Want to Study in France

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France is recognized for its quality education in the arts and sciences. Who hasn't heard of the Sorbonne and its history? Who hasn't discussed the impact of the French Revolution in modern culture or watched with admiration the velocity of the TGV (train a grande vitesse) - one of France's latest technological creations? If you are trying to decide whether France is the right place for your university studies, you should take a look at the following information.

1. Universities vs. Specialized Schools

Universities offer degree programs in all disciplines and fields - academic, research, and professional. In the 2002-2003 academic year, French universities enrolled over 1.5 million students. International students made up about 10 percent of total enrollments. Since France's universities are public institutions, enrollment is open to any student holding a French baccalauréate or an equivalent degree that allows you to begin university study in your home country (eg. High school diploma, Bachillerato, etc).

Specialized schools can be public or private, but the main difference between these and universities is that specialized schools are selective in their admissions and enroll far fewer students than universities. They usually train students for careers in engineering, management, art, architecture, and other fields. Grandes écoles are specialized schools that are very selective. Many offer management and engineering programs that prepare their graduates for competitive industries. These programs are very prestigious and highly regarded in France and around the world.

2. Schools of Management

France has about 230 private schools of business and management, many of which are affiliated with chambers of commerce and industry. International students who have completed two years of postsecondary education may apply for admission, sit for the entrance examination, and in 3 years earn a business degree. Graduates may then apply for an MBA or specialized master's degree.

Among the best-known schools of business and management are the École des Hautes Études Commerciales, known as HEC, the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP-EAP), the École Supérieure nationale de Sciences Économiques et Commerciales (ESSEC), the École des Hautes Études Commerciales du Nord (EDHEC), the École de Management de Lyon (EM Lyon), and INSEAD.

The MBA in France

Master of Business Administration programs are very popular in France. In fact, some of the top International Business Schools are located in this country. Many French MBA programs are taught in English. Classes tend to include students of many nationalities. Admission is very selective and usually includes TOEFL and GMAT exams for English-based programs. Some programs may also require interviews.

3. Schools of Engineering

France has about 240 engineering schools public and private. All grant the diplôme d'ingénieur, a master's level degree that takes 5 years to complete. Each school has its own specialties. Each school also has different application requirements, but these usually include an application file, entrance exam and an interview. Students with up to 4 years of university education may apply as transfer students.

Master Degrees

Many schools offer a 1-year mastère spécialisé in engineering. Admission requirements for this program include a diplôme d'ingénieur or 5 years of postsecondary education. About 20 schools offer the diplôme d'ingénieur de spécialisation. Students with 5 years of postsecondary education may earn this specialized degree in 1 year. Students with 4 years may earn it in 2. These programs are very popular with international students, because they can accommodate holders of 4-year degrees.

PhD

Students may earn a doctorate in engineering after 3 years of successful work in the laboratory of an engineering school, often in cooperation with industry.

4. Selecting and Applying to an Academic Program

You can easily search for an academic program by visiting the following website: EduFrance Search. Once you have selected a few suitable programs, you will need to complete an application. This can be done, in most cases, via CampusFrance or by directly contacting the school. Admission requirements are different for each program and institution, however most admission decisions are made in June, a few months before the academic year starts in September.

5. Location and Costs

The location of your program is one of the most important factors in selecting your program of study. Average living expenses in France amount to 1,000 Euros per month. However, you must keep in mind that the cost of living in Paris is much higher than the cost in other regions. There are so many regions in France - you can choose to live near the Mediterranean Sea in Nice or in the quiet peaceful town of Lille - an hour from Paris. CampusFrance, the leading promoter of higher studies in France, says:

"Paris does not have a monopoly on high-quality education. Be advised that it is now almost impossible to find inexpensive lodgings in Paris. Throughout the country one finds institutions of high renown in all fields. And not just universities; in fact, most schools of business and many top engineering schools are located outside Paris. "

The average tuition for university programs is about 300 Euros per academic year. In public schools of engineering, the annual tuition is approximately 600 Euros. Tuition at other institutions, particularly business schools, is much higher. Contact the business school directly for information about tuition costs.

6. Student Visa

Students admitted by an institution will receive a letter that will enable them to apply for a student visa at the French consulate in their countries. (Nationals of a European Union member country do not need a visa). Students from outside Europe who are planning to study in France for more than 6 months must obtain a student visa.

CapusFrance offers these 3 very important pieces of advice:

1 - A tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa in France or in any other country of the European Union.

2 - If you plan to complete two programs in succession (such as a program in French as a foreign language, followed by an academic program), obtain admission to both programs before applying for your visa so that your visa will be valid for the duration of your period of study. French visas can not be extended in France.

3 - International students of all nationalities (except European Union nationals) residing in France for more than 3 months must obtain a student residency permit (which is distinct from a visa), within two months of their arrival in France.

7. Working in France

International students can work in France if they have a residency permit and are enrolled in an institution that participates in the student health plan of the French social protection system (Sécurité Sociale). French law allows international students to work part-time (19.5 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time during vacations. The minimum hourly wage in France is 8.27 Euros gross before any taxes.

The French labor law states the following: "As a condition of employment, individuals who are not French citizens must hold a valid work permit." Students wishing to work for pay must obtain a temporary employment authorization. (Students from the European Economic Zone, Algeria, and Togo are exempt from this requirement.) Contact an international students official at your school for more information.

Denisse Romero

Denisse is the founder of MacQuil.com, one of the leading Study Abroad and Travel Portals in the world. For more resources, advice and information, visit http://www.macquil.com

Retiring in France, 2nd Edition

The second, completely revised edition of our best-selling guide to retiring in France. Whether you're planning to retire to France permanently or just for part of the year, Retiring in France contains essential information about the best places to live; local services and amenities; the weather; buying or renting a home; the cost of living; health services; getting to France and getting around; learning French; and much, much more. Now printed in full color.

Price: $22.95

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Mommy, Are We French Yet?: Tales of an American Family Living in France

With bravado, good humor, and just a smattering of French, a dauntless American family begins a year-long adventure living and absorbing the local culture, customers, and language in the South of France. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live in another country for a year with your children, you will discovered in this book that it is no an insurmountable task, but it's made doubly rewarding when day-to-day chores and challenges are approached with humor. Shawn Underwood moved her family, her husband and three kids, along with her sister's family to the South of France to experience first-hand the joys and frustrations of living broad. ----------- Shawn's tips for travelers living abroad: 1. Leave all expensive and showy jewelry at home. 2. Represent the U.S. in a positive way. Be courteous, polite, and respectful of local customs and traditions as you encounter them. 3. Study the language of the country you are planning to visit. 4. Pack wash-and-wear clothing only. Buy whatever else you need when you get there. 5. Always have a set of earplugs handy for the plane, noisy hotel, or snoring spouse. 6. Eat half as much as you would like. Walk! Take advantge of the Eurail System.

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Removals in France

It is easy to see why more and more people choose to start a new life by moving to France. Many people fall in love with the County they have visited because of the breathtaking landscape, architecture and culture. France is often referred to as one of the "houses of power ' of the European Union.

The largest city and the capital is Paris. This is probably the most expensive part of France to live in. The city has invaded and were ransacked several times in its history, but today I think. It is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world with so many beautiful attractions. You need a good week to round and see everything.Art lovers will enjoy the Museum of Louvre, such as the famous Mona Lisa, and many other famous paintings and sculptures. Architectural of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame are to be seen such as the Champs Elyesee.

Planning is needed when moving to France moving anywhere else. When it comes to the infamous paper work is very important not send photocopies only sent the original documents.Originals must be stored safely and securely.If you're not on citizens of the European Union should apply for a French visa and know what I need ...There are 3 main types of visa:

o student visa
o Visa Long stay
o Work permit visa (2 types of authorizations; temporary secondment and complete a work permit)

Each one of the endorsements have slightly different rules, so that it would be good to talk about an immigration officer to find out what type you will need and how to go about obtaining an

Move to any country where it is spoken in a different language is very difficult, unless you are willing to learn the language.The locals will respect you more if you speak French as seriously take pride in their own language; there are a number of French schools which offer courses for foreigners.

The best way to get information about France, by car, but be warned.Most of the French lead very erratically. If you plan on taking your car to France, then can be done but it is very difficult, as should conform to the French restrictions. to learn what documents you will need you should contact your local office, DRIRE) Diurction Régionale de l'industrie, de la Recherche et de l'environnement). I will then send you a list of the documents you will require. some of the documents you will need is

o Manufacturers certificate of conformity or Attestation de Conformite.
o proof of origin.car from.A receipt or Bill of sale may be used for this purpose.
o VAT evidence.
o Write documents.
o Proof of identity and residence in France.
o request form.

Get all this in order to be fine, but remember the French unit on the right side of the road; the best bet is to sell the British your car before you go and buy a car from a French dealer in France.

Here are some things to consider when planning on a move to France, but there is a lot more is really worthwhile to do lots of research before you go for the British. Speaking expats would be better to do with experience of a movement in France is obvioulsy the sensible thing to do; you can find many different sites and blogs that English people have written about the experience of living in France.

Carolyn is the webmaster of Over International, specialists in departmental France, removals in Portugal and removals to Spain.

The French also live abroad

A recent survey by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has about 1.5 million French living abroad and registered with the French Consulate.

However, as the registration is not compulsory, with the Consulate, officials estimate that the actual rate of those who live abroad is approximately 2 million.

The census showed that the most popular destination of choice is Switzerland (138,349), followed by the USA (117,076) and the United Kingdom (112,660).

If you are not registered with consulates are added, then officials estimate the number of French expats living in the UK around 250000 (potentially similar number also live in the United States).

This shape is similar to the number of British expats are believed to live in France, despite the fact that if you add a second homes, then the total number of persons from the United Kingdom held a property in France is expected between 350,000 and 500,000.

The figures for Switzerland, and Germany (106,842), reflecting the large number of French cross border workers and owners of companies that have chosen to live in neighbouring countries, in particular tax reasons.

Other popular travel destinations for French Belgium (90,588), Spain (82,050), Canada (68,075), Morocco (36,818) and China (22,231).
French in London

The census showed that around 60% of French people lived in the UK within Greater London, with the majority aged between 25 and 40 years, confirming the generally held view that most French are in the United Kingdom to work, not to retire!

Indeed, in South West London is often referred to by the French as le quartier français de 6Ay, containing and homes for many hundreds of French families, the French Embassy, a French Institute and a wide range of French food shops and bistros.

There is also a large French Lycée attended approximately 3,000 French students, while elsewhere in the South and West London, there are many French schools maternity and a primary school.

The census showed that the number of French living abroad had increased by 7.6% for the previous year, and over the past ten years had risen by an average of 3.6%.

Although the countries of Asia and the Middle East accounted for only 8.5% and 6.6%, respectively, of those who live abroad, these countries also showed growth of 10% and 12.6% from last year.

Learn more at http://www.french-property.com/.

What to expect at retirement in France

Before you decide on retiring in France, you must understand some aspects of French life that will surely affect your stay in the country. The most important of these is the tax system could affect your income during your stay. The French authorities will determine your paid taxes as they need to take into account what you can pay in your country. French residents are taxed according to the world income and assessments made on the basis of the four tax brackets. As retired, only 90% of your income is taxable and the other exempt. You can also find ways to reduce your tax bracket when you select the retiring in France.

The climate in the country vary from region to region of the country. The South of France, which are Nice and Cannes, has a Mediterranean climate, with immaculate beaches and large regional cooking. As for the North and North-West of France, there are mild winters, hot summers and abundant rain.The Central and Eastern regions of France have a long and cold winters with hot summer months with rain and storms that occurred between the seasons. these areas provide many choosing on retiring in France, the collection of how to spend their golden years.

The health care system in the country shall be deemed to be the best one in the world. The system is Government subsidized with medical services costing much less compared to the cost of medical care.Patients covered by the French healthcare system can choose health professionals and up to 85% account, medical expenses are paid by the State; all citizens of the country, including those retiring with France, consult a doctor and to receive urgent medical care. Since the system pays for 85% of the cost of healthcare, health insurance in the country is used to cover the balance of health care.

People retiring France can enjoy ownership of immovable property in France.This has made the purchase of real estate in France between the most profitable in the world; this is also affect the cost of living in the country, as many have benefited from the sale of the property.To live comfortably as a retiree, it is better to understand the cost of RENTING property, food and meals, health insurance, transportation, amusement and recreation, shopping and other incidental costs.You must also factor in the cost of utilities, communication and other expenses to enjoy fully the beauty and the greatness of France.

Before you decide on retiring in France, you must understand fully the French lifestyle. as recommended by the Expat Forum, "to live in extremely well in France if you have the money. The cost of living is higher in Paris and lower in rural areas '.

This article has been provided by Jose Marc Castro, the program processing when Expat forum.com-the primary online community for expats site also provides information and advice on topics such as Retiring in France.

How to open a bank account in France-a few tips

The process of opening a bank account in France is quite simple and only need to bring the following documents with you:

-A proof of identity, such as a passport or a national Gazette TAYToTITAS
-The proof of your address, such as water and electricity bills, or contract your housing

Once your account is opened, you will be given a debit card which is usually called "carte bancaire" or "carte bleue" and a book.

Your first French carte bleue will cost about 30. In France, I always asked for payments and withdrawals worksheets with your chip and PIN pin code.Also, it should be noted that some stores require a minimum amount, usually around 8, for payments by card doesn't quite the same as in the UK: the amounts money spent may be deducted from your account immediately or at the end of the month, depending on what you have with your bank. A signature will always be required for payments over 1, 500. The "carte bleue" I better assets when living abroad, as you can use it to pay for almost all.A very large majority of shops, restaurants, bars, cinemas, highways, online stores, etc accepts payment card.

Payment cheque is widespread in France.However, store owners may ask for a proof of identity will take a few days between the day you sign the cheque and in fact when the amount is debited from your account; it is very important to note that in France, it is illegal to try to pay, using a cheque with a balance between adequate account. why some stores refuse systematically each cheque payment.If you write a cheque, you may encounter a "bancaire of deterrence, which prevents you from writing a check and use a credit card, until the situation has been regularised. why you should always make sure you can cover your requirements.

When you open a bank account in France, it is also important to choose which type of account you want to do better.

A "compte courant", French for current account, it is a very active account which allows immediate cash withdrawal at any time, and is used for joint operations between the Bank and the customer.

A "livret sur compte" or "Livret A" is no longer used in France. savings account is not used for day-to-day operations, but with the performance of interests.

French property Sextant is a network of over 100 real estate agents in France offer a selection of 6000 French property for sale.

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Speak the Culture: France: Be Fluent in French Life and Culture

A guidebook can show you where to go, a phrase-book what to say when you get there. Only Speak the Culture: France will lead you to the nation’s soul. This easy-to-use cultural companion reflects what it means to have grown up with Camus, Cézanne, De Gaulle and Bardot; it captures the spirit of France and delves deep into the Gallic psyche.

Through exploring the people, the movements and the lifestyles that have shaped the French experience, you will come to an intimate understanding of France and the French.

There are many travel guides and manuals on living in France. Speak the Culture: France is different: a superbly designed, informed and entertaining insight into French life and culture and who the French really are.

Recommended by the Institut français du Royaume-Uni, the Official French Government Centre of Language and Culture in the UK

For new residents, business travellers, holidaymakers, students and lovers of France everywhere, Speak the Culture: France is an engaging companion and guide to an enviably rich civilization at the heart of Europe.

Excerpt
“It would be wrong to imagine that your average Frenchwoman just pops into Chanel on the Rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré whenever she needs a new bag, cardy or fragrance. While a significant minority do indulge in ready-to-wear lines produced by designer labels, most are happy with less brand-conscious garments. Small boutiques and historic department stores like Le Bon Marché and Les Galeries Lafayette sell the big brands, but many French are happy to buy anonymous clothes at knockdown prices in chain stores like Tati, or even in the hypermarket.”

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Where to find Cheap properties for sale in France

In the Basque country and beyond

With direct, low-cost flights to Biarritz and Pau (plus Bilbao, Spanish border), the County of Pyrénées-Atlantiques is accomplished easily by the United Kingdom. most visitors are familiar with bourgeois Biarritz and the chic, art deco architecture, but apart from the cosmopolitan city is a less densely populated landscape of the Coast Palm-fringed, rolling green countryside, white water rivers, forests and mountain peaks, where the thermometer seldom dips below six degrees Celsius.

In the North of the County, in the region of pine forests and vast Landes includes, deserted beaches, one of France's less densely populated areas is perfect for property hunters very unspoiled landscapes. "Property for sale of coast will always command high prices, but head half an hour there are huge domestic and agricultural land from EUR550, 000, "says Julia Troccaz after Biarritz."(F) traditionally housed farmsteads of Basque both family and animals, so that this kind of ownership comes with huge amounts of living space, villages such as Sare, Ascain and Espelette is attractive, and even relatively close to the Atlantic. "

Farms, they must be renovated cost from EUR300 000 (£ 240,000), but remember to factor in the work required for the performance of the accommodation, equipment and work have expensive this Troccaz, which suggests that the best buys to be had in the Landes is directly inland from the popular resorts of Hossegor, Capbreton: "values of the property for sale in Landes is lower by around Biarritz, because more areas are available, access is still very good, you can be 15 minutes, home, but only 20 minutes from the airport of Biarritz, five minutes from the motorway and 25 minutes from the St-Jean-de-Luz."

Budget from EUR500, 000 (£ 397,000) for cluster Landaise renovated, with 6,000 square metres of land.

Lozere-the less

Down to the shores of the Mediterranean, the region of Languedoc-Roussillon region is composed of five departments, whose single-Lozère-has no coastline.This hilly, locked land region of the long, winding roads has low visitor numbers and a profile in even lower, particularly when it comes to British property buyers (figures released last year as the French are sorted Lozère département with the lowest number of overseas-owners, given the presence of Johnny Foreigner as "minor.")

This genuine French is also very quiet: French news magazine L'Express and the investigation of the 2007 "best places to Live in France" voted Lozère ideal retirement destination, by obtaining its unspoilt scenery, quiet streets, and low levels of pollution and crime features a small population (about 73,500 which 14 people per square metre), and certainly not a large part of the cultural infrastructure (the region ranked 94th out of 96 on this particular point), but certainly Lozère well suited to those seeking a quiet, safe and property for sale in Lozère comes cheap.

Research L'Express classifies Lozère region seventh as less expensive to buy property.

Alex Charles Crème de Languedoc comments: "you won't be able to find a great opportunity for capital growth and rental potential, but the Lozère property market offers great value and its properties, manufactured stone is perfect for self-sufficient types with the necessary technical know-how.Your money will go further here than in busy areas of the southern Gard and Hérault Languedoc.A budget of EUR242 000 (£ 192,000) buys a two-bedroom stone property set in 1.5 acres [over half a hectare] of land in the Cévennes National Park, which would be ideal for lovers of nature, or twice the value we sell a huge five-bedroom, renovated farm with outbuildings, a acre [almost half hectare] the territory near the village of Florac. "

Cognac-tipped to increase

In and around the Undulating countryside Charente sits and forests in the region of Western France Poitou-Charentes and recently has been the projector for two reasons.

Firstly, some of the most famous spirits of the world are produced of Charente city of Cognac, and this valuable sales reached a new historic tipple high in 2007 with the business flourishes, the cherry on the cake for the locals were opened in the spring of this year, the new Angkoylemis-Cognac airport with direct flights to London Stansted.

"Is bound to have a positive effect on the market of property in and around Cognac and Jarnac," says Graham Downie, an actor search properties tips in this section of Western France cast. "There are several reasons which make the Cognac region is worth a look: has a very convenient location within striking distance of four airports, and only five and a half hours by train from London, industry cognac makes popular with tourists, who come to visit Rémy Martin, Hennessy, Martell and Courvoisier, which means that they are lively, and a thriving local economy makes good news for property owners and investors alike rich region. "

The information was released in June of 2008 show that of the nine regions that make up Poitou-Charentes, property for sale in Charente is now priced housing in plain and traditional stone properties will appeal to buyers of the property with a tendency for the property. in accordance with Downie, a two-bedroom apartment townhouse within five minutes walk from the central square of Cognac can be collected for around EUR120, 000 (£ 95,000), while the EUR200, 000 (£ 159,000) bags a three-bedroom property stone in a nearby village, with a small garden and easy access to shops and restaurants for an imposing four-to six-bedroom property with a swimming pool, walled garden and vineyard views (kind of coveted by many UK property buyers), allow EUR300 000-EUR450, 000 (£ 240,000 for £ 355,000), in the lively market town of Jarnac (home for the home of Courvoisier), a three-bedroom property in immaculate condition, with the pool and garden, selling for just below EUR400, 000 (£ 318,000).

Louise Taylor for Homes Overseas-Properties for sale in France of, information about buying property in France, property investment advice and international news.

Property international experts since 1965.

Happy New Year

Christmas has come and gone again and we now have even more plastic and DVD's! The kids love it though and so do we when they are playing quietly with it and not just spreading it around the floor.

Our neighbours Suzan and Robert have moved away so that is sad, we miss them everyday at the momment. We met the new people and they seem very nice but will only be coming 3 weekly to start with. He has a Triumph Bonneville motorbike which is what Griff had as a teenager so they should get on just fine!

Florence and Eben are back at school, Gwilym is busy playing with his marble cascade most of the time and Arwen eats, sleeps, gurgles and grins.

Back Again

I haven't posted here for over a year. I decided to come back and start again with tales of our life in Burgundy France. I thought this would be a good place for photos and stories of the children.

Painting, honey and heat .

Eben painted bananas at school today in the following colours, chocolate, blue and jaune. Is the poor boy confused or what?!

Gwils has decided to crawl, he was trying to stand straight up and walk but kept landing on his nose. He is also pulling himself up right and pushes his playpen along so he can reach the things little people aren't supposed to touch. We collected loads of mirabel plums from a small tree in the garden and we are all enjoying those. Our greengage tree only seemed to give one plum this year and that landed on Gwils when he was sat on a blanket under him. I went out and he was covered in a sticky mess and the stone was on the blanket next to him. Lucky or what?

Flo is now in a class of 13 students we got our 3rd class back. There are still 3 levels in the class but it is much more manageable. They have a temp teacher at the momment but it is one they know as he did a day a week in Ebens class last year.

Gareth helped Flo extract the first honey from her bees on Wednesday. She sold her first pot to a neighbour. What actually happened was that we suggested she give it away and she didn't like that so Gareth gave her 3 Euros for it. Quite the little business woman, keep it up I say. I just saved a bee that was stuck in the honey pot. Its daft they make all that honey then go and get stuck in it.

We went to Auxerre on Monday and managed to get the wood burning fire we wanted. We were expecting to pay 466 Euros for it but it must have been in stock for a while as it only cost 186 euros, a positive bargain so hopefully it will heat well. Of course the weather has turned hot again so we haven't tried it yet. It was really hot yesterday and I went running with our friend Florence and picked a route in full sunshine not realising quite how hot it was. By the time we got back I was as red as the t-shirt I'd been wearing. The kids are enjoying the swimming pool and the last of the tomatoes are ripening. We have hundreds of courgetted from a neighbour who is on holiday so I've been juicing them. Its a bit strange but drinkable.

Baby Hand Swats

Have you ever noticed that if you swing something in front of a baby they can't catch it but if you loose concentration for a second as you move a spoonfull of food towards their mouths they swat down and grab the food leaving you with an empty spoon and them with a handfull of squidgy purée and a big grin on their faces? 

Winter Heating

The first week of school is over and Florence is having a great time. Yesterday she had to explain the maths to her classmates as she was the only one to understand. Eben keeps telling us hes been naughty but the teacher says it just hard at times to keep 8 little ones all concentrating on the same things at the same time. There are 5 children in Ebens year this year, last year he was the only one most of the time.

This morning all 3 are up stairs playing and several toys seem to have died and are to be thrown in the fire water. Eben is keen on the idea of death at the momment and told me that if I touched his music powpow then I'd be dead. What a charmer!

We have ordered wood for the winter and now are looking for a decent wood burning stove the one we had last year wasn't very good and we had two chimney fires with it. Its a Godin colonial and looks fantastic but doesn't heat enough for the size of the room. We nearly bought a Godin chatelaine cooker but it was damaged so we are back to square one. Last night we ate tartiflette with Maurice and Jacqueline it was lovely but hopefully not a sign that winter will be here early.

Back to school

Florence and Eben started back on Tuesday. Flo was delighted and Eben was sullen. So far he just told us how naughty he has been and is bringing the school sandpit home in his shoes, a little at a time but if this continues I'm sure the difference will be noticed. He has moved out of our room and into the same one as Flo. Hes gone out of a travel cot and straight into a double bed which is a bit strange for him. I think he quite likes it though. Flo school days consist of working, playing and eating, nothing more nothing less can be got out of her. We are waiting till next week to see if the school system will let us have our third class back. It was taken away with an expectation of less students but in fact there are more and in Flos class at the momment there are 27 children in 5 different years so it is hell for the teacher. She thinks she can cope for a week. There are 7 schools that need a teacher but only 3 posts available. Its daft our kids are our future and the school system seems to be going to pieces.

Blood and sausage

Flo and Eben want a duck and a rabbit and having been told that they would be to eat Florence has devised a plan of reproduction to ensure she always has a pet duck. We'll see if they have any at the next foire in Corbigny. There used to be loads of people selling poultry and rabbits but with changing habits and the worry of bird flu it has diminished and last month there was only one seller. We mentioned it to Robert when he was here earlier and he says he remembers being 5 or 6 and them living in one room with a dirt floor and a bed for his parents and one for him and his sister. His parents were killing a duck and his mother held it whilst his father chopped its head off. She then let go and the thing ran headless under one of the beds whilst spraying blood all over the place. A duck may only have a pint of blood but it would look like a damn site more when it was sprayed all over your house! He also told us of the time when they were sticking a pig. The butcher arrived and whilst six people held the pig (weighing about 150kg) he stuck the knife in its throat. Normally one of the women would have come in with a bucket to catch the blood for making black pudding but the people holding the pig let go and it ran off with the knife in its neck. The village chased after it complete with bucket to collect any left over blood. The pig ran for 2km and down a gully and came to rest under a bridge. Needless to say that year there was no boudin (black sausage) and everyone had to help with dragging the now dead pig back up the 2km to the village.  

Invincible dragon and a mothers instinct.

Before going to bed on Wednesday evening I could hear squeaking under the tiled floor. In the past rats had burrowed through the soil it stands on. In one place is a hole that I have put poison down before and we had stuffed it with plastic bags. Now I could here squeaking and see moving plastic. I bashed into the hole a few times with the end of a baseball bat and stuffed more bags down the hole. I didn't want to open it up then in case loads of baby rats came flying into the room. The noises stopped so I put a heavy weight on the hole and went to bed. In the morning I looked properly and there was lots of plastic shreded to make a nest and one solitary baby rat, hairless and with its eyes closed. I used tongs to get it out, it was still alive and squeaked a couple of times. Now came the dillema what to do with it. I hate bashing creatures on the head to kill them, especially such tiny ones. It was looking so helpless that my instinct as a mother was to get a pipette and feed it milk. It may have been a rat but it was still a baby! I hate rats and really wouldn't want one as a pet. From a distance they can look great when they have glossy coats but they cause us problems and are a health risk, our neighbours son nearly died from Wiels disease a couple of years ago. So I just put the baby rat out in the hedge where it would either die a natural death or a predator would find it.  

Yesterday morning Eben decided to wear a dress of Flos because it was blue and he likes blue. He didn't keep it on for long as it was too long so was soon back in his Taz top. Our friend Florence came over with her two boys and we all went running together, including Griff with Gwilym in the push chair.

Today we took our neighbour shopping and both Flo and Eben were on a sugar mission and persuaded her to buy them cake and sweets in the supermarket then even before tasting them went into silly mood and behaved as if they had never eaten in their lifes. We then went and had a drink with Robert and his son and family and ate loads of shrimps.

Gwilym wants to walk, he is only nine months old but is trying to pull himself up already. Yesterday I saw him with feet flat on the floor legs straight, bum in the air and nose to the ground. He just wants to get on and play with the other two. They are creating a scary party upstairs in their room at the momment and have made spiders and webs out of pipe cleaners. I've just heard Flo tell Eben of for playing as it's tidy up time at the momment. Its great they have great big boxes for toys now that they can't tip over so its easy for clearing things into and once the things are in they can't find them again so less stuff gets spread around the floor. They don't really stand much chance with me as their clearing up roll model!

We found out a bit more about why one of our neighbours hit another with a bottle at the pig party, it was because the one who was hit rents some fields from the other and hadn't cut the hedges. Serge is obsessed with hedge cutting and gets at us each year about cutting ours. He always cuts at the wrong time and has more brambles than hedge. It seems a shame to do something that makes you feel as bad as this has done just over a few hedges though. Our other neighbours Maurice and Jacqueline will be staying longer than expected though because she fell over and sprained her ankle whilst mushrooming, ordinarily she wouldn't have gone but he had a swollen foot from gout and she insisted on going with him as he was handicapped and now she is the one on crutches!

Flo and Ebens game is degrading, I can hear her saying she'll take back the Scooby Doo toy she has given him and he won't be able to come to the party, followed soon after with, 'you're not coming to the party, you're not coming to the party, you're not coming to the party! We'll get them out cycling between the rain showers I think.

At the scary party Eben was a dragon and Flo was a witch and we had pumpkin soup and pie. Eben won't believe that if he swallows the small toy he is sucking that he could die because he didn't see any dragons die in Goblet of Fire. Theres logic for you.

Back at Champignolles

Guess Who? ""I need to find my Taz top, where's my Taz top? Where's my Spiderman top? Where's my Scooby Doo top? I've found my Taz top.""

The Tigger top is then discarded and replaced by a Kangeroo top. ""This one talks just like in Whinny the Pooh, this is the baby, I've got my Taz top on too, can you find me my stripey top as well? Where are my adidas shorts? Where are my Taz shorts?"" Thus starts Ebens morning.

My first sight of Gwils was him sitting up in his bed far too early, looking very pleased with himself. He has sat up by himself twice now without me seeing either time, since seeing Cassandre this morning and hearing how clingy she has become he has been clingy all day. He has now surcommed to sleep at last! Phew.

The other two are in bed too since going on an adventure. Flo asked for her passport earlier to go in her bag with her money and tissues. They were going to the port to catch a boat for China. A few hours and several thoughts later she decided that an adventure would be better so they could come back before they got too hungry. Bags were packed and at 7.30 they headed off both wearing dressing gowns, armed with soft toys, water, toothbrushs and paste, some money, not much honey and definatly no five pound notes. They wandered away, and went up the hill and drew pictures of things that they saw. After an hour they returned with gifts of pine cones, no quince but plenty of feathers and flowers. After a rest and stories to tell they dined on bananas and milk. Then bravely headed up the apples and pears to bed!