Rose

I did it [:$]

Hello A few days ago I purchased some gardening things on-line... we bought a couple of new digging fork, some seed/plug trays and some loppers.  I'd looked around on-line in France and then searched elsewhere too for price comparisons and I found this site http://www.thegardensuperstore.co.uk/ I asked if I could get Parcels Please to collect the goods and they were happy to oblige.  They emailed me dimensions and weight of the parcels so that I could arrange for collection. I dont normally provide recommendations but the chap was so helpful, we got the goods in just a few days and the prices were really good... I have no other connection to the site. If you're looking for gardening equipement they maybe worth a look.

[quote user="idun"]These programs, what can I say. They make me feel slightly embarrassed, I find myself wincing and they put me off visiting these places. [/quote] Idun - I'm going to ask you the same question that I asked David... as I really dont understand... what has made you feel embarrassed?  And in what way... why do you need to feel embarrassed... in front of whom?  Sorry I'm just trying to understand as I'm not seeing things to make me wince and contrary to you I've seen lots of places and thought, mmm... that's pretty... I'd like to go there for a visit.  Maybe you can point out the actual parts of the programme that do this?  (also, why are you still watching if you dislike it so much [:)] ) I'm sorry but I'm really struggling to understand this kind of comment... I can understand that it's not your kind of programme...  I would imagine Eastenders and Strickly would also be no-go areas for you (I dont watch either) ... but can you just explain, which people... which footage... which places... as I think we're watching different things?  There have been a few eccentric people of course (as in life) but on the whole I've found folks to be very nice.  And, I have seen folks having meals with their neighbours, working with french colleagues and even for french employers, going to French dog shows... french fetes, french markets, providing a service to french folks... I've seen all of each programme so maybe you and David have only seen small clips and have the wrong impression?  It sounds like I'm trying to preach or convert everyone... I'm really not.  I get it that this kind of TV is not for everyone and I respect that... I just feel a bit sad for the people in the programme who have done nothing to warrent such comments from so many people on so many forums... personally I just feel it's a bit mean. Clearly we're not all going to like the same things and we're all different - but I do get the feeling that this is just an easy target as it's Brits in the Dordogne (apart from that it's Brits in SW France in reality).   To be honest, the world is a big place and if this corner of France doesn't float your boat then there are lots of other places to visit and countless people to meet.   There are many things I see on the TV that make me feel embarrassed but watching a few folks making a new life for themselves in an honest, hardworking way is not one of the things I find difficult to watch.

[quote user="David Watton"]According to my French tutor who I see every week my Subjunctive,Conditional,Passé simple,Passé composé are quite good also the Imperfect subjunctive so please do not try to insult me as if you are superior.Stick to the issue and do not try to detract from my main theme. Also I would not involve myself in such a purile program(me)[/quote] David - without adding fuel to the flames, I got the impression Sweets was simply asking you a question... how is your subjunctive getting on... maybe I missed something but I saw nothing to suggest she was insulting you?  Or is there some history I'm missing? On the other hand I do feel somewhat miffed by some of your comments... and I also wonder if we're actually talking about the same programme?  Perhaps you could explain what it is that you find so shameful and purile?  And, maybe offer some ideas as to what the programme should include?  Or maybe explain the programmes that you do enjoy?  I'm really not trying to make light of your comments - just trying to understand them.

I've not been there... but everytime we get away for a few days I generally see somewhere and I think to myself... I could live there [:D]

Thank you  [:$] I should also add that whilst I love the Dordogne I also love other areas of France too... in fact there are so many wonderful places and I'm sure there are very many interesting and lovely people.  Maybe they'll make another series in another location?  Perhaps we could then get to see where 'you' live?

[quote user="David Watton"]Having a house in the Dordogne I decided to venture out to Eymet to see if anyone there new about this appalling programme, this was in October'11. I talked to the local tourist office and nobody new about the program, the local bars had heard of the program but nobody watched it as they felt it was a disgrace,I did eventually speak to a person who apparently had featured in the Choir and she was shown on the programme. She informed me that the Dordogne was a large area (like I needed to know) and that very little of this programme was featured in the Eymet area. There are a number of villages in this area that have Eymet as part of their name but nobody could tell me were this programme was filmed, I believe it is a disgrace to the mass number of the British who have happily integrated with the local French community, learning the language and their way of life. I think the producers of this programme should be ashamed, also the participants.[/quote] As many of you will know (or have guessed)  I live in the Dordogne... and I make no secret of my love of my new adopted home. I have watched all of the series so far and I have enjoyed everyone... well maybe not the Colonel (very sweet man but not my cup of tea)... but the rest I've enjoyed.  I think it has shown a great number of very nice people intergrating and making a life and earning a living in their new home.   I've enjoyed 'meeting' the Alpaca family, the farmer/butcher, the dog groomer, the young lady who is training to be a chef, the photographer come grape picker, Mr Murphy and his lake, the recent wine producer and the choir master... and the couple with the camp-site and bowling green. What I don't understand is why so many forum folk have felt it is ok to make jokes or unpleasant comments about all these people.  Is it so wrong to enjoy a full life in France whilst still enjoying a nice cup of tea, or a plate of fish and chips, or whatever it is you miss from the UK?  Are you a lesser person, less well intergrated or not-quite-such-a-good-expat if you have a hobby that you're passionate about and have found it catered for in your new country (lawn bowls)?  This week I booked a slot with the shoping man for December... I'm going to do a Tesco Christmas Shop with lots of traditional goodies that the family like at Christmas... does this somehow make me less intergrated?  Tosh... is what I say. I do accept that the programme could have shown people who are struggling to make a living, or finding it harder to settle, or maybe show that not having the language can be a huge barrier for some folks... but the programm is light entertainment, it is showing a region of France where some Brits live... so maybe this will explain why it's not covering these other topics? I dont think anyone needs to be ashamed and I'm sorry but I dont understand why the programme is upsetting so many people (on here and other forums).  It shows my beautiful Dordogne off in all her glory and I'm looking forward to meeting more folks in the coming episodes. And as Sweets has already said... if you dont like it dont watch... that way you wont feel so upset.

[quote user="NormanH"]Beware of cradle snatchers [6] [/quote] oooh Norman... what can you mean! [Www]

[quote user="Richard51"]Rose - you are only just out of the crib! [/quote] [:D] xx

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Dear friends, thank you so much for these lovely replies... I must admit they brought a tear to my eye but they also made it clear how I should respond. Late last night I emailed my friend - we communicate a great deal over the net so this seemed the most natural way for us.  I spoke openly about her illness and her time left and spoke of how much we all think of her... I tried to write in the same way that I would have always done.  As I mentioned, she's not one of 'best' friends (I hope that doesn't sounds rude... it's not intended) but she is a lady that I've got to know over recent years and whom I like a great deal.  Anyway, this morning I had a reply... a very open letter and very touching and one where she has opened her heart and secrets to me.  She said how nice it was to be able to chat about things and not shy away from subjects like her funeral.  I think maybe because we're not close and I dont knew her family she has been able to talk to me in a way that she can't those closer to her? We're planning to continue to email until  it's no longer possible for her and I feel glad that whilst I'm not there, I am able to do something that may help. Thank you again for your kind words and for helping me do this xx

Hello lovely people I learned today that a friend in the UK is terminally ill and has just a couple of months left.  She's been ill for a year and only just let people know.  She's not a 'best' friend but she is a lady that always has a kind word and is just a lovely person.  I was thinking of writing to her - there is little I can do to help in France but I feel sad for her as her husband died a few years ago and she has no children.  Having said this she has some wonderful friends who are supporting her. I'm struggling to think of  what to write, I dont know if she has any faith.  Have any of you faced this situation before?  Any advice would be most welcome.

[quote user="Quillan"]Coops, I only saw the bit about the girl training to be a chef and that she got an award, I thought that was fairly normal (good for her I thought) and you mentioned a couple of others but do you really consider it a balanced program based on your experience in France of how us English behave? Do you watch it because it's funny rather than 'real'? Does any of the characters make you cringe? [/quote] The young chef was great wasn't she... I do sort of agree with you about the balance Q... the series is only part way through so maybe they will spend some time with a more mixed bag of people?  The lady working in the vines was a good example of someone working hard to earn a living - in fact I think most of the people featured have been working to support their lives in France.  They do seem to be showing people who have made a success of their lives in France.  Do you think they should include a few that have found it a struggle to settle or perhaps had to face illness or not been able to find work?  Maybe there is more to come? I watch it mainly because it's the Dordogne/France.   I am curious to see how we're portrayed but if it was a programme like this but set in Spain or Australia or USA I most proabably wouldn't watch.  Not because I would think it was bad but simply because it wouldn't have the same interest. The only character so far that made me really shout at the TV was the colonel chappie... I think most people would have found him a tad irratating

[quote user="Benjamin"]Rose wrote: And we dont want to be like those other ex-pats in southern Spain... do we? Is that from personal experience Rose or have you been watching those UK TV programmes again?  [Www] [/quote] Actually Benjamin - you're right... sorry [:$]

[quote user="Quillan"][quote user="Rose"] Isn't this an English community?  Some folks spend a great deal of time here (for many different reasons) learning and asking and chatting... mainly in English.  [/quote] A valid point and yes your right. I shall ask Mrs Q to give me a kick up the backside for being hypocritical. [:(]     Ouch! [:'(] [/quote] [:D]

[quote user="NormanH"] From 2012 people wishing to take French (and presumably dual) Nationality will have to show a higher level of French: [/quote] Well there you go... shows how little I know as I thought I would have to lose my British Nationality if I wanted to have a French one.  I never realised you could have a dual Nationality - no idea why, I think I just assumed that was the case.  And coops you're so right - you never know when you'll really need to understand the language well.  When I was having my treatment my french improved no end - but mainly because I had a decent enough knowledge before hand.  My french is far from perfect but people were happy to correct me and just generally talking improved my understanding ... I used to have two, hour long, physio sessions a week  and we talked about everything and anything.... if I'd had none or very little french I think this would have been a nightmare and I feel so sorry for folks in that situation.  It would be a very scary and isolating time and I can see why lots of people chose to return to the UK in such circumstances (if they're able). Certainly when I was learning french I used to think I have to be able to converse and help my son at school - I never considered that I may be ill... it is something that folks should consider.

[quote user="Quillan"] I can't really see the point in living in an English environment in a foreign country. Sure I can understand these groups when people are working like in one of the Arab states under contract etc but to effectively emigrate and join an English community, well whats the point or is it they really want England in the sun. In which case wouldn't Spain be a better bet being more set up for them. [/quote] Isn't this an English community?  Some folks spend a great deal of time here (for many different reasons) learning and asking and chatting... mainly in English.  We have a book club and swap recipes and there is great deal of concern when a member becomes ill or is having difficulties.  We may not meet up for dinner once a fortnight but I think it is most certainly a community and not a typical local french one either.  I have met a few folks from here as a direct result of the forum and I now consider them friends... there are also people I've not met who have helped me a great deal when I needed help and I also consider them friends (my mother in law described them as old fashioned pen-friends... which is a good description I guess). I not a dinner party kind of girl and I too try and avoid that whole 'keeping up with the jones' set - we had them in the UK as well as here in France... but I do meet up with english friends and I very much enjoy the company of fellow ex-pats.  Many of my friends have children my son's age.  All of the children could be taken for French - they speak perfect french, go to french schools and clubs and have a good group of french friends... but they all seem to very much enjoy the company of their english friends.  Oddly, they seem far more english than us (the adults) and have no split loyalty when it comes to things like the rugby.   They all seem to love their lives in France, all seem very happy and settled but they hold on to their British identity.  So maybe we all do in one way or another - given the opportunity... maybe we all just enjoy a good chat in our mother tongue?  I used to worry about needing to find French friends and being sure I involved myself in the community - after all we're here to live the French life aren't we?  And we dont want to be like those other ex-pats in southern Spain... do we?  However, the years have mellowed me.  I enjoy the company of my french friends but I no longer feel that my ex-pat friends are a guilty secret.  I enjoy the company of all my friends here (British, Dutch, American, French and Turkish) - I now consider my life much richer for them being around and I count my blessings... it's a great feeling to no longer be restricted by the worries of people I dont know [:$]

[quote user="sueyh"]Did anyone watch on Monday. I could not believe what I was watching when they spoke to the pompous p**t. It's people like him who give us ex-pats a bad name. Or is it just me that thought that. Suey[/quote] Oh I was shouting at him and Midge or whatever his lady friend was called... just glad he lives in the Lot-et-Garonne!  You're right Sweet - you could not invent him!  I could say so many things about him... but I think it's best to keep some things to yourself [Www] I still love the sausage man and his family... and the alpaca man, he seemed a very nice chap too.  I could happily share a coffee with them but Lord what's-his-face... I'd be off in the other direction if I saw him coming I'm afraid [:$] I am also still loving the scenery - there is some lovely footage.  How do you reckon they filmed the overhead stuff?

[quote user="Chancer"] Oh and while we are at it the menopause does not exist in France [/quote] flippin fantastic... at least I don't have that to worry about that now that I live here [:D]

I dont think so idum... certainly my neighbout said just crise... she said if I have three they'll cut it out [:-))]  I hope she doesn't mean my liver [:D]

[quote user="idun"] And crise the foie, well that is particularly french. As I have never had it, from what I can gather it is due to the excessive eating of rich foods and in some ways is quite understandable after the eating orgies of the revillons. Symptoms, well, it varies, and I know people feel really ill with it,  stomach pains and feel sick, maybe are sick, could have vertigo and I've known of friends to have head aches too . The thing is that people know when they have this.   [/quote] I'm no doctor so I could be wrong but I have had a couple of dreadful attacks of pain on my right side.  My doctor thinks it could be my gallbladder (which he says is not uncommon after a thyroidectomy)... anyway, he and my neighbour have both described it as the 'crise' - not sure if its the same thing?   [8-)] By the way DD, I sent you a pm

[quote user="Christine Animal"]After a nice bath using Pears Transparent Soap (that's another I'd love to be able to buy).   [/quote] I have a friend that loves this soap and I tried to buy her some for a birthday but I think I read that the original 'recipe' has finished... so the message was at the time buy it if you want now as it will soon be gone... which is sad if true... I guess it's a sign of the times? AnOther...did I read on here once a recipe for crumpets... I am very tempted to make some but if I do I'd eat them all and that wouldn't be very good for the diet! [:$]

oh you have to stop... I'm now thinking of hot, toasted, buttered crumpets followed by a cup of tea and ginger biscuits [:D]

[quote user="AnOther"]IMO it's puerile predictable rubbish and TBH I'm struggling to relate to any of the people featured. On the positive side it's reinforced our decision to eschew that area of Dordognshire when we were property hunting. Each to their own though [;-)] [/quote] Oh, I know I shouldn't do this but... well... that's a bit mean AnOther.  I think the people shown have been great and nothing like I imagined.  Some of them I would love to meet and share a coffee with... some of them perhaps I'd not have too much in common with, but on the whole they seem like nice, decent, honest people. Sorry you  think the Dordogne is so dreadful... why?  Because of the scenery?  Because of the ex-pat community?  Last time I was in Moncuq market I reckon half the voices were english, Cahor (one of my favourite places by the way) also has it's fair share of ex-pats.  France has very many beautiful regions and I could live in many of them.  I have friends who live not a million miles away from you and they tell me that the ex-pat scene is alive and well in the Lot too?  Can't we just enjoy the programme for what it is? [:$] [:$]

[quote user="NormanH"] I just recently had a craving for Branston Pickle, with good Cheddar cheese.[:(] [/quote] I have one now Norman [:D]  (how are you?) I can get cheddar easily at the cheese counter at Carrefour but I've not seen branston... so I'm going to try and make some now! I'm really enjoying watching the programme.  It's great to show friends back home where we live; it is showing what a beautiful region this is.  So far almost all of the people I've watched have been interesting and it's nowhere near as bad I thought it would be... but we're only part way through! I've used the shopping service a couple of times in the past and it was very useful, these days I've found substitutes for most things and I think preferences change over time too... but I always get Robinsons Squash and Self Raising Flour (and pickle) if anyone is driving over... it's interesting how they made it seem that the shopping comes direct from the UK to the Dordogne, rather then distribution throughout France and beyond [8-)]