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OK, I am one of the people who visit this site most days and find it very helpful. I don't post because in the past I have tried but have been 'bullied' by the cliques who think that forum belongs to them ( not this forum) I must add I am a 187cm 120kg ex rugby playing Police Office and I know that face to face these sad people could not cope but I cannot find the time to argue over the ether!

On to matters more important. In November I may travel to Ypres for the 1st war memorial. On the way back I was intending to visit the 'Cite de Europe' ( on other sites I would get a hard time for not using the accents!! ).

As I havn't been back for about 5 years can anyone tell mr if Tescos is still open> It would be nice to get som bits from the 'old country' such as Ginger Wine as presents (me !! )

Thanks

Andy
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It was more a "comment" - if you like - about the fact that I had to Google it in the first place: it wasn't all that long ago that Mr Betty was a regular daytripper to Tesco and/or Sainsbury Calais to stock up on booze because a) it was significantly cheaper, and b) they were among the few places in France where you didn't have to buy French wine, and c) you could buy something in a local UK branch of Tesco and if you liked it you could then buy a case or so from Calais much cheaper. And the fact that I had to Google was more of a reflection on how times have changed. They've both closed because of "difficult trading conditions" and between the exchange rate and deep discounting on wines and spirits, it's o longer financially worthwhile for us to cross the channel for cheap booze.

My reply was as personal as a reply from a real human being can be. I'm not a robot.[:D] And yes, you could flatten me in a fight, or probably with a simple handshake.

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Andy, my daughter works for a specialist school trip agency in the UK and she made a personal visit to Ypres last year to sound out information for her new brochure for specialist trips round the battle sites,towns etc and she was very moved especially by the evening remembrance at the Menin Gate. I think you will enjoy it, she certainly did and found it so interesting and she is under 30.
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Well andybear, you have surprised me in a general way. I had a terrible time when I first posted on here years ago, but the person concerned was most certainly not going to stop me posting.

So, if you live in France, how on earth do you cope with the french? Maybe it was just where I lived in France, but just about everyone was so 'direct and blunt' that I developed a very thick skin many years ago to deal with 'the comments', so boards are actually pussy cats in comparison as far as I am concerned. That is one thing I never got from the posters on here, it only seems to be me who encountered this and frankly I like and respect it.

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As you probably know, Andy, the Last Post ceremony at Ypres is at 8pm each day. Turn up at least 15 min early to get a good place, as there are often crowds of (very well behaved) school parties etc. Try and avoid obvious dates such as 11 November, as it will be more crowded than usual.

It's an unforgettable experience.

Angela
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Getting back to the original thread, I went to Citi Europe at the end of last year.  First time I'd been there in ages as for some reason I can't stand the place.  The shop where Tesco's used to be is still a drinks shop.  It has the look and feel of Tesco's but is a bit more upmarket in the displays and is not the box shifter that it used to be.  It had wines from all over the world including a large amount of revolting Australian stuff.  If you're going to enjoy a day out in France that's fine but  I don't think the price differential between France and UK makes it viable now just for a booze cruise
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Many thank Folks,sorry Betty - no offence meant- just me being a bit sesitive! Not a usual occurence.

Shame about Tescos, we have lived in France for nearly 7 years now, and we love our life here. There are some things that you miss though, and abottle of 'ginger wine' for 'whiskey macs' at christmas would have been good - ah well.

As for my vist to Ypres. I have been before and it is the most moving ceremony, it's a shame they have 'tarted up' Ypres I remember when th buglers used to meet in a great little bar opposite the Gate. The last time we went it had been coverted into a shoe shop !

I know it will be packed but I want to go on 11/11.

I am not sure that we should be celebraying the beginning of an event in which so many people were killed.

I may start a thread seeking out peoples feelings on this.

Again thank you all for restoring my faith in this Forum

Andy
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Drifting just ever so slightly, and in all probability people already know this, but if the urge to drink something wine-flavoured & foreign becomes strong, Noz is often a good bet. They often have Spanish, Italian or Portuguese wines in stock, offered at silly prices and largely ignored by the French clientèle. It's worth spending a few minutes with a guide to the regions and label-reading for these countries first just to get a feel for what might be good, but we've had some outstanding quality wines, ludicrously cheap in the past. Lord knows where they get the stuff from and why it isn't bought up by other businesses first, but there it is.

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[quote user="The Riff-Raff Element"], Noz is often a good bet. They often have Spanish, Italian or Portuguese wines in stock, offered at silly prices and largely ignored by the French clientèle. .

[/quote]

Another option for us is "Big Bazaar" not sure how many branches there are in Burgundy, they are a bit like Noz but I think a bit more upmarket. There you can buy end of line stuff cheaper plus wine from around the world, we once saw Manchester United labeled wine, and wine that is supplied to Marks and Sparks UK stores Etc.

A couple of brothers we know often go the the Big Bazaar with a cork screw and two wine glasses, they buy a few different  bottles of wine, go out to the car, sample them and if to their taste return to the shop and buy a few cases of each.  We have often purchased some very good wine at a reasonable price.

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