frenchplace

The word dago is as offensive to some as is Nigger. Nigger actually is not racist... Look it up. Ignorant *****.. D

No not tought at all. Anyone who is racist deserves the full force of the law. Even when joking. They should all be beaten to within an inch of theri lives. Racist comment removed and warning given.

Do you know the average Brit on holiday in France spends £80 per day? I have 3 cottages with 3 bedrooms in each. I have 49 weeks booked this year so far. Taking an average of 4 persons per cottage that would mean my little enterprise ALONE brings into the local community about 169,000 euros, every year. That does not count the income tax I pay not the money I have spent locally doing the place up. This does not include the benefits to the community caused by the local airport and car hire and so on. A month ago I complained to the Mayor because my neighbour’s dogs barks incessantly day and night. (For some reason he has 4 in a tiny bungalow). I had asked them to stop the dogs but they simply leave them tied up all day and go out to work. (Yea we all see it)…. I explained to the Mayor that this noise interferes with the guests’ enjoyment. His reaction was most unpleasant, he treated me as though I had asked him to speak English. He told me I was lucky to live here and should not complain. ‘You English think you own the region’. He really is a foul man, reeks of garlic and wine at 2 in the afternoon. I gently pointed out that the business was a significant source of income for the local shops etc…. He explained that the shops were there before I came along and would be there after I had left….. Of course I don’t think I own the region (I own more of it than the fat Mayor does) but I do think my business benefits the area and if he allows guests to be put off it will be at his cost as well as mine. My place went on the market the day after my meeting with the Mayor. Shortly after that, about 3 weeks ago I met him in the local shop (the owners of which are on excellent terms with us…. for obvious reasons). He was most congenial (this before his daily lunchtime fill of rough wine) and enquired as to why I was selling up. I replied, quite loudly, that if I could not rely on his support I may as well close. Of course he acted flabbergasted and waved his arms in protest. I reminded him that he had told me the shops had been there before me and would be after me…. Equally as loudly. I then left the shop refusing his fat hand, which he offered in a rather late attempt at reconciliation. It seems THAT really is a big insult, esp if you do it in front of other people. … Wooops. I have over the last few weeks delighted in making it known in the local café and two restaurants why I am closing down. The support I have had from them has been great. They all knew the wreck that was here before I bought it and turned it into a business, mainly for my benefit but also for the benefit of the whole community. OK they will not lose out, another Brit will buy this and still have guests, but I was the one who started the business and the locals know that. Is there any ‘Gite Owners’ lobby’ in France? Organised properly we could be a very significant force…. (French and Brits). Not for me but for those who are staying I think maybe it is time ‘the worm turned’. I'm off back to the UK.... God how I miss the UK, civilised people, cafes with no dogs, safer drivers, a psotal system you can trust so don't have to register EVERYTHING.... David.

I meant naturists.... of course. Or as some prefer to call them ...'perverts exposng themselves to my 10 year old'.... D

I find them neither. But I did fall out with my neighbour.... He and his wife are both naturalists (which is quite common here) and I objected to his being naked around his garden (in sight from my own).... He insisted it was OK here but when I asked the police they had other ideas. has anyone else had this problem. (I would not have minded myself.... but our guests wolud). Dave

Before registering for tax in France I was also commuting. I had a job in the Uk and lived in France. My wife and children also lived in France. I had to pay Uk tax all the time I was employed there but I only was I the Uk about 30 days per year (the nature of the job). While in the Uk I paid NI contributions and by getting a form 109 from Newcastle (social services) I was able to get a green card for myself, wife and kids. (it is a reciprocal thing). The form is good for 5 years and the only thing is I have to re-apply each year to the French for a new green card (a formality). I have spoken to various so called experts who do not even know about this simple reciprocal system ... I advise you contact Newcastle (HQ for social services) and ask them. When I did this I had a green card in about 2 weeks and have used it often over here (in France. I was not allowed to claim Child benefit by the way the moment the children moved to France. I figured this was unfair. I am now on UK Incapacity benefit (payable in France) and... Hey presto I am now allowed to claim child benefit...... Hope this is of use to you... I can give you numbers and more info on PM if you are interested. Dave PS I have now had all my UK tax repaid for the last 3 years. DO NOT apply for a rebate under the double tax rules... this will mean you have to pay French Tax... You can apply due to limited days spent in UK. (Of course this wil apply only if you spend less than 90 dyas per year in UK ... or can show that). Remember... there is more than one way to get UK tax repaid and double taxation way is the worst.... D