I've made a big decision.  I'm moving to France - permanently.

Drastic I know, but England is not so easy to live in these days, costs are spiralling through the roof as are taxes,  new taxes seem to be 'invented' every day and it's difficult to manage, not to mention the climate, well we don't have a climate in England, we just get 'weather', usually wet.

 

I've been doing my homework for a long time, I know France has it's problems too, but on the whole I believe it a better place to be.

 

I'm researching all I can at the moment, learning the language of course, well doing my best anyway.  I think anyone contemplating living in someone else's country should at least do them the courtesey of trying to learn the language, it's an insult if you don't.  We have so many people in UK from other countries and they just don't even try to learn a few English words, it's not looked on well.

 

I'm clearing out 'stuff' from cupboards and outbuildings, most of which is going to animal charity shops to help raise funds for the them.    I have to be brutally firm with myself and not keep anything I don't really need, it's difficult though as I am a natural hoarder.  I try to do something each day, however small, towards my new goal, even if it's only clean out another cupboard or make new enquiries.

 

I'm so excited about it, it's a new life, a new opportunity in a better climate, I hope to meet people and make new friends, and what a challenge at my age !  I don't know if I'm brave or just stupid, but if I don't try it I'll never know.  Don't want to spend the rest of my life saying 'if only'.

 

I've joined many French sites, and am receiving their updates and newsletters regularly, I've already made 'friends' on the other side of the channel, with offers to meet me at the airport and help with accomodation and 'showing me round' etc.,  I will need this help soon as I'm going over at the end of September for my first look around.

 

I've chosen the Limousin area of France, sort of West of Central, the most underpopulated area of the country, I'm told the average population is 42 per square mile - that'll do for me !  The climate is mild and warm in summer, the winters can be cold but don't last long.  Small 'fermettes' i.e. smallholdings or homesteads can still be had at very reasonable prices.  I don't intent to buy a renovation project as most people do, as I won't be in a position to have much work done, I need somewhere I can immediately move into with all services laid on.

 

There is much to learn about the French system, their rules, culture and way of life, but all will be an adventure, problems are there to be overcome, and I'll take it one step at a time.  One of the things I'm really looking forwad to is going to French markets and fairs, and sampling the local foods, their emphasis in country areas is still on fresh, home produced, organic foods, fruit, vegetables, cheeses and wines - can't wait.  I intend to be growing most of my own stuff though as soon as I can get started.

 

Moving my animals over will not be easy, it will not be impossible either.  I'm working on that side of things now, and I'll keep you updated.