RumziGal

I'm with TU et al, for a number of reasons. 1. I enjoy working in a "real" job, so I'm quite happy doing that in England right now.   I did go down the route of menial work in France, on the grounds that it was better than nothing, but the novelty soon wore off.    Minimum wage work is no fun in any country. 2. Cost of living.  To my shock, I've found that house prices here in Hampshire aren't so different from those in Montpellier.  Certainly same ball park.   Yes, property taxes are a bit higher, but we pay almost 1500 euros a year in Montpellier, so again, we're jogging onto the same ball park. 3. Social life.  So much easier in England.  People are more willing to go out in the evenings, and it's nice to have pubs to meet in, rather than having to cook for people if you want to spend time with them.    There are pubs with free music sessions, there are dances for me to play at.      4. Food.  You eat what you want, wherever you are.  If I want to eat lettuce, I'll buy it from the supermarket here.   You don't have to buy processed food, even here.   As for eating out, again it comes down to money.   For me, it's the going out that counts, and I'd rather be able to afford to go out for an Indian than not afford to go out for 3 courses of lettuce and duck and creme brulee. 5. Social problems.   Pretty much the same in both countries.  Our village tabac has had an armed hold up, there are burned out cars, blah blah blah.   Traffic?    Yes, outside the towns it's bad, but again, Montpellier is heading in the same direction at huge speed.   The desire to fill up every little space with houses and flats is something else that the two places have in common.   Someone mentioned secure houses - in our French village the new housing estate is full of 2-metre high walls and big gates, and in Baillargues there's one estate that gets locked at night.  So yes, secure housing already exists in France. Disadvantages of Englandshire?   Skies are often grey, but hey, there's beer here!   And Hungarian wine!   The Daily Mail is a Very Bad Thing, but you don't have to read it.  If one lives like many Brits live in France, in blissful ignorance of local matters, one doesn't feel nearly so bad.   Haven't had contact with schools, but children seem to have a much wider and more varied experience than French children, what with brass bands, school orchestras, practical things in school like cookery and woodwork, school trips (including to France!) and so on, none of which my son has ever had in French school. In short, after a  month, I feel okay in England, and I don't think there's anything I miss from France for the moment, except obviously my family.  There's just a wider range of things to do here, and there isn't the same need to conform that there is in France.  People are definitely freer to be themselves here. Maybe after a couple more months (my contract runs till June) I'll be desperate to get back to France?   We shall see.   It'll be nice to see the dog again!  [:D] Happy New Year to you all.  xxxxxxx                  

[quote user="Dick Smith"]Who is it? It's all too subtle for me. Merry Christmas, whoever you are! [/quote] Mr Smith, you hairy old Malteser, a very merry Christmas to you too! And TU is back!     All is well with the world.   [:)]  

I've had to change my name, but I'm sure you all know who it is.   Oh yes you do! I am currently contracted to Englandshire for 6 months, and having a rare old time, out every night, I have a real social life thing going on, a real job, and a TV that talks English. Have a lovely Christmas, y'all, wherever you are.  [:D] SB