Phil 1968 Posted January 11, 2008 Author Share Posted January 11, 2008 Thanks Mackyfrance, thats just the thing i'm looking for, it's good to have a bigger picture, and all the nooks and crannies explored.The end result i am looking for is a better future for my children (number 1), a rewarding experience for my work and a better retirement outlook(not monetary but quality). If the good people of the forums would like to give me their experience on the age of children, I would be grateful.Phil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon Posted January 12, 2008 Share Posted January 12, 2008 Thank you Cooperlola....for that warm welcome.....Moving here to France was, of course a huge move but we did not have children to concider.I understand what is being said about B and B and I agree...probably in many areas there are too many.I was attracted to Normandy..as a place to settle ...I found a house in Charente which we both loved but not for my market...my clients will be drawn to the wine chateaux aand the season begins vaguely in May and ends after the wine harvest in Oct.For someone rather young wanting to set-up something like a campsite...with their children to concider I will say that perhaps it is the wrong time to move.Property in UK is really at question ...so if you have something to sell...it will be difficult.If you have a job in uk hold on to it...for the moment.However I suggest that over the next few years you try to think of something different...try and find an opportunity which may not have been explored yet...or too much.Use your spare time to research and go towards a challenge.At least in UK at this present time you have family to support...emotionallyIt was interesting to learn that the French do not seem to Embrace ther arts and IT in their teaching and I had wondered deep down why the French...as a nation are not really artistic...and indeed very imaginative.Now I know.With some exceptions...of course the restaurants have stood still with time and the owners have become a little complaisant.That attitude is not a componant for survival.Staying Mr Average is not good enough.The good restaurants in my area work...they certainly do.My fav restaurant serves modern French cuisine and and he has a good command of flavours.They have...in the garden beautiful pet chickens originating from many different countries and 3 very beautiful cats who are adored by the customers.The same goes with C deH the well managed ones work well.When I say work well....make a living...possably with supported by another working interest.So coming to France you need to put in that little extra...Not everyone can do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Posted January 14, 2008 Share Posted January 14, 2008 When I read forum threads I often notice that many people concentrate on the differences between France and the UK (or USA, Germany, Canada et al) and this can be useful in helping people compare and contrast the two countries.And while there are differences I can't help noticing that in (my) reality there seem to be far more similarities. The world is getting smaller and Paris is very similar to London (or New York, Berlin etc) - large metopolitan cities in wealthy developed countries have a similar feel and the people all seem to share similar hopes, fears and grumbles.Likewise rural village life in western European democracies whether that is Shropshire, Gers or Bavaria - are broadly speaking similar again.The little nuances of difference are often far more insignificant than the differences in people (and the thoughts of those people) experiencing them. I might like New York(or Paris) and you may not. I might never want to work for someone else while you may dream of a long career in a big company....What might be an arduous, tedious, paperwork-filled slog for one person might be the dream of a owning their own idyllic campsite for someone else. Personally I wouldn't fancy running a campsite in France ... but then again I find it hard to believe that running a campsite in England would be anymore my cup of tea either.If you do fancy it - and have done your research / due diligence - then I say go for it! Bonne courage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil 1968 Posted January 14, 2008 Author Share Posted January 14, 2008 Thanks Ian, the big thing that I am looking for in a move is ' would it be better for me and my family'.Looking for the similar things that would make such a move a more positive thing, can only be good, so thanks for that thought. It can't be about the house, there are many magnificent house in England, in many magnificent towns and villages. To work for yourself or an employer, will be roughly the same in both countries, both requiring hard work and 100% commitment to enable you to survive, let alone succeed. It has got to be about the quality of day to day life, the reasons to get up and put in the effort to enjoy life, knowing that your children will benefit from your decisions rather than follow the pavements to an unknown end. There are many very successful people in England, I want to make a difference to the outcome of my children's future, enjoying the experience in a better 'quality of life'.Will they have a better future in France? The golden question!Phil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patf Posted January 14, 2008 Share Posted January 14, 2008 Phil - what do you mean by "a better future"? Do you mean in educational terms, job opportunities, making money? Or do you mean being allowed to develop a value system beyond that of having the best car/house/ clothes etc.? What does it mean to you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 Interigation? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raindog Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 [quote user="Phil 1968"]Will they have a better future in France? Phil.[/quote]Why on earth should they?[8-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilly Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 Phil my parents emigrated to South Africa when I was nealry 13 and it was awful for me, but at least the language wasn't a big problem as just about everyone spoke English and I did learn Afrikaans at school, but it was hard being an emigrant and for that reason I would not put my kids through what I went through, we had lots of chances to go abroad and live when they were young but I think unless your kids are really young it can be very traumatic for them, especially if they don't speak the language, Our kids have left home now and we are embarking on a great adventure by moving to France in April, we are lucky in a sense because my husband works in Paris and will commute, we also have been having French classes for the last year in preparation for our move.If you are really determined, have you looked for camp sites that are up for sale? This way it is already an established business and a lot of people tend to go back to where they have been before.Could be worth looking in to. I would also have thought with you being a mechanic that you could make a living in France doing that with the English people living there already .Good luck whatever you decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eos Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 [quote user="DebandChris"]Phil my parents emigrated to South Africa when I was nealry 13 and it was awful for me, but at least the language wasn't a big problem as just about everyone spoke English ...but it was hard being an emigrant and for that reason I would not put my kids through what I went through,[/quote]My parents moved when I was 7 and again when I was 8, firstly from one English speaking country to another and then back to a different part of the original country.My accent was never right in either location as I was either too stuck up, in their opinion, or just talked funny. I was also bullied after the first move because of where I was from. I now have an accent that I'm told is hard to place which saddens me a little as I'm proud of where I'm from and changing it was, I guess, an unconscious defence decision. Plus I live in neither place now anyway!Do what you think will work out for the best for the family as a whole, as my parents did.Remember though that a parents place is in the wrong!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil 1968 Posted January 15, 2008 Author Share Posted January 15, 2008 Hmmmm Raindog, you dont seem very happy at all! why the negative?? do you have any more to offer as an inspiration for leaving a sinking country ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 Why oh why are these peopleo negative!Everyone is different...they are not prepared accept it.Some of them offering advise have not moved to France..They do not see a sin king country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil 1968 Posted January 15, 2008 Author Share Posted January 15, 2008 Thank you Debbie and Eos for the age related remarks, they are very important for the decision making. Thanks Jon also, an ally in hiding LOL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 jon, you have a PM. You can pick it up by clicking on Private Messages on the 'first' page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacqui Too Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 [quote user="jon"] Why oh why are these peopleo negative![/quote]I don't see negativity, I see realism, Just because you don't like what people are saying doesn't mean it's not true![quote user="jon"]Everyone is different...they are not prepared accept it.[/quote]I agree 'Jon' everyone is different, and so is their opinion. You don't seem to have grasped the gist of a forum , its a place where people come together to discus a common interest, in this case France.[quote user="jon"]Some of them offering advise have not moved to France..[/quote]I do not live in France, and I don't wish to. I must be one of those rare people that is happy where I live and with my life in the UK [:D][quote user="jon"]They do not see a sin king country.[/quote]Well I must be wearing those funny rose coloured specs then [:-))] 'Phil 1968' I hope you appreciate that most of the contributors have given you good advice and that you can have an open mind to the positive and negative aspects of life in France and you are wise to ask for help.I am a dreamer too and I have always dreamed of having a house in France, last year my dream came true, our purchase when through without difficulties, we had/still have a wonderful agent who has helped us through planning, gaining devis's, reconnecting services, a real gem.My dream was only the seed, it has been living it that is reality.Good luck, but do this with your eyes wide open. [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tresco Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Some of the people who don't live in France know far more about France and its foibles than I do. I would never discount someones advice or opinion because of where they live or have lived. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raindog Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 [quote user="Phil 1968"]Hmmmm Raindog, you dont seem very happy at all! why the negative?? do you have any more to offer as an inspiration for leaving a sinking country ??[/quote]I just don't see why moving to France will give your children a "better future"Both our sons were educated and brought up here. They both have great qualifications in their fields, one, after endless searching in France, has managed to find a job in Switzerland and the other is serving in a video shop (and feels lucky to have landed the job) and will soon be moving to Vienna with his Austrian partner.Is England really that bad these days? I rarely get back now.It certainly gets alot of boot from some people on the forum [:D]Follow your heart and good luck(and don't ask too much advice, it'll spoil the whole project. If you've got the guts to move, just do it) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Jaqui....what is real to you is within your life.You live in Shropshire?I have been living my life in London in the heart of everthing.I am neither stupid nor ignorant of what has been evolving around me over the years.I have been extreemly happy with my work in London and my network of friends....[.some of them go back to school days].They are all so different from each other with different asperations and different life styles.Many of them live outside London and some of them desire to leave the country.Some of them have a home in UK and a holiday home in France....just like many of the forum members who have directed their attentions to my views.One of my friends lives in UK and has a job which many people would enjoy...very specialised and very interesting but she longs to leave UK and be in her French property full time....due to family ties she is unable to make that move just yet.I report to you the facts...the inside view of London..Not a glance from visitor to who goes to London for the buzz...a visit to a few restaurants, a concert at the Wembley....Tate modern.I have lived there.London is the capitol of everything British and indictater of the future ..[.and always holds its wonderful historic past].People are drawn them from all over the world to find their fortunes...and they often do because they can find very well paid jobs.Most of these people are youngsters...in their twenties...and they all tell me the same story"London is great....I will stay here and make some money for a few years then I am going home"Yes I know about the all night shopping and I lived in walking distance to The Royal Albert Hall and Holland Park,Simon Cowells house....Marks and Spencer.Some times it it feels right to move on to something differentI am not sure how many of you are wearing the rose coloured glasses.Shropshire and parts of Berkshire are nice places to live and I am sure that happiness can be achieved by living in two homes and in two countries....but each persons desires and circumstances are very different.I think that I understand that a forum is a place to express your views.. and to listien to the views of others..I seem to be receiving personal critisism....and lots of it....and ...of course I will retaliate.It is possably all the negativity I have receieved over the last few months from the forum plus the information which I have received from UK which has added a few clouds to my sky.However sunshine is imminent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patf Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Jon - it's interesting that you say that England is "sin king". Apart from the implication that it's full of sinners [6] the country really is slowly sinking into the sea, tipping down from north to south. And I think the rate is speeding up! More floods at the moment, sadly. So perhaps we are leaving a sinking ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil 1968 Posted January 16, 2008 Author Share Posted January 16, 2008 Thats much better raindog, thank you! Yes England really is that bad and with no bright sunshine on the horizon plans need to be made and advice taken. I have been reading other forums in here, and there is a wealth of 'knowledge' to be found, one quote that hit me was " sometimes, it isn't what you are going to but what you are leaving ". If it was me alone, I would pack my car tonight and head off, as a parent I have a responsibilty to my children to find them the best chance in life. Jon, you have made some very valid points and I welcome all genuine comments, good or bad, it builds up the bigger picture.Patf, HEAR HEAR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keni Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Hi,I know of a family that did just that in the Dordogne area, but unfortunately, they were eventually beaten by the French paperwork. I can only suggest that from their experience, they found a site that was actually owned by the commune, and they ran it for the Mairie. It was successful, but they bought it off the commune and that is when things went wrong.It might pay for you to look at the specific area you want to move to, and then start contacting the local Mairies' to see if they know of anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonbus53 Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I'd like to add my bit about taking your kids to a new life......talk to them.Like Debandchris and Eos, I was 13 and my brother 14, when my parents took us abroad to Australia. We only stayed 5 months for various reasons, but I hated it from start to finish, it completly mucked up our education - I hated the school, I was bullied from day one, and I suffered physically in the extreme heat.My brother on the other hand had a ball, and although it took both of us a long time to catch up educationally, left him with nothing but good memories.Only you know your kids, but you must talk to them but most importantly, you have to ask them if it is what they want - my parents never asked us at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howards Carpentry Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Hi PhilI have been here 2 years with my family and I agree fully with Mackyfrance. My wife and I both speak French she being half Swiss so can help with school homework etc but lessons here are boring, education is not that fab. Although I'm finding quite alot of work I would be suprised to be still here this time next year, it's just not what I hoped it would be. Englands not all good I know, but you can get a decent curry and all our friends are there. Think very hard before you take the plunge France is really good for people who retire early with a fat wallet but not so good for you if you need to work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 For curry lovers I'd recommend India (housing is cheap too, great scenary, booming economy and more people speak English than in England) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raindog Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 If one's only criteria as to whether or not one should live in France is a "good curry" then I wouldn't recommend it..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howards Carpentry Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Curry is great though is'nt it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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