It's now a year since we moved to Gaillac, and our son is visiting. A good time. We decided to take him to the Toulouse-Lautrec museum in nearby Albi - the capital of our region. The museum is very grand, housed in the stately Berbie Palace, but beware: the prices are as steep as the steps leading to it! There was a 'family ticket' for two adults and a child 'over 13'. Him indoors says that certainly fitted us, but somehow the cashier didn't agree. Perhaps if our married son had been wearing short trousers? Anyway, onwards and upwards we trekked, from one dark room to another. I liked the impressionists the best. There's something about all that riot of colour and faces and action that really appeals. Very stimulating.
Lautrec lived in Albi, where he was born in the late 19th century, his family being descendents from a long line of Counts of Toulouse. The man himself was a bit of an exhibitionist - a bit like Him indoors really, who enjoyed the whole exhibition enormously. Well, he would, wouldn't he, with all those nude paintings and statues. But the security guard kept telling him to move along - they were stock-taking!
4 June 2012
Queen Elizabeth II. Jubilee Time. Everywhere I go, the French mention the Queen. Do they regret axing their own monarchy at the infamous Bastille?
I'm old enough to remember the Queen's ascension to the throne - just! All schoolchildren in the UK were given a silver spoon and commemorative mug imprinted with the Queen's face and the date. Wish I still had them now, but I don't think they would be worth anything as so many were produced. Many streets had their own party, with a long wooden trestle table down the middle of the road. Jellies galore. But, for me, it all brought back memories of how free children were back in the 1950s. In the summer holidays I remember being sent out to play with the rejoinder: come back at 6.00 for your tea. I don't believe there was any less crime: because it wasn't much reported (no TV or media saturation), no-one knew about it, therefore didn't worry. Today in the UK, I think people like having a stabilising, continuing monarchy. It's a comforting, familiar thing against the uncertainties of the future.
And M. Hollande for the French? People would prefer if he married his partner! What on earth is he going to say when he makes a state visit to countries like Saudi Arabia, where it's a crime to have sex outside marriage? Also, how credible will he be to the Pope?
On verra.
I'm old enough to remember the Queen's ascension to the throne - just! All schoolchildren in the UK were given a silver spoon and commemorative mug imprinted with the Queen's face and the date. Wish I still had them now, but I don't think they would be worth anything as so many were produced. Many streets had their own party, with a long wooden trestle table down the middle of the road. Jellies galore. But, for me, it all brought back memories of how free children were back in the 1950s. In the summer holidays I remember being sent out to play with the rejoinder: come back at 6.00 for your tea. I don't believe there was any less crime: because it wasn't much reported (no TV or media saturation), no-one knew about it, therefore didn't worry. Today in the UK, I think people like having a stabilising, continuing monarchy. It's a comforting, familiar thing against the uncertainties of the future.
And M. Hollande for the French? People would prefer if he married his partner! What on earth is he going to say when he makes a state visit to countries like Saudi Arabia, where it's a crime to have sex outside marriage? Also, how credible will he be to the Pope?
On verra.
3rd June 2012
I see that France is planning to axe cheques completely. As usual, it's the brainwave of some stupid government committee - probably a new suit aiming to make a mark (or euro!) for himself. Of course, the real reason is that banks at present make no money at all from cheques. Clearly this cannot continue! But, for the ordinary consumer, what free alternative is there? Using plastic and holding a current account costs us a monthly fee here, and is the reason for lengthy queues at the supermarket checkout - the canny French write cheques everywhere to save a bit of money. And, how would we pay the workmen who do renovation work at the house? I've never yet met a plumber who carries a little card machine in his overalls.
Back in 2005 when we first arrived in France, we did have difficulties. How to work out the amount in French, then spell it out on the first line; how to write the amount in the box: where to put the comma or the dot, etc. And, we noticed that for a couple, don't even think to call yourself M. et Mme on your cheques (better to be M. ou Mme) because then, on the demise of one of you, the remaining account holder would not be able to access the funds from the frozen account.
It's all been too much for Him indoors, who says he knows why we took out a joint account - because of his sprained wrist.
Back in 2005 when we first arrived in France, we did have difficulties. How to work out the amount in French, then spell it out on the first line; how to write the amount in the box: where to put the comma or the dot, etc. And, we noticed that for a couple, don't even think to call yourself M. et Mme on your cheques (better to be M. ou Mme) because then, on the demise of one of you, the remaining account holder would not be able to access the funds from the frozen account.
It's all been too much for Him indoors, who says he knows why we took out a joint account - because of his sprained wrist.
27th May 2012
Once a year Gaillac hosts a welcome soiree for all new arrivals in the town. Not one to miss a free drink, Him indoors and me went along to find the Abbeye de Saint-Michel. We took the Land Rover, as it was situated about 2 km from chez-nous. As usual in France's ancient town centres, we had to negotiate a series of very narrow lanes and - you've guessed it - managed to scratch the wing mirror on his coveted prize possession. Good job no-one in the vicinity understood English invective! The Abbeye itself is historic, housing a cave, museum and tourist office. Around 50 newcomers enjoyed a video show, explanations of how the town is run and plenty to eat and drink. What I hadn't realised was that on each Friday night in July and August there's a free show on the riverbank gardens alongside the Abbeye, including drinks, jazz music and fireworks on special occasions like Bastille Day. Sounds good fun.
One charming member of the Mairie's committee took the time to show us the beautiful river view and ancient bridge from on-high. We had long discussions with him about many things French including the current euro crisis. When Him indoors discovered his first name, he ventured: 'I'll be Franck with you, if you'll be Ernest with me!' Clearly, the man had much to learn about dry English humour.
One charming member of the Mairie's committee took the time to show us the beautiful river view and ancient bridge from on-high. We had long discussions with him about many things French including the current euro crisis. When Him indoors discovered his first name, he ventured: 'I'll be Franck with you, if you'll be Ernest with me!' Clearly, the man had much to learn about dry English humour.
20th May 2012
What on earth are we supposed to do about the euro? All British expats in France have the same worry at the moment. Do we leave what little savings we have in our French bank, or transfer it (and lose at current exchange rates) to a British bank? Dire warnings from the British Council don't help. In the, previously unlikely but now decidedly possible, event of a total euro collapse, all euro banks would close, cashpoints would be shut, and even border controls would apparently be manned to prevent residents from fleeing the country! But, if you leave your money in a Euro bank which subsequently reverts to its previous currency, it loses half its value overnight.
Optimists tell me: don't worry! The G8 group of nations is meeting as we speak, ready to sort out all this mess. Oh really? Reports last night said that the current worry re Spanish banks wasn't even up for discussion. So, what to do? Can't even transfer euros to pounds via my PC at home, as my French bank makes a great fuss and insists you go personally cap in hand to the branch. Certainly keep enough cash under the mattress to tide you over for a few days, but with thoughts of 1930's Germany, do I subsequently buy a large wheelbarrow ready to carry home masses of worthless old French francs?
Him indoors says he always used to be indecisive, but now he's not so sure!
Optimists tell me: don't worry! The G8 group of nations is meeting as we speak, ready to sort out all this mess. Oh really? Reports last night said that the current worry re Spanish banks wasn't even up for discussion. So, what to do? Can't even transfer euros to pounds via my PC at home, as my French bank makes a great fuss and insists you go personally cap in hand to the branch. Certainly keep enough cash under the mattress to tide you over for a few days, but with thoughts of 1930's Germany, do I subsequently buy a large wheelbarrow ready to carry home masses of worthless old French francs?
Him indoors says he always used to be indecisive, but now he's not so sure!
13th May 2012
So, from today France officially has a new President. Is this a new trend - state leaders taking their names from another country? Or is he making his own wry statement: France woz Holland?? All week on the French news, I've been wondering: do we ellide the s at the end of Francois onto the aspirate H of his surname - Franzwozollande or Franzwah Ollande?
Looking at the man, himself, though is a different matter. How can a man who feels it's acceptable to father 4 children without being responsible enough to marry their mother take on the much greater responsibility of leading a country? Will he leave France in the lurch, too, as soon as it becomes expedient for him to do so? He certainly faces far greater problems than simply 'shall I or shan't I'. Fellow EU country Greece is suffering long lines of previously working people, waiting patiently for food parcels - like a third-world country. Hollande thinks he can solve this for France by simply dismissing all ideas of austerity and living within his country's means by taking on huge loans to feed people's immediate needs. Without a care for tomorrow. So the economic circle turns.
Him indoors says the man's got chutzpah, or rather what he calls Hollandaise Sauce!
Looking at the man, himself, though is a different matter. How can a man who feels it's acceptable to father 4 children without being responsible enough to marry their mother take on the much greater responsibility of leading a country? Will he leave France in the lurch, too, as soon as it becomes expedient for him to do so? He certainly faces far greater problems than simply 'shall I or shan't I'. Fellow EU country Greece is suffering long lines of previously working people, waiting patiently for food parcels - like a third-world country. Hollande thinks he can solve this for France by simply dismissing all ideas of austerity and living within his country's means by taking on huge loans to feed people's immediate needs. Without a care for tomorrow. So the economic circle turns.
Him indoors says the man's got chutzpah, or rather what he calls Hollandaise Sauce!
6th May 2012
People often ask me why I moved to France. The answer's surprising really. Quite simply, I'm the last remaining member of my family. Apart from our children, all my family died from cancer.
Researchers at the Institut Nationale d'Etudes Demographiques have studied lifespans and quality of life across the EU. Apparently, French men can expect to live until they are 78.2 years old, French women 85.3 years - the longest life expectancy in Europe. Those with the shortest life expectancy live in countries like Bulgaria and Slovakia, where women can expect to live only to the age of 77.4. My mind races to my family's eastern European origins. Is this the reason for my health fears?
So, armed with this knowledge, I asked our new family doctor in Gaillac. I recounted briefly my family's terrible medical history, then told him the steps I was currently taking: daily consumption of 75 mg aspirin, a glass of red wine, raw carrot, tomato, leafy green vegetables, sunshine etc. 'Doctor, is this enough? Will it override the huge genetic risk I face from cancer?''Je ne suis pas le bon D.ieu', he says, shrugging his gallic shoulders.
I turn to Him indoors, who asks the doctor: 'So, French people live the longest?' 'Yes, says the doctor, but you've got to remember, you're not getting any younger.' 'It's not younger I want to get, but older!'
Researchers at the Institut Nationale d'Etudes Demographiques have studied lifespans and quality of life across the EU. Apparently, French men can expect to live until they are 78.2 years old, French women 85.3 years - the longest life expectancy in Europe. Those with the shortest life expectancy live in countries like Bulgaria and Slovakia, where women can expect to live only to the age of 77.4. My mind races to my family's eastern European origins. Is this the reason for my health fears?
So, armed with this knowledge, I asked our new family doctor in Gaillac. I recounted briefly my family's terrible medical history, then told him the steps I was currently taking: daily consumption of 75 mg aspirin, a glass of red wine, raw carrot, tomato, leafy green vegetables, sunshine etc. 'Doctor, is this enough? Will it override the huge genetic risk I face from cancer?''Je ne suis pas le bon D.ieu', he says, shrugging his gallic shoulders.
I turn to Him indoors, who asks the doctor: 'So, French people live the longest?' 'Yes, says the doctor, but you've got to remember, you're not getting any younger.' 'It's not younger I want to get, but older!'
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