Simmy39

My husband is 43 and has early onset Parkinsons Disease; we have 3 young boys (18 months, 3 and 8). My husband's health has declined over the last 12 months and he has given away his job as a Meteorologist - he had a two week stint in a rehab centre and has been put onto a different medication which has seen his health improve quite a lot. While he was in hospital he had the revelation - lets move to the South of France! Thankfully he has income protection insurance and it looks like we may be able to afford a year away overseas. I have always worked in TV over here in New Zealand but I am quite keen to take a year off with the kids. I know my husband's health outlook isnt positive so I agree while he is good we should take the plunge and who knows a little wine and cheese may just be the secret cure. So knowing my basic history - can anyone suggest a good region; area; village that would be suitable for a family and how do we go about looking for a long term let. Our ideal travel time would be April 08 to April 09.

I know this is a broad question but any advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Simmy

treskillard

Hi
I was wondering if your husband will need specialist care provision if you were to come? I was thinking that there must be support groups for people with Parkinsons here in France. It might be worth looking into that? It could be that such a group could help sort out accomodation ahead of time one of the difficulties of just coming over for a year. On another note: what are you looking for here - does the South of France mean olive trees and heat or is is just generic France - olive sellers on the markets and not necessarily as much heat?

Simmy39

At the moment my husband's health is pretty good thanks to the new medication; his Specialists think its a great idea for him to travel now because he may not be able to when he is older. Great idea on looking into Parkinson's Groups - they may be able to assist.

To be honest I have no real preference as to where we go in France; for me it is all a new opportunity; I would like to find a place that is child friendly and warm. We want to kickback as much as possible; we are both pretty social beings so somewhere that is welcoming to a couple from DownUnder!

I have school French and we have just joined the Alliance Francais to start learning French as a family.

Thanks for your help ...

Simmy

treskillard

Good luck. Let us know how you get on with the search. If it's really warmth you are after then you are really going to the central/south I guess. I loved Arles myself or somewhere near Les Baux and the Alpilles.
T

Kate45

Hi Simmy ........we are moving from Adelaide Australia to most likely Perpignan early in 2008 with children aged 9 13 and 15 ......I am in Perpignan at the moment checking things out ......I can tell you it is warm here 28 today with very pleasent evenings I am told it can get a little windy but as yet have not experienced this. I will be posting my experiences on this forum for those who are interested.... feel free to private mail me if you want.
Good luck with everything
Kate

Simmy39

Hi Kate

thanks for the info; I will definitely keep track of what you are up to. I like to live vicariously ... at the moment I am still trying to come to terms with my husband's out of the blue decision to take a year off; which I am not complaining about at all but now I just want to find the best place to live with small children.

By the way I am a Geelong Girl and am so excited about the AFL Grand Final this coming weekend. I am currently living in Dunedin in NZ and would love to be home to see the match.

Anyway so any information or updates I will gladly welcome. Are you sending your children to a local school? My 8 year old is keen to go to school but I was initially thinking about just organising correspondence.

Thanks again

Simmy

flipflop

simmy, sorry no advice to give, just like to say go for it and good luck xx

Novocastrian

Simmy: Also no detailed advice, but Parkinson's is something I'm familiar with on two counts. Firstly, my mother has been living with it since diagnosed in about 1987 (although she has told me she knew earlier). She's still around now, aged 88. And still as sharp as ever on good days.

Secondly, my best friend in Germany (where I used to live), and who is about 47 now, was diagnosed with early onset 2 years ago. When I saw him last in November, he was so depressed, it made me doubly so.

If your husband is up for a move to France, props to him, and to you for supporting the idea. You'll love it, and I would love to meet you both one day to pay respect.

Novo.

Manc

well it can't be for the rugby...........

Simmy39

Thanks - luckily my husband was born with a super positive attitude so I think that has helped him deal with it immensely .. thanks for the words of encouragement -

Simmy

Simmy39

I follow rugby and AFL - that way I show support to both NZ and Australia ...

Kate45

Simmy as I am an ex melbourne girl...we barrack for the tigers.....I too will miss seeing the grand final this weekend .......I hope Geelong win as being and Adelaide resident I just can't barrack for Port ....go the cats.

Cheers
Kate