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?
Saturday, April 18, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Back in France after a week in Asda!
The main reason I went to the UK in March 2008 was to meet my new grand daughter, Lucy, born on February 28th.. much to my son's dismay; he was hoping for February 29th to reduce birthday present costs! He also pointed out she could not go into a pub until she was in her seventies.. but as a 'mini-moi' diva she arrived three hours before leap year day! In case you are interested, mum, baby, dad and sister all doing well. The cat is not impressed as she is locked out now at night and it is a bit windy!.. but not as windy as the baby!
Lucy (looby loo) is divine, and although my other grand daughter, Charlotte (Lottie loo)(2 years old) is even more divine and calls me 'silly Gwanny' we all had fun in Asda buying pork pies, sausage rolls, clothes, books, clothes, prawn cocktails, squidgy white bread, oh and clothes.. and a lot more.
My husband (Monsieur Darling) remained in France to care for the four dogs, four cats, various hibernating snakes and spiders and to help my french partner (French bird) in the bar, which no doubt included quality checks of the 1664.
Well I am back, with smuggled sausages, pork pies, sausage rolls and hot x buns.. yum.
The regulars in the bar who are a strange but lovable lot and mostly artisans in rural france ("it has worked like this for years, why change it??") were glad to see me back but very preoccupied with the French elections for a new Mayor.
Blimey, I thought the American presidential nomination milarky was complex, but here apparently they keep on voting until there is an overall majority; it can last for weeks..
Our town apparently got the man they want in the first round, so just like the end of the Sarkowsi victory elation, no doubt in a few months they will resort to moaning about Jacques the Lad, as they do about so much.... but that is why we love them.. isn't it????
First one in the bar was Janice, a resident at the local Maison de Retrait (Old People's Home). She is about 4 foot tall, and her eyes and forehead peer above the counter as she demands her small glass of rose wine (only one euro!!! what a bargain).. she watches avidly as the glass is filled, shouting 'plein, plein' if it is not spilling over the brim.
Allegedly she is 68 years old, an ex prostitute, who is not that ex as for 10 euros she will apparently oblige in the public loos.. not sure if this is with or without the teeth, which unfortunately do not fit her mouth so they swirl around as she speaks; but, bless her, she likes to fit her Gitanes fag between the top of the teeth and her gums.. and continue talking!
Of course we are not able to view this party trick (the fag in the gums, not the toilet business) so much now as France has actually bowed down and is obeying the No Smoking in Public Places ban.. We are all amazed; surely this must be the first time they have obeyed a law without protest?
Over 80% of our customers are smokers, but it is strange they go outside for a fag but will not take their drink with them as it is not polite to drink in the road!
I guess that explains why it is mostly tourists who enjoy the many French terraces during the summer months.
Interesting French Fact (FF)... apparently in France, communion wine is white wine, unlike the red wine in Britain, and the reason...... wait for it, white wine is drunk in the mornings (presumably that is when communion takes place) and red wine is strictly for after lunch.. and presumably the rest of the day!!
Hey ho.. a + tard xx
Lucy (looby loo) is divine, and although my other grand daughter, Charlotte (Lottie loo)(2 years old) is even more divine and calls me 'silly Gwanny' we all had fun in Asda buying pork pies, sausage rolls, clothes, books, clothes, prawn cocktails, squidgy white bread, oh and clothes.. and a lot more.
My husband (Monsieur Darling) remained in France to care for the four dogs, four cats, various hibernating snakes and spiders and to help my french partner (French bird) in the bar, which no doubt included quality checks of the 1664.
Well I am back, with smuggled sausages, pork pies, sausage rolls and hot x buns.. yum.
The regulars in the bar who are a strange but lovable lot and mostly artisans in rural france ("it has worked like this for years, why change it??") were glad to see me back but very preoccupied with the French elections for a new Mayor.
Blimey, I thought the American presidential nomination milarky was complex, but here apparently they keep on voting until there is an overall majority; it can last for weeks..
Our town apparently got the man they want in the first round, so just like the end of the Sarkowsi victory elation, no doubt in a few months they will resort to moaning about Jacques the Lad, as they do about so much.... but that is why we love them.. isn't it????
First one in the bar was Janice, a resident at the local Maison de Retrait (Old People's Home). She is about 4 foot tall, and her eyes and forehead peer above the counter as she demands her small glass of rose wine (only one euro!!! what a bargain).. she watches avidly as the glass is filled, shouting 'plein, plein' if it is not spilling over the brim.
Allegedly she is 68 years old, an ex prostitute, who is not that ex as for 10 euros she will apparently oblige in the public loos.. not sure if this is with or without the teeth, which unfortunately do not fit her mouth so they swirl around as she speaks; but, bless her, she likes to fit her Gitanes fag between the top of the teeth and her gums.. and continue talking!
Of course we are not able to view this party trick (the fag in the gums, not the toilet business) so much now as France has actually bowed down and is obeying the No Smoking in Public Places ban.. We are all amazed; surely this must be the first time they have obeyed a law without protest?
Over 80% of our customers are smokers, but it is strange they go outside for a fag but will not take their drink with them as it is not polite to drink in the road!
I guess that explains why it is mostly tourists who enjoy the many French terraces during the summer months.
Interesting French Fact (FF)... apparently in France, communion wine is white wine, unlike the red wine in Britain, and the reason...... wait for it, white wine is drunk in the mornings (presumably that is when communion takes place) and red wine is strictly for after lunch.. and presumably the rest of the day!!
Hey ho.. a + tard xx
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