense of isolation is overpowering,  BBC Canada is a joke, not even 50% of the programmes broadcast are from the BBC).  Once your phone is connected, you can't just pick it up and make a call anywhere outside the city you live in, you have to buy a card for that - they even consider phoning other parts of Canada a international call!  Our saving grace is that we were lucky enough to buy a small house in Normandy before we left, and I am counting the days until I can get back there.  So, for all those bemoaning life in France (I even  miss Teamed Up) just stop and look around you and appreciate all you have.  Vive la France!!!

From first hand experience I have to say we were pleasantly surprised by how much we sold our farmhouse for recently.  We have lived here in Normandy for 4 years now, bought a bit of a wreck, spent about 30K doing it up. We sold it within 3 weeks of it being on the market, to the second couple who came to view it (they are French as well), for full asking price, which was almost 3 times what we paid for it back in 2001!  Have been having agents phoning constantly asking if it is still for sale as they (supposedly) have buyers looking for property like ours.  So, from our experience wouldn't say the property market has slowed down that much around here - as long as the property is priced right they are still selling.

Does anyone know of a house/dog sitter near Carentan/Utah Beach area?  Need to be away for 10 days beginning October, and don't want to put the dogs in kennels if at all possible - they are too old (10 and 9 years). Any suggestions welcome.  Thanks Val

Does anyone know of a house/dog sitter near Carentan?  Need to be away for 10 days beginning October, and don't want to put the dogs in kennels if at all possible - they are too old (10 and 9 years). Any suggestions welcome.  Thanks Val

[quote]Val, I might be slightly inebriated. but why did you move to Canada? I couldnt understand whether the job offer was when you moved to France, or Canada. Probably just me - not understanding!!! ...[/quote] Moved to France because of a job offer - now moving to Canada because of another job offer.  Can't wait until he retires and we can stop moving because of all these job offers!

Thanks Coco - sorry we never got to meet up, always found your posts really helpful. Will certainly let you know how it goes in Canada Val

[quote]Come on now, four years ago we had to prove income as there were still carte de sejours. And I had to do a full inventory of our goods french and english and their value and get it stamped by the co...[/quote] When we arrived 4 years ago (with 2 container loads, 2 dogs, 3 cats, 3 children etc) nothing was checked.  We didn't have to suppply an inventory or go to the consulate etc.  We were not told there was a limit on anything we could bring here, nobody came to check our goods as they were off loaded etc.  Although my husband had a job to come to here, we did not have to prove to anyone that we had enough money to support ourselves.  Infact, within a month of his arrival, before we had the money from the sale of our previous house,  he was given a 100% mortgage by Society General, as well as a loan to carry out the immediate renovations needed on the farmhouse we bought.  When we went to St Lo to apply for our carte de sejour, I can't remember having to take anything to say we had x amount of money and could support ourselves.  Again, perhaps because he had a job here that made a difference.  We certainly did not have to have medicals to prove we were fit to reside in France. Although we are also moving to Canada because my husband has a job there, we have all had to have medicals (blood tests, x-rays, physical examination) at a doctor designated by the embassy, which meant travelling to Rennes or Paris.  We have had to prove we have a certain amount of money to take to Canada with us when we arrive.  We have had to go to Canada for a interview with the Nova Scotia nomination committee to prove we were who we said we were and for them to see if we were suitable, all before the embassy would even consider our application. My daughter sent her transcripts to the university (Dalhousie) to see if she would be accepted into 2nd year there.  They wrote back asking her translate them as no-one in the university there could translate from French to English, yet one of the pre-requisites of getting permanent residence is that we be bilingual to a certain degree.  When she applied to go to University of Caen, apart from providing a copy of her bac results, nothing else was required from her.  In Canada, even with permanent residence and classed as a local student, the fees are higher than in UK (17,000 CD per year).  Apart from accommodation, she pays nothing in France.  We have to go back to being permanent residents, with all the restrictions that entails, unlike here in France where we have been able to come and go as we please.  In fact it was only a month or so ago that we even got stopped at Cherbourg and asked to produce passports as we came through from the ferry.  As I was doing the journey weekly (working in UK as a nurse 3 days a week) I really appreciated the freedom of momevent between countries.  I really don't want to go on, but from personal experience, having lived in many countries around the world, we know that we have yet to find a better place than France to live in.  As I've said many times before, nowhere is perfect.  Maybe because I can trace my ancestors back to William the Conqueror (close to Falaise) living in France was, for me, like coming home.  Maybe, teamed up, your ancestors go back to the Vikings! 

After 4 glorious years we are doing what we never thought would happen, and moving from France to Canada.  We are leaving behind our wonderful old french farmhouse by Utah Beach and heading for the damp lakes of Nova Scotia.  The move has been traumatic for us all, and made us realise how lucky we were living here in Normandy.  Although we moved here because my husband had a job offer, as UK citizens there were no permanent residence visa's to obtain, proof of income, medicals, inventory of goods, limit on certain products that can be taken.  Our teenage children were taken in and accepted by the local community.  Our eldest daughter has just completed 1st year at the University of Caen, and is only one of 33% to pass into 2nd year, not bad going for someone who couldn't speak a word of french 4 years ago.  Needless to say she has decided to stay here and finish her studies.  Our youngest son has had to sit an entrance exam for the school in Canada before being accepted to finish his final 2 years of the international bac.  A far cry from when we enrolled them at school here in St Lo, where they were accepted and given help to integrate into a system so foreign to them.  I will miss so much, the wonderful, crisp,sunny days in January when the garden is full of spring flowers.  Long walks along the deserted beach in winter with the dogs.  D-day celebrations all around us in June.  Fete's and fireworks in summer.  Lazy days on the beach with friends, coming home to pick fresh veg out of the garden.  The baker calling twice weekly, not only offering fresh bread and croissant but gossip to keep me going.  French workmen renovating our house and becoming friends along the way, as they try to teach me a language my old brain struggles to cope with.  The mist rolling across the fields as autumn sets in and the leaves and hedges change colour.  Christmas and the markets.  I could go on and on and on. For all those still wondering if they should take the plunge, do it.  For all the horror stories there are hundreds who just quietly go about their daily lives here, thankful for all they have.  Most of all we will miss this forum, the help received when needed, the humour, even the bitchiness and negative comments.  Enjoy what you have, stop and smell the roses why you can, who knows what tomorrow might bring. Adieu

Where do you go to obtain a international drivers licence if you are living in France?

Good, I hope they catch as many as possible. As a nurse I just wish more people could spend a day in A&E and see the results of car accidents caused by people who reckon speed isn't a problem, and that they can handle their car. The worst part is telling a relative their loved one has died. Doesn't matter how many times you do it, it still affects you. I travel to and from the UK every week and watch in horror as the cars rush off the ferry here at Cherbourg. It's like watching a episode from Whacky Races, except it isn't funny! Yesterday, coming home from town with my daughter in the car, we watched with horror as a car (UK registered) took a corner too fast and the driver lost control. Luckily for him no one was coming the other way and he was uninjured. I know it is not just the British who think they are immune to injury when sitting behind the wheel of their car - my daughter has a couple of french friends who have suffered as a result of speeding, one died earlier this year. Just remember, a car can be as much a lethal weapon as a loaded gun - I know, I've picked up the pieces.

They have just started their summer sale - received the brochure in the post this week. All the sale items are available to order online. Have been happy with all the things we've bought from them over the last 4 years, and have had not hastles sending things back we didn't like etc. Also useful that they deliver direct to your house - if you don't mind paying a little extra, you can get things delivered within 24 hours.

Compared to last year, there doesn't seem to be so much organised this year, most events close to us (Utah Beach) are scheduled for the weekend, not Monday. Do any of you know the itinary for Bayeux/Caen? Is anything planned for Arromanche? Have looked on the internet and tourist office for Normandy but can't find anything. Thought we should do the English side this year for a change. Thanks

Travelled back again yesterday and all I can say this boat is not for the faint hearted! The sea was not particularly rough but we were********d around like corks in a bath. At one stage we were so far off course I thought we would dock in Calais!!! Seriously, speaking to the crew, the morning crossing was awful and they had to close the shop. On the afternoon crossing we were told to stay in our seats and before we left Portsmouth people were being told to sit at the back of the boat as it was going to be a bad crossing. Before we'd even left the Solent the boat was being********d from side to side, things sliding off the shelves in the cafe and shop. It was one of the worst crossings I have ever done and at one stage even I was a bit scared. I honestly can't believe they let the sailing go ahead and would hate to be on the boat in a force 5 or 6 sea. From experience I know May/June can be very windy and rough so would suggest anyone who is not a very good sailor stick to the conventional crafts over the next few weeks. The crew were saying passengers yesterday were changing their return bookings to the conventional craft as soon as they landed in Cherbourg. Just hope it calms down before I go back again on Monday.

Quick update on this route from Portsmouth to Cherbourg. Have used it 3 times now. Can't get over how small it is. Only one level for passengers to move around in, but so far hardly any passengers so space not a problem, although when I came back to France yesterday, there were quite a few couples with young children who were obviously bored and left to run up and down the aisles. Noise was a major factor and I can see a few accidents happening by the cafe areas. Last Thursday it was only running on 3 engines (one of the crew I spoke to said it was because of overloading but find that hard to believe - there were only 68 of us travelling back to UK on Good Friday!). Hope it is not a sign of things to come - remember it used to be a major problem with the P&O fast craft. The (GPS?) screen showing it's position as it crosses the Channel is quite interesting, and it seems to average 41 kms/hour (or is it miles) mid-channel. Down to 10 as you go into the Solent and Cherbourg Harbour. Found it interesting the technical crew all seem to be British (did notice the odd Australian/New Zealand accent amongst them though) and the fact the captain does the usual blurb as you arrive and depart from port, as well as the French crew (again very reminisant of P&O, could it be they are using their old crew from the fast craft). Foot passengers don't have to wait so long to embark/disembark as you walk onto the craft, but be prepared if it's raining, we got soaked yesterday leaving Portsmouth. Quite a few stairs to climb as well, as you enter through car deck, so make sure you ask for assistance if you are not so steady on the old pins! They give you a label to put on your luggage Portsmouth end but no-one checks in Cherbourg, luggage left on the side to collect as you get off the bus. Obviously a big improvement on the 5/6 hour crossing on the conventional crafts, but not sure how pleasant it will be mid-summer if it gets busier (mind you, with the quotes they are issuing can't see it getting that busy). As a foot passenger I find booking on-line using the UK site I get a 5 pound discount, and average 35 pounds a ticket, leaving Cherbourg Sunday night and returning Thursday afternoon. Same price I was paying using the Val de Loire or Barfleur. Times arent' too bad either. Leaving Cherbourg 20h15, I arrive Portsmouth 22h00 local time. Crossing has been surprisingly smooth as well, considering how small the boat is, although the sea has not been so rough lately. Hope this helps if you are thinking of using this route. Will let you know if there are any problems!

sorry, don't know how I managed to post same message twice - oops!

Travelling back from Portsmouth to Caen on Tuesday night, on the Mont St Michel, I responded to an announcement they put out asking if there was a doctor or nurse on board. Reporting as requested to the information desk I was asked if I would mind being disturbed during the night if they needed medical assistance as they had no trained medical staff on board. I said it would be okay, surprised by the request as I had not realised they normally carried medical staff on board. Once back in France I contacted Brittany to see if I could maybe strike a deal with them, as I travel back and forth weekly. No way were they interested. So, it's okay for me to supply my services free of charge - another typical example of Brittany taking all they can without giving anything back. Is it just my imagination or are they getting even worse since the demise of P&O? Don't worry, I already know the answer!!

Last week I travelled overnight from Portsmouth to Cherbourg with Brittany, and had a reclining chair booked. The lounge was fairly busy (ie I wasn't the only one in there!) A little way into the journey the man sitting a row behind me started to snore - and do I mean snore!!! So loud was it that most people sitting within the vicinity woke up but none of us were brave enough to go give him a good shake. We all exchanged knowing looks and spent the rest of the journey huffing and puffing until we got to Cherbourg, tired and irritated. Last night I came back overnight from Portsmouth to Caen. Again, I booked a reclining chair. This time, about 1 am, 2 "gentlemen" came into the lounge, sat on the couches at the back and started to have a loud conversation, waking everyone up. A elderly lady, obviously disturbed by the noise, then began a loud conversation with the lady sitting near to her. I was so the hell in this time I went over and told them to shut up or get out. Thankfully it worked and they did just that, but afterwards I was quite upset, not to mention thankfully that I hadn't been turned upon, as the two men concerned had obviously (you could smell the fumes) spent some time at the bar. I know the obvious answer to this problem would be to book a cabin but as I do the journey every week the cost would be ridiculous. I do try to avoid overnight crossings and hope when the fast boat starts from Cherbour to Portsmouth mid March I will be able to avoid it entirely, but I just wondered how others coped with noisey, inconsiderate people on the ferries?

Don't think any of us are looking for sympathy. We did not choose to live in France as such, my husband was offered a job here, but because my French is limited I cannot work as a nurse in a hospital here, hence my working in the UK (where I should point out there is a dire need for health professionals). What we are trying to do, I think, is highlight the monopolies enjoyed by certain companies, and the effect of this on people whatever their circumstances. At least if I was living in UK and working there I would have the option of taking the train, bus or car. Here in Normandy I really now only have the choice of one service provider - Brittany Ferries. If their prices escalate the knock on effect could be detremental to many, especially gite owners looking to rent out homes etc, not to mention tourism in Manche in general. Would never dream of looking for sympathy on a Living France forum - just fair play!

Just got back from UK this morning - had to come overnight Portsmouth to Cherbourg, Brittany Ferries, due to industrial action in France. As a regular (weekly) traveller between France/UK I was wondering if anyone else has found themselves affected by the withdrawal of the P&O ferry? I am nursing in Portsmouth,UK but live close to Cherbourg. Not only have I found I now have to add an extra 2 hours each way to my travelling time, the cost of the journey has increased by at least 100 pounds a month - dread to think what it will go up to in the summer! As much as I enjoy my job, I am seriously considering quitting. I just wondered if anyone else has found the loss of the P&O route has had a knock on effect to their lives. I know of a few others, working in the medical field in UK, living here in Normandy, who are also considering resigning. I will hold out until end of March when Flybe start their Southampton/Cherbourg route but cannot face using Brittany Ferries on a long term basis.

After the initial fuss, it seems the P&O route from Portsmouth to Cherbourg dissapearing without a whisper. Came back last night only to be told tomorrow morning is the last crossing on this route. It was a very sad occassion, the crew still unsure right up to the very end of their plight. Shame on you P&O. I will miss the weekly crossings, the moans and groans as we were let down time and time again, making new friends at the ferry port as we waited for delayed boats etc. Have no choice now but to use Brittany Ferries until the end of March when Flybe start their route from Cherbourg to Southampton (currently offering one way tickets for 11 euros). A bientot Pride of Cherbourg.

Monday: Briquebec, Carentan Tuedsay: Barfleur,Cherbourg, Hambye, Lessay, Sourdeval, Villedieu Wednesday: La Haye du Puits, Granville, St Pierre Eglise, Tessy-sur-Vire Thursday: Cherbourg,Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Coutances, Ger, Montbray Friday: Valognes,Brecey, Canisy, Saturday: Saint-Vaast-La Hougue,Avranches, Barneville-Carteret,Bayeux, Gavray, Mortain, Percy, Periers, Saint Lo Sunday: Agon, Barfleur, Octeville These are my usual standby's for visitors, even during winter. St Vaast on Saturday is great, especially if you stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants situated by the harbour. Only trouble is it clashes with Bayeux! So much choice, so little time!!!

[quote]It's not AWFUL, it's just not as good as it could be (like the educational system in most countries I imagine) The whole mentality is very different from the British one. Even after all these years I ...[/quote] Couldn't agree with you more Mistral - it's not awful. I think it's more about attitudes than anything else. Our eldest (who entered the french education system at 16) is loving her first term at university in Caen, even though it's hard work, and doesn't regret for a minute turning down the offers she had at UK universities. Our 16 year old who is now in 2 eme is also enjoying his "post" Brevet year. When I compare experiences with friends in UK who have teenagers at school there, we are all glad we had the chance to finish the kids education in France - ours certainly feel they've earnt and deserve their exam results, and I don't think they will every feel they can't do or achieve something in the future if they set their mind to it.

Just got off the P&O Portsmouth - Cherbourg this morning, was almost a dissappointment, a smoother crossing than last week when the captain reckoned it was a force 9! After all the hype about the expected storm I was half expecting the boat to be cancelled (well, it is tonight but that's due to industrial action by French staff!) but hardly felt any movement on board. One unexpected bonus was watching the lunar eclipse this morning as we docked at Cherbourg, absolutely magical. Don't suppose many of you caught it which is a pity as it was so clear. Val