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Message 1.Â
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Morning everyone
Opened up as Ian's suggestion made sense. I trust this is OK with everyone and have a very good day.
Mr F home tonight so I have got a sore throat cough and unattractively watering eyes!! bluddy typical.
Bonne journee
FF xxLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 2
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Hi Ali
Replying here, All I said was Happy Xmas and happy new year in Swedish as requested by our resident troll.
There are three epi's of Wallender (the english version one on Ö÷²¥´óÐã1) the first I felt lukewarm about the second ( last Sundays) I loved. I wonder if it will became a more regular thing ?
Nice lunch planned for Xmas day - sounds yummy.
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Message 3
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Here you are!
I was tempted to see if we could break the Beeb by going over 2000 posts! There was a thread on the gardening boards which went over 16000.
This is a serious question - why would a long thread put more stress on the server than lots of short ones? The number of people logged in and the number of posts wouldn't alter.
It's a white world here, the snow isn't deep but it has covered everything.
We won't see Wallander until all 3 are recorded but it doesn't sound like we could watch all 3 together.
Will you take a photo of your jewels Ali?Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 4
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
They are 1.5 hours a pop so maybe a Wallender over load !!
WE managed 2003 I think;
We had snow last night covered everything but super thin. Its all gone this morning - shame. Still I want Mr F to have a good trip back, its a fair drive 5/6 hours. He has to go to Caan first for some reason - ohh maye to buy me another pressie - not that I am childish or anything about b'days !!!
I still have a few bulbs left to put in but it is soooooooo cold
Not long now Toons - are you excited ?
Thinking of Chez Toonia the stone marten will be keeping an eye on things in your absence.
FF xLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 5
Posted by ianisinfrance (U3511174) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Hi festiveflakey
Thanks very much.
I'm really only writing here to put this in "my discussions". Planning for a month in Blighty is going well. Got the Merguez, Toulouse sossidges for me bro as requested, and while I was at it, got some steak (wow, fourth time this year, quelle treat) for us, and half a jambonneau and some fricandeau for me bro as a surprise. Done the bank, printed out the calendar, brought in the gas bottle. My goodness we are busy folk! Lunch time. Then I go off to cut some mistletoe and get some cabecou for my niece who takes after her gluttonous uncle!
All the best
IanLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 6
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Have a wonderful Ian and Mrs Ian. When you buy a salted uncooked gammon in France do you buy from the supermarche or order from a butcher. I only want a little one pref off the bone. What should I ask for ( trying to impress Mr F)
FlakesLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 7
Posted by mrs-nostalgie (U3136537) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
I logged on to say Keri usually brings threads to a close @ 2000 posts. (Haven't we done well?)& have been beaten to it.
Ali every time we go to Bordeaux we say we must stay overnight next time!
Spotted a good central Hotel in a quiet corner on Sunday, Hotel Tour Intendance. Shops aren't anything to get excited about except there /are/ some. Or if you can afford Dolce & G, Sonia Rykeil etc up by George Clemenceau, they are lovely. (I just look.) GL is like a British Dept store of the 1970's.
I have yet to find a French store that comes anywhere near the average UK store in an average town. John Lewis in Milton Keynes, Fenwicks in Canterbury (always our first stop after getting off the Ferry!), the one in Northampton, all are like beautifully designed fairylands after French stores, I'm afraid. I love visiting French towns & cities, walking around, picking out a restaurant, but I save shopping for UK visits.Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 8
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
When Mr F and I went we had two night in Bergerac and one in Bordeaux, wish I had done it the other way around. One of my best chums flew into Bergerac as our birthday is on the same day it made it quite special. They were back in blighty through airport hustle and back at their flat in North London, before we got home. It is a good 4.5 hour drive for us.
Totally agree with you about shopping. French town's have huge amounts to offer, shopping is not one of them. JLewis MK was my nearest I lived near Woburn, great store.
I would go back to Bordeaux again pref at Xmas as I like the market. I remember I brought a funny purple balaclava thing to take the dog out for a walk in winter ( ruddy cheeks avoidance) it looks so stupid but I never seen anyone !
FlakesLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 9
Posted by ianisinfrance (U3511174) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Hi festiveflakey
When you buy a salted uncooked gammon in France do you buy from the supermarche or order from a butcher. I only want a little one pref off the bone. What should I ask for ( trying to impress Mr F)Â I'm afraid I've never managed to find one. However, from time to time I see that various restaurants do sell braised ham, so clearly someone, somewhere makes or sells them. Actually I've become sufficiently motivated by the thought of being able to have boiled bacon again, that I'm hoping that father Christmas will be bringing me a brining syringe, so I can make my own!
I think you need to ask the butcher for "un morceau de jambon a braiser" and see what she says.
All the best
IanLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 10
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
If I was Mrs I, I would buy you one 'cause I would benefit so much !!! boiled and roasted ham - yummy.
Have you got alot of plans while you are in Blighty ? are you having mini trips/theatre/movies etc ?
Well whatever you do have a great time. Happy Christmas and a happy and healthy new year. Better keep it English as I do not want the mod plod pushing the button on me again.
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Message 11
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
I still haven't got past the list stage in our preps - the hotel and Shuttle are booked anyway.
I've done a washing mountain and got a hair appointment and I've got new teeth. We're only away for a week though.
I was beginning to think I'd never been anywhere in France -haven't been to Bourges or Vichy or Bordeaux! I have been to Bergerac.
I think Gilly should have a matching purple balaklava!
Have a great trip Ian, don't eat all the food in England before I get there! Do you do the trip all in one?Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 12
Posted by Miladou bloody but unbowed (U3518248) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
I would welcome some travel advice. I have to get from Terminal 1 at CDG to a hotel out on the Peripherique, nearest metro is Pernety.
My question is how to get there? I think it would involve two changes by train/metro, so would the bus be any better?
Last time, I found actually purchasing a ticket at the station totally exhausting - only one machine working, ticket staff unhelpful, etc. even though my French is quite good.
Or how much would it cost if I wimp out and take a taxi?Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 13
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Well I haven't been to Vichy and with the iffy weather I am not fancying my chances!!
Anyway, your going to Brighton which beats the lot.
A very green FF !! xx
You do not need to pack, buy what you want to wear!! "The Toons are in town - Brigton booms" I can see the headline now. Just had a mail through from Body shop they have serious discount action going down. I love their strawberry range for thwe summer.
drat that mutt ( not really Gilly darling)Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 14
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
I am sorry I cannot help I always go to my local station via euro star Lille and onward journey on SNCF never touch Paris.
If I fly to the UK its from Limoges. CDG is North of Paris and I thought there was a shuttle bus service. I think we need Peggy ...another poster, ( she lives in Paris)
Have a good trip
FlakesLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 15
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
I've got the shuttle bus usually to Porte Maillot or Etoile -both easy places to get metros onwards.
I don't like talking to taxi drivers!Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 16
Posted by mrs-nostalgie (U3136537) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
re boiling hams, a friend tells me she always gets hers from Ikea, swears they have 'fresh' ones in the freezer, I've only ever found the pre-cooked.
I have in the past bought the lumps sold for Choucroute from the local stupormarket, they need soaking in 2-3 changes of water, than boiling liquid discarding & roasting in lots of sugar & marmalade etc as they are very salty.Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 17
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Miladou
This one's a tricky journey.
There are Air France navettes (shuttles) that take you to Montparnasse, which is the nearest destination to Pernety. However, according to the map I'm looking at, Pernety doesn't seem to be THAT close to the Périph. Then again, there are other stations that would be closer to the Périph, so I think there's a bit of confusion here.
I would suggest that you contact the hotel and ask them exactly how you can get there from Pernety. If you need to take a taxi, then you may as well take one from Montparnasse.
I wouldn't consider taking a taxi from the airport down to there, it'll cost you a fortune.
Do come back if you need more help, I can look up times for the navette.
All the best
laRALink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 18
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Ian,
Have a good holiday and a good rest, will look forward to hearing from you in 2009 - unless, that is, you are going to look in on here while you're in the UK!
Peggy, I must be "tough as old boots" as well, because I spent 13 years in Paris! And I studied in Manchester, spent four years there.
Despite having lived happily in these big cities, I'm just much more contented as a country gal (well, small town gal, if the truth be known). I find it easier to engage in life in a small community, even if, as you say, in Paris, we were part of our own village community.
All the best
laRALink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 19
Posted by Miladou bloody but unbowed (U3518248) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Thanks very much, laReine. OH is busy surfing the web on my behalf, but there's really nothing like local information. The Paris transportation system seems to have changed quite a bit since we were last there about 3 years ago, and the meeting's not in an area I know at all. The hotel recommend RER B to Denfert-Rochereau, metro 6 to Montparnasse and metro 13 to Pernety. To be honest, it's the thought of buying the ticket that's spooking me even more than catching all the trains in the right direction! That's why I wondered if the bus would be easier.
I will be arriving at Terminal 1 - is it any less confusing than Terminal 3?Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 20
Posted by Miladou bloody but unbowed (U3518248) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Ha - just spotted that you studied in Manchester, laR - French Dept. by any chance? There have been some colourful characters on the staff there over the years!
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Message 21
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Quite honestly, Miladou, I can't remember one from 'tother!
But I've never found CDG very confusing, and I've mainly used 1 and 2. So you should be OK!
The Air France shuttles are very clearly sign-posted, and you can usually buy tickets at the airport (depending on what time you get there). And if you can't, you can buy them in the bus.
As I said, my main worry worry would be what happens from Montparnasse. Ask the hotel to tell you the best way of getting to them from Montparnasse.
By the way, I find that personal contact in France is still better than trying to track everything down by e-mail/Internet. You said you speak decent French, give the hotel a call and see what they say.
Good luck
laRALink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 22
Posted by ianisinfrance (U3511174) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Hi toonia
This is a serious question - why would a long thread put more stress on the server than lots of short ones? The number of people logged in and the number of posts wouldn't alter A good question, and one to which I can't give you a definite answer. I think, however, that a thread might be stored as a single file, and as it gets longer, so it takes increasingly more and more processor time to find a previous post in the thread, search to the end and so on. All I do know is that our friendly host Wilco passed on a message from the gnomes in the backroom, asking us not to take a thread much longer. It's not like most peoples' perception of "best before" date, where canned foie gras with a BB date of 31 December 2010 is edible and delicious on the 31st Dec and poisonous and must be thrown away on the 2nd January. It's just that it gets harder and harder for the servers, so they've chosen an arbitrary figure (a bit like best before dates for canned foie gras).
Thanks to all of you for your best wishes. Toonia, I shall be doing my best to eat the UK out of reserves before you arrive, but I fear that even with my gargantuan greed I won't succeed. Yes we do travel in one step. Over the years we've tried them all, and living where we do, we find the overnight crossing from Le Havre to Portsmouth suits us best. We're lucky in that we don't have any problem sleeping in their cabins, so usually we leave after an early lunch. In fact this year we're stopping off at Treignac to get some chocs for my brother, so will have to leave a bit earlier and have a picnic lunch en route. Anyway we arrive after a stress free cruise up the A20>A71>A10>N10>A12>A13/14 to Le Havre about 6½ hours later, just in time to pop in to a little restaurant in the old port, and have a leisurely supper before checking in at 22h00 or so. We're with my brother in time for an early breakfast the following morning. Frankly it's hard to imagine an easier way of doing it. We both drive, so we take it in turns, 2 hours on and 2 hours off on the cruise control.
Re gammon I'd forgotten about palette for choucroute. Yes it would be usable, though as you say it's very heavily salted & smoked so needs a lot of soaking. A snippet - in the old days that's how all hams were cured, so they would keep perfectly without refrigeration. Anyway, as I make my own bacon and sausages already, it isn't THAT big a step to envisage curing my own gammon. The only thing that's a bit tricky is to decide what methodology to adopt. I shall be injecting the curing brine (which contains small quantities of saltpetre) right into the heart of the meat, and then dry rubbing with further cure. This normally only takes a fortnight to cure the meat, but once it's cured it keeps pretty well, so I can then vac pack it and keep it in fridge or freezer. The advantage from my point of view is that I can use better quality pork, because I shall be able to choose where I get it from, and also can vary the cure, possibly using a beer and treacle Wiltshire cure one time and a smoked demerara and herb cure another, for example. We'll see.
As for the rest, I'm still plodding through translating the recipes on my site into French. Most are OK, but some of the more obscure Armenian or Hungarian ones - or worse, Indian ones can be a bit testing. I don't DO translating into French!
All the best
IanLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 23
Posted by Peggy Monahan (U2254875) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:20 GMT, in reply to laReine-Astrid in message 21
Really the RATP (Paris region transport) site is very good (and available in different languages). You can enter either an address or a station or a place "lieu" as start or end addresses. If it's not clear they ask you to choose one of a series of options. You can specify various options of how you travel (all options, metro or tram only, fewest changes, least walking) and if you want to can give start or arrival time.
You can also go on the ADP (Aeroports de Paris) site for transport options to and from airports.
It depends what time you're travelling but the buses can get caught up in the mega traffic jams on the A1.
The taxi for me to the airport is about 40/45 euros and I'm very close to the périph on the east so close.
CDG 1 by the way is horrible, it's the oldest terminal and the one that's circular, where you come out and collect luggage is tiny and crammed. I only fly Air France and therefore am in the (relative) spacious newness of CDG2. Never been in 3.
About buying the ticket, you need a ticket from the airport to the Paris urban region (anything on the metro is in that zone). There can be long queues and it's a drag if machines are out of order. (But FAR better than Schipol (Amsterdam) where the machines only speak Dutch and only take Dutch bank cards (not credit cards).)
Anyway unless you know sompebody that has done the trip and got a suggestion the hotel probably has got it right, as I say, anything by road is subject to the jams that are a frequent feature around Paris. (I might be prejudiced because I once almost missed a plane because of the bus being delayed, and that was in the days when you could run through with the staff calling "dépêchez-vous madame" and not checking your carry on bag - today it'd be a goner.)Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 24
Posted by Peggy Monahan (U2254875) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:25 GMT, in reply to laReine-Astrid in message 21
I find that personal contact in France is still better than trying to track everything down by e-mail/Internet. You said you speak decent French, give the hotel a call and see what they say.Â
I don't want to go all Parisian and sniffy about "the provinces" on you but really the internet is great for Paris transport (and plane tickets, and train tickets, and lots of other things) and anyway miladou told us what the hotel recommended (RER and the metro).
The Transport for London site is also great for finding out how to get around London. And in London I only travel on buses because it's so much cheaper.Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 25
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Hair -done! It will have to be un-done tomorrow, all the products washed out and the Thatcherite wings tamed.
The roads were very icy near the house so that was a bit scary. Aurillac was empty though.
In the paper today it said that there had been a ram raid at the superette. They'd stolen three cars from a dealer in Aurillac, used one as the ram and two as getaways. They took the tills and all the champagne!
Ian, thanks for your answer. I'm still confuzzled but the beeb's particular software and inability to do search engines has confuzzled many a techier person than me.
We got used to using the Shuttle travelling with the woof and I do have a touch of sea sickness, worse in winter when you can't stay on deck. We watched "The Perfect Storm" last night and were happy we weren't getting the ferry! I offer to share the driving but after half an hour I'm told I'm too slow!
Stopping in Paris is fun, anyway, gives us the chance to see friends and adapt to city life.Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 26
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Sorry I do not see the tie up between provinces or even rural and technology or useage of internet etc. Surely its a personal pref. I have friends that live in London who email me for advice on sites suggestions etc on all sorts of subjects.
Sorry to me you sound sniffy.
FFLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 27
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Toonia
I hope you have a wonderful wonderful time and your trip is all you want it to be and some...
I love that smell of three trillion different hair products. Even if I emulate the products they use it never smells as good as when the hairdresser does it.
best wishes
FFLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 28
Posted by Miladou bloody but unbowed (U3518248) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
festiveflakey, I hope you're not suffering too much from your cold and sore throat!
Many, many thanks to everyone for their good advice, especially laReine and Peggy. I now have an impressive set of instructions to get me to and from the airport. What fantastically useful sites! I've got lists of all the trains and their codes, all highlighted in felt tip so I can tell which ones go more or less straight through, etc. And I've allowed plenty of time, so if I have to struggle and queue with ticket machines, then it's just hard luck on the folks behind me.
What's more, I'm feeling much more confident, rather than the little wimp who posted earlier today.
Now all I need to worry about is the meeting ...Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 29
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Glad we've been of help, Miladou.
Would just like to put in a reminder that this thread is here for all people interested in or needing help on French matters.
Ther are quite a few of us living here and we can probably find solutions to lots of questions.
Good luck with the meeting, our now confident MiladouLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 30
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Hi Miladou
I am fine thank you, Mr F is due home in an hour and lots to look forward to over the next few days.
I trust your meeting is a great success.
best wishes
FFLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 31
Posted by Ali-cat (U8666386) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Hi Mrs Nostalgie, Flakes, Ian, everyone....
Thanks for the hotel info for Bordeaux. I can’t of course, afford Dolce & G, Sonia Rykeil etc, but I do love to window shop, so that’s me sorted! And I think I agree with you, and also Flakes, about shopping in UK. M&S rule, followed closely by John Lewis, Selfridges, Debenhams etc etc. To me these are true department stores and I yearn for them…
Ian – Have fun in the UK, and enjoy your Christmas.
Toonia: It will have to be un-done tomorrow, all the products washed out and the Thatcherite wings tamed.Â
So it’s not just me then, who goes to the hairdresser and comes home straight away to damp it down, comb it out, etc etc.?
OK all, just got back from St Junien, which is AMAZING with the Christmas lights. Is it just me, or are there more and more every year. This is our third Christmas here, and I am positive that when we first arrived there wasn’t as much decoration around at this time of year. It’s beautiful anyway, there is a canopy of light across a beautiful old square from the church to the old shops, and the Church is lit up so nicely, not too much, not too ‘over the top’, just beautiful. I shall go back and take a photo and if it turns out I shall post it.
Xxx
AliLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 32
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Peggy
I don't think you're being sniffy, and it's probably just my choice, but I have always found in France that personal contact counts for a lot. If I've had problems with the tax office, for example, I go to see them rather than calling. Or at least, I make that personal face-to-face contact, then after, the phone or whatever is OK.
What I love about France is that shift between the Mediterranean and the north of Europe. It's a Latin country, but with northern influences.
The bureaucracy can be very... bureaucratic if you remain within written correspondance. The minute you go to see them and explain your problem and give them a smile, they'll move heaven and earth to help you.
Well, that's my experience, whether Paris or provinces.
laRALink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 33
Posted by Peggy Monahan (U2254875) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:26 GMT, in reply to laReine-Astrid in message 32 <BR /><BR /><QUOTE USERID='10636638'>The bureaucracy can be very... bureaucratic if you remain within written correspondance. The minute you go to see them and explain your problem and give them a smile, they'll move heaven and earth to help you.</QUOTE><BR /><BR />Don't you think that's the case in Britain too? I've been struggling for two years to get some info about my GB pension entitlement, all I get is "computer failure".<BR /><BR /><QUOTE/>Sorry I do not see the tie up between provinces or even rural and technology or useage of internet etc. Surely its a personal pref. I have friends that live in London who email me for advice on sites suggestions etc on all sorts of subjects.</QUOTE><BR /><BR />I made this comment in reply to laRA who said she found personal contact better (more useful) than websites. As that is not my experience it was a possible conclusion that it was a difference between Paris/provinces - but also a clin d'oeil at those who understand that France lives on talking about this difference.<BR /><BR />Aren't we all allowed our little spurts of humour?
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Message 34
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
I think the whole thread(s)illustrate that there is more than one Paris just as there is more than one France.
What we are learning is what is the same and what is different in our own individual "chez soi". As well as what we appreciate and what drives us bonkers about our adopted country.
I was dismayed to see that Peggy was upset by the "tough as old boots" comment and equally worried that Fureys hasn't been back since.
It's not my place, as a relative newcomer, to mediate but as far as I can claim to know Fureys I'm sure he meant it as a compliment! If he had said "you must be a strong, independent woman" then all would have been different, but I think that's what he meant!Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 35
Posted by Peggy Monahan (U2254875) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:06 GMT, in reply to toonia in message 34
Toonia,
It's good of you to want to smoothe over irritations. Personally, I don't believe "tough old boot" equals "strong independent woman" and as the population of Paris is more than 50% women I don't believe that it's a matter of compliment to like living here. That other people don't want to, don't like it, fine, why don't they just say so? Why comment on somebody who does?
And I regret that so many people (judging from this board) come to live here while wanting to be cut off from any aspect of French life that doesn't suit them. They watch British television by satellite, avoid being invited by their French neighbours because they don't like the cooking and kvetch about French shops. I wonder how they would feel about immigrants in Britain who had that attitude? Because that's what we are.
PeggyLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 36
Posted by Peggy Monahan (U2254875) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:14 GMT, in reply to miladou in message 28
Happy to have given useful advice.
PeggyLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 37
Posted by ianisinfrance (U3511174) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Hi Peggy Monahan
I don't believe "tough old boot" equals "strong independent woman"Â Oh come on Peggy, stop being so silly. Tough AS old boots is not at all the same as being "tough old boots". Back in the days when the army was made up of conscripts the recruits used to have to wear army boots. They were REALLY tough. Resisted anything, and never wore out. That's the "tough as old boots" reference. So you completely misread and misunderstood the reference.
Tsk. And for my money one doesn't have to be tough to live in Paris but completely insane. But then my step brother who's a right city rat thinks I'm completely insane to come and live in deepest rural France.
All the best
IanLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 38
Posted by Peggy Monahan (U2254875) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:31 GMT, in reply to ianisinfrance in message 37
So you completely misread and misunderstood the reference.Â
Well that's the problem isn't it Ian? In a context where people don't know each other and can't read in the deeper meanings, attaching epithets to others is a dangerous process.
I pointed out that I didn't react at first but found that the memory of this remark continued to upset me even though I continued doing the other things in my life.
So maybe it was worth others thinking about (or maybe not if they don't care).
PeggyLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 39
Posted by starlilolill (U11601004) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Peggy
I haven't been posting here for very long but I can honestly say I don't believe there is a poster who would deliberately try to upset anyone.
'Tough as old boots' please take as a compliment as I think that was how it was meant!
If someone said that of me I would be quite delighted - perhaps it's where I come from!Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 40
Posted by Fiona Friend (U12004237) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:52 GMT, in reply to Peggy Monahan in message 35
Well my impression from this board is that the people here are doing a fine job of integrating with their local communities. Yes, I miss some things about Britain, but not enough to want to make me go back. I have Sky and French television (and can rarely find something worth watching on either). There is nothing wrong in comparing the two countries, they each have their own good and bad points, and what's good and what's bad will be different for each of us.
As I live in Toulouse, I am surrounded by people who make no effort whatsover to learn the language or socialise which is a real shame because I think they are missing out. But the people on this board are not like that IMO.
FionaLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 41
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Excuse us for having an opinion, You make ref to avoiding a particular neighbours cooking. If you had been poisoned by her in the past then maybe you might see my point. I adore these people and cook for them often and their whole extended family. How dare you stand in judgement of me.
If I want Brit TV alongside french TV I will if we miss things in Blighty that is also fine.
From what I see the posters here are very intergrated into their local villages and talk about French friends/husbands/choirs/clubs etc
The people on this thread really enjoy chats, we might not all enjoy TV or a particular radio show or agree about politics but we get along by sharing views and by embracing each others differences and laughing alot. I am sorry you do not get this. This board is not clicky, but I think you have thrown that into the melting pot as well.
Clearly, I am not worthy, posting is supposed to be fun, it is not anymore so count me out.
Fureys I hope you are Ok.
FF
We all seem to be intergrated into our own communes/villages/towns etc. The mix is varied from people that have lived in France for 30 years to people who are newbiesLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 42
Posted by Fiona Friend (U12004237) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:20 GMT, in reply to festiveflakey in message 41
Dear Flakey, I hope you're OK. I haven't been posting recently, but have enjoyed reading about what everyone has been up to, so please do not stop telling us about the cocks and cats, the weather where you are, and what you are up to.
I trust Mr F has arrived back safe and well now, and I'm sure Fureys is just busy twitching somewhere and will post some lovely new pictures for us soon (of the birds)
FionaLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 43
Posted by Dorcas Scones (U9339340) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Well, what a shame if anyone feels excluded on this thread. I was so pleased when its predecessor was set up because it meant there was a little network for me to lean on before I even arrived.
I'm struggling with bureaucracy and disappointing language teaching but... we'll make it work! It really is up to individuals how much they want to integrate into the local community - we are trying to but we certainly wouldn't sling mud at anyone for choosing (or being afraid) not to.
Please keep this thread supportive! (This isn't in relply to you directly Fiona, it is just a general comment.)Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 44
Posted by Ali-cat (U8666386) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Hi everyone
Just a note to say that I, too, have been concerned about a few recent posts, but my decision has been to ignore them and carry on talking to the lovely friends who have been so comforting and helpful recently. We've exchanged laughs, information and consolation in equal parts and let's just continue to do that.
I have been worried that Fureys hasn't been back, too, and hope that he is reading this thread and knows that he has a lot of friends here.
Flakes: Hope Mr F is back loaded with pressies for Friday, by the way. Lucky you!
Off to bed now, hot chocolate in hand, hot water bottle in bed. Not that I actually NEED a hot water bottle, but it's so comforting.
Nighty night.
xx
AliLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 45
Posted by Miladou bloody but unbowed (U3518248) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Early in my posting days, I picked up a useful tip from someone (on the German thread, as it happens). This person, on being challenged by someone, simply said "I'm sorry my post offended you" and then went on to say that their only reason for participating on the board was for pleasure and that it was their policy simply to quietly leave threads which displeased them.
I found that very useful advice. Whenever I get annoyed by something in a thread, I type up a corrosive response, read it through and press the "Cancel" button. Then, if I'm really cross, I remove the thread from my discussions!
I did once take a side-swipe at someone who annoyed me in the early days, but now I'm a reformed character ... honest.Link to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 46
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
Flakey, I hope you feel different in the morning because you have been the heart and soul of this thread. Fureys too!
And everything Ali and everyone else said.
txxLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 47
Posted by starlilolill (U11601004) on Wednesday, 10th December 2008
This a friendly 'peaceful' message board - compared to many others. I hope it can stay that way.
Goodnight one and all. StarLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 48
Posted by Ali-cat (U8666386) on Thursday, 11th December 2008
Bonjour tout le monde
BTW please feel free to correct my French, I'm only learning. My physiotherapist tells me it's much better though. He attaches electric things to mon cheville et mon genou and my hip (don't know that one), and then afterwards rubs my back with an evil smelling ointment and gives me French lessons. Il et trop charmant.
Lovely morning - when we opened the bedroom shutters it was still green green grass, however as I got up the freezing fog came along, together with some pale lemon sunshine, and now everything is white and sparkly. Really magical.
Today I am going to make mincemeat, and sage and onion stuffing. And then I am going to tackle making my own wreath. I won't be photographing it though, I don't think.
xxxx
AliLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 49
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Thursday, 11th December 2008
Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:41 GMT, in reply to starlilolill in message 47
I'm sorry that people have had their feelings hurt and I hope both Flakey and Peggy will carry on posting here. I don't post much in here but I enjoy following the thread.
The points raised - about integration and criticising our adopted country - are interesting ones though. I see myself as very well integrated into French life but like all immigrants everywhere I enjoy keeping in touch with my native culture. ML and my satellite dish are ways of doing that !
As far as criticising France goes, I do get very annoyed by expats (in RL, I don't mean people on this board) who do nothing but criticise, same as I would about immigrants in the UK doing the same. Very bad manners ! However I don't think the odd moan or comparison that favours the UK is too bad. I appreciate and praise France in lots of areas but will admit to a few moans on some subjects ! I find I go in phases. When I first moved here I found everything in France wonderful and no doubt annoyed people on visits back to England by going on about how great France is ! Then I swung in the other direction for a while but now I think I'm fairly balanced about it.
RachelLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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Message 50
Posted by Ali-cat (U8666386) on Thursday, 11th December 2008
Hi small boy in third row
Yes indeed. And actually, when you think about it, Brits criticise the UK just as much if not more. Doesn't mean we don't love the old home patch, but just think about how many daily grumbles we've had back in the UK about taxes, buses, trains, weather, prices, the cost of utilities, rudeness......
On the subject of rudeness, though, I have to say that I find manners in France far nicer than in the UK. I love the way that you are always acknowledged when you enter a shop, or a restaurant, or any public place. A smile, nod, and a "messieurs'dames" - really makes my day.
xx
AliLink to this forum: French Connection 'cause the last thread got too big..
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