Love thy neighbour?

It has been more than a year since I did the first Blog which was happy happy happy; how things change. So guess it is good to look back to how it all started and subsequently went wrong!... Here goes....

In 2007 our French next door neighbour (French Bird) was visiting her holiday home and we were discussing how changing your lifestyle can sometimes lead to a better quality of life.

She was fed up with her hectic life in Paris and had dreams of living permanently in rural France so we jokingly said we should buy a local bar/tabac which was for sale.

This conversation led us both to believe it would be a dramatically different lifestyle and could be great fun so we pursued the idea with great pleasure and enjoyment.

First stop was for me to negotiate a 'good' price for the business and when this was eventually agreed with the current owner we started work on the long list of requirements for registering a business in France, arranging bank loans and undertaking the formidable process of applying to become 'Buralists de Tabac'.

It took many months and we supported each other as best we could as we went through each of the difficult tasks needed to make our dream become real. These processes forged a very strong relationship between us; or so I thought. How sad can life be?

not all that glitters...

The original joy at starting this new venture has however turned into something that has not been that pleasant. The first update on this Blog, in March 2008 shows a time of excitement and anticipation for a fun filled future.

I will continue to add humorous anecdotes as i do not wish to depress people too much.

Some of these anecdotes will relate to the bizarre behaviour of some of the British ex-pats who decide to move to France; whilst the bizarre are few and far between, thankfully, they tend to add a little spice to a sometimes quiet life.

Apparently I am an optimistic and well balanced Libran so I hope this is reflected during this saga!

There have been many traumas, emotionally, physically and financially all of which are ongoing. It goes without saying life has become very difficult.

Probably one of the saddest and most important things is have been unable to return to England to see my children and grandchildren. Two of my children have visited us here within the last six months, but it adds to the sadness that we are not together.

Firstly I must, for legal reasons make a disclaimer here and say that everything is written here 'without prejudice' and all statements are made 'allegedly'.

The opinions and comments I make are from my perspective and from comments made by family and real friends.

All names and locations have been changed to mystify and intrigue the reader and to protect both the innocent and guilty!

It is sad it has come to such a sorry situation, but the point in doing this now, is not just for fun, but maybe to warn others considering a joint business venture.