Missing Things

No, I haven't lost anything specific despite what some may say or think ...

This is more about things that I thought that I might miss once we had made the move to France and things that I actually miss now that we have lived here for almost six years. The difference between thought and reality can sometimes vary quite a lot.


Things that I thought that I would miss:

Roast potatoes - I just love roast potatoes along with a Sunday roast and leftover roasties cold from the fridge for breakfast the next day;

Fish & chips - Oh god I adore battered cod & chips;

Public Library - obviously provides a good source of English reading material;

English television - particularly motorcycle racing and F1 GP, apart from anything else it helps keep in touch with the UK;

Motorcycle racing - been involved one way or another for very many years;

Decent pint of real ale - what else is there to say;

Easy shopping - shops open virtually 24/7;

Friends and family - obviously;



What do I actually miss?

Friends and family, not as much as I thought I might because many make the trip to stay with us occasionally which is great!

Roasts etc - silly me. Why on earth did I think that there would be no more roast dinners? Just because roast dinners are virtually unknown to the French does not mean that we go without!

Public Library and books etc - This turned out to be the silver lining within a grey cloud because I rapidly improved French reading ability due to an interest in the French WWII Resistance and the occupation of France. There are just so many books etc available about the subject which I devoured quite rapaciously, now reading in the local language is almost as easy as reading English. We have a daily local newspaper and occasional magazines too;

Fish & Chips - Deliciously sorted! We have become friends with an English couple who run a bistro, gites, B&B and camping site nearby. Back in the UK they were senior managers for a well known pub chain and have fish and chip evenings which are better than many fish shops back there. Additional bonus is that there are also regular Indian and Chinese nights too;

English television - not a problem as we have a Sky Box with FTA reception. Added bonus is that we also have French tele as well:

Shopping - Shops here close 12 - 3 for lunch, all closed by early evening, very few open on Sundays and a number remain closed on Mondays as well. Took some getting used to and needed almost military planning for the first year or so. Now not a problem, in fact we prefer it because we are not rushing about for every little item that we may have forgotten as back there;

Motorcycle racing - yes, I do miss that as we can only get to one or two meetings each year due to distances involved here. But I have a treat at the end of each season and travel to UK for a superb end of season meeting and catch up with friends there. Sometimes less can be more!

Real beer - again not a problem because I have discovered the joys and delights of Chimay Blue Label beer from Belgium, truly nectar of the gods. Speaking of which I am about to open one now - cheers!