Visitors

One of the many good things about living here is having friends and family visit us, something we always look forward to very much. In previous years by this time we have had around five or six groups stay with us but this year so far none! Having said that we pick up two close friends from Bordeaux airport tomorrow, that will be great!

We don't think that we could have upset that many people so that they are avoiding us, we use deodorants, shower, are fairly civilised and housetrained! Has to be the recession, credit crunch, temporary economic blip, call it what you will. Several friends are on enforced short time working, others less fortunate have lost their jobs, many are fearful of the near future in economic terms and job security so cloth is being cut according to means which is both sensible and understandable.

Despite the official forecasts (propaganda?) that all is well and on the gentle slope to recovery there seems to be an underswell of distrust or disbelief as to the distant pot of gold at the end of the economic rainbow. Given my cycnicism of such things and the prophets of such things I believe them, well sorry, no I do not. There is no such thing as a simple solution to the current shambles which was aided and abetted by 'Prudence' as well as many others. There is a prolonged and painful road ahead and the journey may be unfortunately more unpleasant for some than others.

Out here the economic slump did not seem as bad as in the UK, thankfully. Many UK expats have been hit hard by the Euro/Sterling exchange rate over the past two years especially those with income/pensions in sterling. The rate is slowly improving at last but has quite a way to go until it returns to the level of five years ago.

Enough of the doom and gloom bit, we are still happier and more content than back there and have more friends too as well as a much healthier and gentler way of life. That is something that our visitors seem to appreciate too, even if their stay may only be for just a few days. We enjoy their company too of course because what is nicer than to be surrounded by family and friends? Tomorrow is hopefully the start of their coming back again, that would be superb!