Bless you lovely Alex, I’m delighted you enjoyed this rather long (not as long as it was to begin with, ten minutes of reading was edited out...) and rambling account of the first stage of our journey... sending love ♥️
I love reading one's pursuit of dreams, from conception to reality. Like yours, It's an exciting journey of overcoming obstacles, stepping through doors meant for us to open, beckoning us to follow the path of stepping stones leading to serendipitous opportunities that will ultimately fulfill our cherished dreams. I believe this is the first chapter of a book, one that fulfills another long awaited dream. You have a gift dearest, so happy to see it realized. Love n hugs.
Thank you sweetie, sometimes, no matter the hardships and obstacles, we just have to not let go. This was a dream I’d carried in my heart for so many years and one I was determined not to let go of, perhaps there is a book here after all, who knows? Perhaps it could be used as a guidance for others who are doubting their dream? It is a very lovely thought....
This is amazing ... the joy of the view, the holding of the key, everything. We are pretty sure our friends, Andre and Mike, have an offer in for a property in that exact neck of the woods. Lovely folk who pedal alot and who have the same spirit of adventure as JoJo and I. We knew the guys as customers of our deli and I think we inspired them to sell up, buy a van, travel, and now settle en France! Coincidence!
I read this as soon as it popped up on my 'to read' list. I was spellbound, feeling your emotions and reflecting them in my own. You do such a great job of sharing that hope, that desperation, that despair and, ultimately, that relief and sheer, utter joy. Thank you.
(Then I got to the end and saw you had recommended my own letter, and that joy was compounded even more. Thank you. And what a great idea that is, recommending others in a letter! I shall be stealing this myself!)
Huge thanks for taking the time to read through this in its entirety Alexander. My original draft was a 22 minute epic and admittedly hard to edit down , as a result much of the more descriptive passages which took so much time to perfect were deleted... I may try to include them, if possible, in later posts though.
And, you’re so very welcome for the shout out, as Ive already mentioned, I love your diary entries and have read every one, with more and more envy at your wild adventure. I am slightly behind though, because my daughter has been with us but I will be catching up later! In fact probably sooner looking at the weather... I envy your snowy forecast more than I can say!
My thought regarding expats was that we could not only support each other here on Substack but maybe even help with problems regarding admin and the like should anyone have difficulties.. it seemed like a good way of getting to know everyone an at the same time creating a community of support and encouragement!
I hope the detail does get used, I loved every word of this post. I can see why you edited it, and the editing worked really well, conveying that sense of urgency and despair, but I'm a sucker for the descriptive parts too!
No worries at all about not being fully caught up with my own stuff, I've really been struggling to work and read and keep up with Notes as I would like, myself. Hopefully, this will change soon! I'm a bit sad, as we've decided to head downhill early, simply because it is not possible for two-year-old Ailsa to play outside, or even in any other room than the one with the fire! Although Papi and Mamine are also here, they get a bit cold if they have to go upstairs. The perils of an ancient, draughty mountain house, I suppose. Still, we come here often and, I suspect, next time we do, it will be when there is deep snow. The forest in deep snow is just wonderful, everything silent, holding its breath.
I like the idea of a supportive Substack network for all those expat issues. I'm a bit spoilt with much of the day to day things, simply because this is Aurélie's homeland, and she understands the bureaucracy of France! Doesn't always make it easier, but at least she understands it!
I can understand your timidity in class and your fatigue at trying to learn, but, from experience the only help french lessons are at a any age is to plant the very basics in one’s head, it’s not until we have lived here and added to the vast vocabulary that is necessary to converse here that the lessons begin to take on meaning. The language, as I’m sure you already know, is extremely and often incomprehensibly, complicated, it isn’t possible to learn the grammar without having first at least an idea of how to converse orally, and vice versa. Most other languages can be spoken and learnt without knowing the intricacies of the grammar.
Sorry, that was very long winded... and really only to say, you probably didn’t miss much when you weren’t concentrating in school.
I think Guadeloupe will be quite another adventure altogether... and whenever it happens, keep telling us of your finds!
Wherever we go next will certainly be shared here. This was the reason I originally started my letter, over four years ago, to share where I was and what I was doing with friends and family.
And I agree wholeheartedly about the language learning--it really doesn't kick in until you are immersed and, as fatiguing as that is, it really does speed things along.
Ailsa, as I mentioned, is just two and has a decent, but not extensive, smattering of words (in both languages), but when I speak French she already laughs at me. Just like she does when her Papi tries to speak English! It won't be long before she's correcting me, which will be useful.
My so. And daughter correct me all the time... and in fact I tell all my students to correct my errors too, not only does it give them confidence it helps me also... total immersion without shame. It really is the only way..!
It is a struggle isn’t it.... too am finding huge difficulty in dividing items between writing, Notes, and actually making sure I’m on top of all the chores that need to be finished or started here, I have no choice with my work... thankfully the hours are set which makes it that much easier to organise myself around it, it’s during holidays, like now, that I feel like I’m spreading my concentration and efforts too thinly...
Good luck moving to your winter home, that sounds quite wonderful to me actually, especially if you can just nip back up the mountain for a little snow therapy when needed..,
You’re so very fortunate to have someone to deal with all that is bureaucratic and administrative here, twenty years ago such things just made me want to hide in a cupboard and not come out!
My French is getting better, that's for sure. However, although Aurélie and I have now been together for more than six years, we've only lived in France for two and a half. Previously, it was Portugal and, before that, Thailand, where we met. As such, we developed the habit of speaking English, as she's fluent, which gave me little incentive to learn. I'm finding it much easier to learn alongside Ailsa, who is now two, picking up so much more than I could doing Duolingo, or other self-led study. Still, I've got a long way to go yet! I find I can follow just about any conversation, but there's still a lag in composing a reply!
I wish I had been less terrified in French lessons at school. I was so scared of talking in any class, that I really didn't make the most of the experience. I'd like to keep getting better with French, but I do find it exhausting to learn on top of everything else! The plan is to stay in France for another few years yet, then perhaps move to one of the overseas French departments or regions, maybe Guadeloupe. This will definitely aid my language development!
Thank you so much Lisha, it was a terribly emotional week for so many reasons, I will regale you with that in part 2 though! Take care lovely lady... xxx
Susie,
Your story of finding home in France is utter enchantment. I was left with the sense that this home found you, your family.
Such a roller coaster love affair! I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Bless you lovely Alex, I’m delighted you enjoyed this rather long (not as long as it was to begin with, ten minutes of reading was edited out...) and rambling account of the first stage of our journey... sending love ♥️
what a view, Su 🙏🏼
i look forward to reading more
💚
It was the view, the wildness and the light I fell in love with...
in the end the house was almost secondary...
Thank you for reading Darren
I send you another balloon filled with love...🎈
There can never be too many!
Enchanting! I'm excited to read more, and thanks for tagging me.
You’re very welcome Anne, and thank you for taking the time to read a rather long Part 1... also for subscribing, I will nip over and repeat!
Also yes what a GORGEOUS view!
Isn’t it stunning, I think if I could have lived just with that view I’d have been happy... cold but happy!
I love reading one's pursuit of dreams, from conception to reality. Like yours, It's an exciting journey of overcoming obstacles, stepping through doors meant for us to open, beckoning us to follow the path of stepping stones leading to serendipitous opportunities that will ultimately fulfill our cherished dreams. I believe this is the first chapter of a book, one that fulfills another long awaited dream. You have a gift dearest, so happy to see it realized. Love n hugs.
Thank you sweetie, sometimes, no matter the hardships and obstacles, we just have to not let go. This was a dream I’d carried in my heart for so many years and one I was determined not to let go of, perhaps there is a book here after all, who knows? Perhaps it could be used as a guidance for others who are doubting their dream? It is a very lovely thought....
Love and light always gorgeous soul xxxx
This is amazing ... the joy of the view, the holding of the key, everything. We are pretty sure our friends, Andre and Mike, have an offer in for a property in that exact neck of the woods. Lovely folk who pedal alot and who have the same spirit of adventure as JoJo and I. We knew the guys as customers of our deli and I think we inspired them to sell up, buy a van, travel, and now settle en France! Coincidence!
Brilliant writing. Lovely to hear the story
I read this as soon as it popped up on my 'to read' list. I was spellbound, feeling your emotions and reflecting them in my own. You do such a great job of sharing that hope, that desperation, that despair and, ultimately, that relief and sheer, utter joy. Thank you.
(Then I got to the end and saw you had recommended my own letter, and that joy was compounded even more. Thank you. And what a great idea that is, recommending others in a letter! I shall be stealing this myself!)
Thank you so much for this!
Huge thanks for taking the time to read through this in its entirety Alexander. My original draft was a 22 minute epic and admittedly hard to edit down , as a result much of the more descriptive passages which took so much time to perfect were deleted... I may try to include them, if possible, in later posts though.
And, you’re so very welcome for the shout out, as Ive already mentioned, I love your diary entries and have read every one, with more and more envy at your wild adventure. I am slightly behind though, because my daughter has been with us but I will be catching up later! In fact probably sooner looking at the weather... I envy your snowy forecast more than I can say!
My thought regarding expats was that we could not only support each other here on Substack but maybe even help with problems regarding admin and the like should anyone have difficulties.. it seemed like a good way of getting to know everyone an at the same time creating a community of support and encouragement!
I hope the detail does get used, I loved every word of this post. I can see why you edited it, and the editing worked really well, conveying that sense of urgency and despair, but I'm a sucker for the descriptive parts too!
No worries at all about not being fully caught up with my own stuff, I've really been struggling to work and read and keep up with Notes as I would like, myself. Hopefully, this will change soon! I'm a bit sad, as we've decided to head downhill early, simply because it is not possible for two-year-old Ailsa to play outside, or even in any other room than the one with the fire! Although Papi and Mamine are also here, they get a bit cold if they have to go upstairs. The perils of an ancient, draughty mountain house, I suppose. Still, we come here often and, I suspect, next time we do, it will be when there is deep snow. The forest in deep snow is just wonderful, everything silent, holding its breath.
I like the idea of a supportive Substack network for all those expat issues. I'm a bit spoilt with much of the day to day things, simply because this is Aurélie's homeland, and she understands the bureaucracy of France! Doesn't always make it easier, but at least she understands it!
Best get packing. Sigh!
I can understand your timidity in class and your fatigue at trying to learn, but, from experience the only help french lessons are at a any age is to plant the very basics in one’s head, it’s not until we have lived here and added to the vast vocabulary that is necessary to converse here that the lessons begin to take on meaning. The language, as I’m sure you already know, is extremely and often incomprehensibly, complicated, it isn’t possible to learn the grammar without having first at least an idea of how to converse orally, and vice versa. Most other languages can be spoken and learnt without knowing the intricacies of the grammar.
Sorry, that was very long winded... and really only to say, you probably didn’t miss much when you weren’t concentrating in school.
I think Guadeloupe will be quite another adventure altogether... and whenever it happens, keep telling us of your finds!
Wherever we go next will certainly be shared here. This was the reason I originally started my letter, over four years ago, to share where I was and what I was doing with friends and family.
And I agree wholeheartedly about the language learning--it really doesn't kick in until you are immersed and, as fatiguing as that is, it really does speed things along.
Ailsa, as I mentioned, is just two and has a decent, but not extensive, smattering of words (in both languages), but when I speak French she already laughs at me. Just like she does when her Papi tries to speak English! It won't be long before she's correcting me, which will be useful.
My so. And daughter correct me all the time... and in fact I tell all my students to correct my errors too, not only does it give them confidence it helps me also... total immersion without shame. It really is the only way..!
It is a struggle isn’t it.... too am finding huge difficulty in dividing items between writing, Notes, and actually making sure I’m on top of all the chores that need to be finished or started here, I have no choice with my work... thankfully the hours are set which makes it that much easier to organise myself around it, it’s during holidays, like now, that I feel like I’m spreading my concentration and efforts too thinly...
Good luck moving to your winter home, that sounds quite wonderful to me actually, especially if you can just nip back up the mountain for a little snow therapy when needed..,
You’re so very fortunate to have someone to deal with all that is bureaucratic and administrative here, twenty years ago such things just made me want to hide in a cupboard and not come out!
You must speak the French language very well?
My French is getting better, that's for sure. However, although Aurélie and I have now been together for more than six years, we've only lived in France for two and a half. Previously, it was Portugal and, before that, Thailand, where we met. As such, we developed the habit of speaking English, as she's fluent, which gave me little incentive to learn. I'm finding it much easier to learn alongside Ailsa, who is now two, picking up so much more than I could doing Duolingo, or other self-led study. Still, I've got a long way to go yet! I find I can follow just about any conversation, but there's still a lag in composing a reply!
It’s f you can do that after two years you’re doing great... My husband is still incapable after 20 years in France..!
I wish I had been less terrified in French lessons at school. I was so scared of talking in any class, that I really didn't make the most of the experience. I'd like to keep getting better with French, but I do find it exhausting to learn on top of everything else! The plan is to stay in France for another few years yet, then perhaps move to one of the overseas French departments or regions, maybe Guadeloupe. This will definitely aid my language development!
This was so heartwarming to read. Thank you for the good cry. You made it! (Although I'm waiting for what part 2 installs for all of you)
Thank you so much Lisha, it was a terribly emotional week for so many reasons, I will regale you with that in part 2 though! Take care lovely lady... xxx
You too ❤️
🙏🏽♥️