Six Months on........


It is now July 2006 and we have been living in France for six months. Where has the time gone? England seems a lifetime ago, yet it doesn't seem two minutes since we were saying our tearful farewells.

The children have settled in really well, both making friends, French and English alike. Nathan is at the Maternelle in Duras where he goes five mornings a week (unless we've got things to do) and he can stay all day. He is really happy there, and gives us a kiss and says 'Au revoir'. He is the only English child in the class, so hopefully his French will come very soon. He can aready count to 20 in French.

Matthew has a lovely friend called James who is 8 and judging by the name is obviously English. He also has friends called Rhuben, Donatello (I think that's how you spell it!... sounds like a Ninja Turtle!) and Dhillon. He is getting there with his French, but most of all he is happy.

He has Horseriding lessons twice a week and plays for the local Football Club in St Sernin.

They love playing outside, going for long walks and generally getting mucky!! It's more of an outdoor life here, and children are allowed to feel safe!

*************************************************************************

Fetes, Festivals and Celebration Days!!

Any excuse for a get together, more food than you can eat and as much wine to drink ... and I'm not talking about David!! These are the village Fetes held every year, sometimes twice, three times in the summer in each village. All of the locals usually go and it's a great way to see and get to know your neighbours. The atmosphere is great, with music, 5-7 course meal, red, white and rose wine ongoing. A few sore heads in the morning.. but well worth it. The only thing I can compare it to in England is the Queen's Jubilee... that's if your community was lucky enough to organise something for 2002!!

Villeneuve de Duras Fete............

YMCA ..... french style!!!........Jazz Festival at Monsegeur..............Bastille Day Bergerac