orange growing
Jun 23rd 2020 | 9:16 pm
#16
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 755
Re: orange growing
Second what ET says I have never regretted moving to France Fantastic neighbours excellent healthcare pot hole free roads etc We are in Brittany and we were welcomed from the word go
However I have to say that I am a Europhile have travelled and holidayed and lived in various EU countries I have a modern lang degree and so I was able to communicate and understand all the differences between the UK and French admin But even if you are not good at languages you can still learn if you put in the effort and if you are prepared to muck in with life you will have a fantastic time but it will not be easy at first but once you are over the first hurdles you can have an excellent lifestyle
However I have to say that I am a Europhile have travelled and holidayed and lived in various EU countries I have a modern lang degree and so I was able to communicate and understand all the differences between the UK and French admin But even if you are not good at languages you can still learn if you put in the effort and if you are prepared to muck in with life you will have a fantastic time but it will not be easy at first but once you are over the first hurdles you can have an excellent lifestyle
Jun 23rd 2020 | 9:29 pm
#17
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,255
Re: orange growing
I think people are warning you about the process of actually setting up a new life in the sun. Once the plans have been turned into reality, that's when the good life starts. But there will likely be hard work, a certain amount of expense and perhaps a language barrier to break through, before you get there.
Imagine moving to the other end of the UK, to a place you know nothing about and where you have no connections, and starting to build a completely new lifestyle. Then factor in dealing with immigration procedures and keeping your paperwork in order, adapting to new local customs, figuring out and getting used to new regulations and systems (healthcare in particular), and living your daily life in a foreign language,
Without knowing anything about your life experiences, we don't know whether this is something you will easily take in your stride. If you've moved around a lot, probably you will. But for many Brits who've lived and worked all their lives in the UK, even in the same part of the UK, it is quite a challenge. However if it's the lifestyle you want and you're up for the challenge, go for it!
Imagine moving to the other end of the UK, to a place you know nothing about and where you have no connections, and starting to build a completely new lifestyle. Then factor in dealing with immigration procedures and keeping your paperwork in order, adapting to new local customs, figuring out and getting used to new regulations and systems (healthcare in particular), and living your daily life in a foreign language,
Without knowing anything about your life experiences, we don't know whether this is something you will easily take in your stride. If you've moved around a lot, probably you will. But for many Brits who've lived and worked all their lives in the UK, even in the same part of the UK, it is quite a challenge. However if it's the lifestyle you want and you're up for the challenge, go for it!
If you have the finances and don't need to work, you are already one step closer. Most people tend to downsize when they get older, so unless you already have the experience of maintaining a large garden in the UK, be warned (Of course one can employ a gardener if the finances are there). I remember a women who moved from London to the countryside and complained that she no longer had public transport and other facilities close by, so common sense is also required.
Jun 24th 2020 | 10:09 pm
#18
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,021
From: Alsace
Re: orange growing
Hi, for all reasons stated, I should forget about orange groves and/or a big garden. Come over for holidays in southern France (when the Covid business reasonably permits), but not as a tourist. Rent gîtes in various areas and do for yourself as though you actually live there and are watching your budget, to get a feel of the places. However much your daughter loves France, it may not be for you, and Spain/Portugal/Italy might suit you better....
HTH
HTH
Jun 24th 2020 | 11:22 pm
#19
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 755
Re: orange growing
And don't forget the litre of milk test!!!!
Jul 10th 2020 | 10:35 pm
#20
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 150
Re: orange growing
Thank you all for your help and advice....It has broadened the family conversations and given us food for thought . Thank you. A
