Judith

Logan We always reckoned that you would have to have a lot of treatment before the top up insurance would pay for itself.  You've just proved our point.  Thanks!

[quote user="Logan"] Since this charge is not recoverable from the mutuelle contract I am now beginning to wonder why I have one. There seems to be so many things that mutuelles no longer reimburse. Likely this is a method of cutting their costs. However I am getting close to cancelling my contract and taking the risk myself as I always did up to 2 years ago. Their charges are increasing annually and payments cut back.[/quote] I get quite annoyed with the insistence that you "must" have a top up, they do not make it clear that you could decide to pay the extra yourself.  As someone who has had to pay privately in the UK for dental treatment for many years (try and find an NHS dentist and you will know why) and who gets £30 contribution from our "beloved" NHS for what is described as complex lenses for specs which cost £500, you can see I don't quite subscribe to the top up idea.  We have decided to manage without, and so far, so good.  As in the UK the only thing I get free are my visits to the GP (and a recent Xray at the hospital), and hubby hasn't needed to see the doctor for as long as I can remember. By the way, those who get E forms, only get them if they are entitled to them, ie have paid enough contributions into the system for enough years.  It is not a free perk - we''ve all worked hard and long for the privilege of having one.

[quote user="MyNameIsEarl"]We are a couple with a young son (21 months ) and another on the way who are planning a move to the Languedoc area in Sept 2008. We have been contemplating this move for many years and have decided to take the plunge after a lot of consideration. We plan to rent initially (sell our house first in the UK) and then move to get a feel for the French way of life before committing financially to any business ventures (we have a few ideas in the pipeline which we hope to investigate once we are in France). We have been regularly logging onto the forum and have found it to be a really valuable source of information but feel the only way forward is to get ourselves over there and find things out first hand. We would love to to know where the concentration (if any) of British/Irish expats are in the Languedoc. We intend to fully integrate into the local community and eventually make French and expat friends but feel that having others around who have gone through the settling in experience would be beneficial. We have certain criteria e.g. near to a town about 30 mins from coast, close to Cathar routes, easy access to Barcelona, Carcassonne, Toulouse , ski stations etc... Geographically we could pick a town ourselves that meets the above criteria but we are looking for suggestions for towns that have have expat families ie Toddler groups, English speaking doctors, children in primary/secondary education. NB We are NOT looking for 'little England' in France but just a way to ease ourselves into a massive life change. We look forward to hearing from you!               [/quote] The area around Beziers / Pezenas does seem to have a sizeable non-French community, but that could be said of many places in Languedoc - our very small village has several English (of differnt ages) , though we too were not looking to be in an "enclave" it proved helpful initially, but less so as we get more accustomed. After intial researches in that area we discounted the Beziers /Pezenas area for that reason. Also, it is likely that what ever you think you want, it will be changed by your researches, your budget, and in the end, what is actually available to be bought.  Each area of the Languedoc is quite different, and in only a few miles apart.  We researched for several years, visiting  different areas as well as doing desk research (I am a librarian, so can do that relatively easily) before starting the house hunt. We first looked in a completely different area, one we knew well, but explored other areas as we found the weather and type of house (and its price) we wanted changed our must-haves.  Once we started looking at houses seriously, during our holiday visits, it took about 2 years to find the area which fitted a majority of our criteria.  Finding a house in our price range with the habitable area we wanted, which did not need doing up to any great extent is what determined the area we chose to buy in, though there were other factors we took into account. In the end, no amount of desk research or advice from others can take the place of actual on the ground research, as is obvious from this forum and the differences of opinion which you will find stated.  Renting first is a very good idea, though we did not do that as we had been using the family holiday home for nearly 10 years before house hunting for ourselves, so were familiar with living in France, (and with what owning property in France entails)  rather than just holidaying  there.  If you are not  familiar with living in France it can be a big shock. To get "Toddler groups, English speaking doctors, children in primary/secondary education" you will need to be in easy access of larger towns I suspect, espcially if you want a sizable proprtion of those children to be English.   If you are building your hopes on finding professionals who speak good English and who will understand all you need to have understood (and vv) Montpellier would be your best bet, as it has (as pointed out) a university and most cities will have English speakers (but the quality of the English is very questionable and not necessarily good.) In the end, if you want to live in France, you will have to learn to cope in French.  There really is no other option.

[quote user="Ron Avery"]Thanks Judith , its as clear as mud isn't it.  Yes, they specialise in confusion. I reckon!   However, even if O/H can get a small pension at age 60, its not clear what happens to that when I get to 65 and get my OAP.  We will have to ask the Pension Service as you suggested. If your o/h has only paid about 10 years worth which is I think the minimum no of years which will give her <any> pension, when you get to 65 and get your pension, if by claiming the married persons pension (ie your contributions give her a better pension than she could get in her own right), you transfer to that, and she "gives up" her conributions.  What happens if you conk out first, I don't know, as it doesn't apply to me, so I haven't researched that bit. [/quote] In my opinion, the better Lewis's advice to take is Paul Lewis, who writes for Saga Magazine, and he covered this very aspect not that long ago, sorry can't say which issue, but you could look on the Saga Web site and see what comes up.  Hope that helps at little, but like you, I am no expert!

Ron I think it depends on what and how many contributions the women has made in her own right.  I have paid all my life, will obtain a full state pension in my own right at 60, and will keep it for life.  Since I can get a better rate by my own contributions rather than piggy-backing on my husband's (which is where the married couples pension comes in) I stay with it.  I am not sure what happens if the husband has died, but some fraction of SERPS will come into it, and also whatever constitutes the widow's pension these days.  The definite answer will (should) come from the Pension service, which I have always found knowledgeable.  I agree, it is very confusing when they speak of a married couples pension - it too me some time to work out what would happen with us.  It is not usually made clear exactly what is meant by married persons pension, but it is (I believe) usually meant when the wife is using her husband's contributions to give her some pension when she does not have enough of her own, or when using his contribution will give her a better deal. Sorry if I've repeated myself, talk to the UK pension service.

Pads I've just been reading all the threads which happened last night when I was otherwise engaged, and went straight to bed when I got in, or I would have answered your question about perfect/ passe compose immediately.  (I see it took some time for you to get the answer!)  Fortunately I'm of the age when I learnt both English and French grammar pretty well, names and all, which I know does not happen now.  If you know how grammar works in your mother tongue you stand a much better chance of learning another language, as in most languages other than English a knowledge of the grammar rules (as evidenced by the long posting) is very much more important and without them it is much more difficult to learn anything but the basics. Having said all of that, and not having done any formal French lessons for over two years now,  I have to say that you put us all to shame in the work you put in to learn and (more importantly, and we know why you have to do this, but it is importantant for us all to do so) UNDERSTAND what and why it is correct.  As you can see, French is not an easy language to learn to a great depth (at any age), and I am eternally grateful that I had good teaching at that level when I was at school. However, unlike many on this forum, my school learning of French was of the type where oral (and even aural) work was not rated highly, and very little was done on that, hence I still struggle to speak and understand spoken French to a high level, whilst I can read well, and (with more practice) can write well enough too.  Fortunately, I find the odd glass of wine takes away the inhibtions when speaking, and I make loads of mistakes, to make myself understood.  Though the French say I speak French well, I think they are being their polite selves as they will be with anyone who makes the effort! As I have said before, and others on this posting have said before me, the questions you pose are valuable for all of us, and (in my case) continue to contribute to my returning memories of the language in the current absence of any formal training. So keep on questoning and keep on posting, you are doing just fine!

[quote user="cooperlola"]Crikey, Pads, I'm doubly impressed by your French learning now - I think you're well on the way to proving him wrong already.  You go, girl![/quote] Couldn't have said it better - indeed, you put us all to shame!  And with that spirit, you WILL prove him wrong! 

Pads, Sorry, I am misleading you, it is actually this thread, but since I read it at least two days ago .....  I only look at active posts, and just scroll down.  My guess is that very soon, even if the academie francaise don't like it, toyboy will be in very good use in colloquial French, if not already. 

[quote user="ErnieY"]We don't reckon books in numbers anymore but in linear metres of bookshelves [:-))] [/quote] I've stopped counting - but if I do it is in rooms not shelves.  Ashamed to say (as a librarian) that none are catalogued and I can't find some without a hunt - they are organised by size of shelf rather than subject in some cases!!!!  Both of us are hoarders especially of papers and books.  Lost cause, really!!!  BUT, I am looking forward to  having the time to read them all when I finally do retire and have nothing else to do (that last bit tongue in cheek, of course, before anyone else says, I don't know how I had time to work!!!!!!)

Didn't feel a thing - very fast asleep by that time.  Gather some in Central London did though.  Mind you, one of my mousetraps has disappeared - completely (having caught two mice yesterday!!)  Inanimate ones, that is, not a cat - weird or what !!!!!

[quote user="Pads"]Judith Im a girlie[:)] I know that big butch cat confuses many, but I will be coming back as a Tom cat one day. infact my pic is who this story is about , my ginger monster. [/quote] Pads, my apologies, don't quite know why I made that assumption!  Rushing this am, had to sign on at the job centre this afternoon - not the pleasantest of experiences, can't wait until I can give this job hunting lark up and get over to France permanently!  I have a friend who's had lots of "women's problems" and she once shocked her doctor by saying she was coming back as a fella next time, it was easier!  He (the doctor, of cousre!) didn't find it at all funny. !!!!! We gals have got to stick together you know! There was another thread earlier today about toyboys, as I recall, have the posts got confused?????

I think this has been a really useful posting.  I think Pads did brilliantly, and the corrections I found extremely helpful, I would have also fallen into the same traps as did Pads, though I am supposed to know much more French than he does ("A" level+)! Clair, the fact that even you as a French person can make mistakes shows just how difficult the French language can be, laying traps for the unwary.  You have nothing to apologise for, in fact, it encourages me, if you can make mistakes with all your knowledge, no-one will expect us English to be perfect in French! Pads, keep up the good work, from that little piece you are much better than you think you are!

[quote user="Bones"]Yes, there's definitely an element of "if you can't beat 'em join 'em" running through this thread. [:D] Where I lived in England, there was a quite large crossroads with two sets of lights (well, four). Occasionally they'd malfunction and it usually took quite a while to get them back up and running. It was interesting to note that - even during rush hour - there were no accidents whatsoever, not even any beeping of horns: folk just got on with it. [/quote] I have walked across the Oxford Circus junction (Regent St cossing with Oxford Street) when the lights have failed, several times.   Strangely the traffic flows much more smoothly than when controlled by lights.  This is also evident in other junctions in London - I walk a lot!  I sometimes think the traffic would flow much better if we got rid of all lights (but then I think well perhaps we should ban them altogether and let the pedestrians take over!!!!!)  Great fun also to see the grid lock and self-sustaining jams which occur when drivers are not considerate, when the lights are on - of course!  Having driven in Wales, "The North" and several parts of France where the tendency is to be more considerate of other drivers, I'd agree with bones that the phenomenon is indeed caused by consideration for others which seems to disappear once lights and other such instruments control the traffic.

Had to get a quote to mend our block's main front door lock in London - the engineer only turned out to live in the same village where my neice-in-law lived until she married, and he knows her mother (but since she is the village hairdresser this is not perhaps as surprising!). 

Andy How near do you want one?  When in France I'm based just west of Narbonne, but currently am President of my  club in London, so in London until the summer, though I'll be out again at Easter.

Thanks for the posts - yes, they have certainly started my list!  I shou  dhave remembered the govt site (tut, tut!), but the other posts are also helpful and saved me lots of time - now to read it all!!

Not quite the right place as this is UK - France, but somewhere I am sure in the past has been posted a list of what to do to arrange a permanent move to France.  This may now be for early retirement, but certainly for a planned retirement move.  If someone can point me in the right direction it will save me aeons of time plodding through the inadequate searching tool.  Many thanks.

News last night said it was an old warehouse, with asbestos in it (which is said to be safe etc) and was due for demolition today.  They also said it caused traffic chaos, which was not apparent in town, nor did I see any clouds when I went out.  So did it fall or was it pushed???  No-one in the Oplympic Delivery Authority seems very worried at any rate!  Fuss about nothing as far as I can see!

[quote user="Bastet"]Does anyone know what is involved in the change of train from the Eurostar to TGV at Lille? We have elderly friends who'd like to visit us in the spring but don't fly. They'd like to try the train but I'm worried in case they'd need to change platforms at Lille and if there aren't any lifts, they'd never manage stairs with suitcases. Also, are there lifts at Poitiers from the platforms to the main lobby? Thanks. [/quote] Lille is fine - escalators or lifts, up and down, done it many times.  Can be difficult to see the blue signs, but follow the throng.  You go up from Eurostar to the the main concourse, find the platform number and do a reverse (ie lifts/ escalators) down to the corrrect platform.  Probably the Bordeaux train (which sometimes goes onwards to Toulouse).  Lille Europe is a new station (and as I have said before on this forum, I would NEVER change in Paris with a reuired change of station as well, but always at Lille. However, sorry, cannot help with Poitiers as I have never used that station (only gone through it on the train).  However, I wouldn't be at all surprised that (a) either someone will help or (b) staff will assist.  I arrived at Narbonne in August encumbered with only a small suitcase, but a walking stick (don't pull your achilles tendon - it is not a good idea!), hubby as ususal waiting on the outside of the station.  But a very nice man helped me up the stairs with my case.  I have also had staff help me with a large suitcase before now. The timetables often try to reroute you via Paris or (as I see someone said) CdG, but unless they have changed the route since I used it last May (they are re-timed becuse of the quicker Eurostar I see for Chrismas but not that I am aware changed).  Resist this - you certainly will have fewer trains to choose from via Lille, but the mere simplicity of the change makes that an easy compromise. You do not say where they will be travelling from, but for example, the 8.50am (ish) Eursotar from St Pancras is timed to get in 30 mins before my (Perpignan) train leaves and the Bordeaux / Toulouse trains usually departs about the same time as the Perpignan one, so they do fix it to work out, even though they will never say that.  However, if they are going to Poitiers they may have a choice of trains which I going the further distance do not. I would say they would enjoy the train - I do, and don't fly now (as I have again said on this forum!). Hope that  helps

[quote user="shropshirelass"]I was told that you could change at Lille rather than Paris but it would appear that the TGV goes from Paris down to Bordeaux rather than from Lille - or at least that's what it says on the web site.  If it were via Lille it would be so much more convenient I agree. [/quote] This is rubbish - I have gone to Libourne (on the Bordeaux route) more than once, though fewer trains stop at Libourne, several more go onwards to Bordeaux and in May the 12.16 one from Lille went on from Bordeaux to Toulouse.  Use the SNCF site, NOT the TGV site, as they do not always link with all the possible connections, and will always give connections via Paris unless you state Lille.  I'd never change in Paris, however fast the train, had to get to somewhere in Paris (not a connection just a friends) from Gare du Nord and the most unfriendly luggage system barriers you could ever imagine exist on the metro.  Whereas at Lille it is lifts or esclators, and the same station.  I've just come back that way, so I speak the truth!!!

[quote user="cooperlola"] Any ideas - maybe slow cooking, a marinade etc - for getting over this?[/quote] I put cuisse straight into my [electric] slow cooker and leave them for the ususal length of cooking time (4/8 hours depending on whether high or low - or some variation in between).  No browning first, no added anything - cook in own fat, bones fall out, skin peels off, and the duck meat tastes delicious.  Occasionally I put a little extra fat in if I have any left from a previous cooking, but only if cuisse are not that fatty as they sometimes aren't in UK.  Don't believe in making anything more complicated than it needs to be!  PS my original slow cooker (still going strong - fingers crossed) dates back to mid-70s, bought smaller newer ones more recently, but not a patch on the original.  Couldn't live wihout it.

[quote user="TWINKLE"] We went for the lovely paella meal last night and it was a great evening.  It was in the Foyer Municipale and not at the stade because of the miserable weather - but it was still good and they put out a big carpet for the traditional donkey ceremony! Last summer I filled in for one of the female vocalists in the band 'Tutti Fruti' who play at Raissac every year and I really liked the village atmosphere there.  This is why I went this year with my tribe - so I could catch up with the band and eat Manolos' fab paella. [/quote] Twinkle - paella! - he only mentioned the moules (which he hates!), but I gather I will have his version of events when I arrive on Saturday.  I'll be interested in what he says about the donkeys!  And there was I hoping to be able to wear my shorts when I arrive, seems I'd better put them away until next year. Many thanks, I find this forum makes me (a) want to be there (b) keeps me sane until I can be!!!!

[quote user="TWINKLE"] then to the village fete in Raissac for the great paella meal this evening.  I was hoping that the weather further down would be warmer.  [/quote] Twinkle, how was the fete in Raissac, hubby told me he had paid to go, but not told me (back here in blighty) how it all went.  Is it really that cold?  I'd better wear a thicker jumper than planned when I set off on Sat at that rate!  Always a fraction warmer in London than outside so very difficult to tell, but even in London today I am wearing a cardi, and it is still August!

ErnieY I couldn't agree more - we sent ours well in advance also.  Don't spoil the ship for a ha'porth of tar, as the saying goes.  If you are too pennypinching you may loose all.

Arrived tunnel Calais to UK (several years ago now), late, it was getting dark, car (old) had broken down several times, loosing water etc, pulled over to customs.  Carrying wine in car, suitcases in boot (better for weight loading you know).  Where been etc, what's in the suitcase - clothes - any cigarettes  etc.  My reply, horrible habit, etc, just as my husband asked if he could borrow the search light to look in the engine so he could fill up the radiator.  At which point the customs man realised the utter futility of hassling some one more concerned about the car than anything else .... Flying back from Carcassonne Aug 2006 just after the security clampdown, wearing summer sleeveless dress which fitted where it touched, still frisked (I really don't know where they thought I might be able to hide anything under that dress!!!!). Don't fly anymore, (too much hassle) or drive (no car in UK since congestion charge) so use train to get to France.  Almost civilised!