Introduce yourself here ...........

[peter]

A place to say hello and give some background info .......

Typically, it would be useful to give info about :

Nationality ?
Where from in home country ?
Family situation ?
Languedoc location ?
How long in Languedoc ?
Work status ?
Other countries you have lived ?
Previous line of work ?
Hobbies ?
What do you do here ?
Web link

Please click above to add your introduction info ......



Peter

[peter]

I am of British origin
I lived in the UK midlands, then Yorkshire, Morecambe Bay, & SE
My wife is French
I live near Sommieres
I arrived in 1999
I am semi retired
I arrived from Sweden, via Belgium & UK
Previously I was an expat exec in the Motor industry
I love sailing
I try to run this forum
My web site

I'm Peter


Please post your info below ..............

[wendyb]

Here goes...

I'm English
I'm from Leicester (20yrs) moving to London for 11 yrs then here
My husband is French, I have 4 yr old Alicia and 1 year old Eloise
I live in Lunel, halfway between Nimes and Montpellier
I arrived in July 1998
I am an auto entrepreneur
I used to be a travel agent specialising in group travel and conferences.
I run the bookclub and help run www.Britsnimes.com
Webmaster for www.ieam.info also http://piglanguedoc.blogspot.com/ I also work for www.totstofrance.co.uk
...and my websites are in my signature below.

[dcat]

I introduced myself briefly in another thread, but am happy to do so again.

I'm an American from California married to a Spaniard and living in Spain on the Costa Daurada south of Barcelona. I have been here in Spain (Catalunya) since 2001. We lived first in Barcelona where my husband is from, then Tarragona, and now here in an urbanization near a small village where there are lots of tourists in the summer, and very few people of any sort the rest of the year.

My hope and dream (and becoming an obsession) is to move to France, although I'm not sure if it will be in the Languedoc (maybe Beziers or Nimes) or Provence (Avignon or Arles). Actually Avignon is so far my target, but I haven't found a good forum for exchange of information on Provence. Really this is the best expat forum I have found so I'm happy to be here learning what I can from its members.

My husband and I now live near each other but separately and he doesn't want to make this move to France, so I am trying to figure out if and how I could do it on my own. I have written to several realtors asking about approximate property and habitation taxes on apartments I've seen for sale on their websites, but no one has answered. I have inquired about top off insurance to cover what the French social security doesn't (Spain pays for everything) and they tell me first I have to sort out my tax and legal status. But the fact is that there are a lot of unknowns and I have to put the puzzle together from a lot of different angles (if I can't go as a resident, I may be able to arrange it for part of each year) and often one part of this puzzle will depend on another. If one approach won't work, I'll look for another because I very much feel I need to live in France.

So Hi all. Hopefully I will soon be a neighbor!

[Mats]

I'm swedish

I live in Gothenburg, around 500 000 habitants

Divorced with two grown up daughters. New woman, new kid, a boy, two years in december.

A really small village in the Orb valley.

We - me, my woman and my sister - bought the house in 2007.

I'm a sports columnist with the local paper Gothenburg Post.

Just Sweden

A lot, just to finance my sturm und restaurang-period.

Cooking, and by heritage or force, renovating kitchens. The french kitchen is my fifth redoing, so when I see a house that needs a new kitchen, I buy it.

It's a holiday home, but the answer above will give you a general idea.

[Simon & Ruby]

Both British.
Simon - originally from Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, Wales. Ruby - originally from Hackney, London. Simon lived in London for 14 years and both of us in Northamptonshire for 3 years before moving here.
We have lived together for 7 years, no children, well except for the cat!
We live in a small village 20 minutes North of Beziers.
We have been in Herault nearly 2 years now. Doesn't time fly!
Taking some time out from work right now.
Simon is a Director and 50% owner of www.pfsparts.com but not directly involved in the day to day running of the business anymore and a 50% partner of www.saabcentral.com
We love to travel, Malta next week and China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Korea in January, we can't wait! We also enjoy cooking, dinner parties and generally socialising with friends. Last but not least, Simon loves riding his motorbike on the fantastic roads we have in the area.
Neither of us currently work in France, but Ruby is shortly going to register as an Auto Entrepreneur

[hesfordj]

I'm Jonathan Hesford and live with my wife Rachel Treloar and our two daughters Lydia and Isabella.

I'm English from Barnsley, Yorkshire and my wife is from Wellington, New Zealand. Lydia (8) was born in New York and Issy (5) was born in Nelson, New Zealand. They both go to the local village school and are pretty much bilingual now.

We live in the small village of Trouillas, near Thuir in the Pyrenees-Orientales, where we own and run Domaine Treloar, a 10ha vineyard estate and winery. We make around 35,000 bottles of wine a year which we sell in France, Britain, Germany, Denmark and the USA.

As well as tending the vines, making the wine and visiting our distributors, we do a fair amount of wine tourism, like vineyard visits and events. We are quite involved in the ex-pat community with our wine club and FAB PO (an English-speaking small business group). We are also in the process of renovating an adjoining house to run as wine-related holiday accomodation - and to house our numerous visitors!

We moved here in 2005 from England but had just returned from 3 years in New Zealand where I worked as a winemaker to "learn the ropes". Previously we lived in New York where I worked for the investment bank Merrill Lynch as an IT manager. I have also lived and worked in London, New Guinea and Somalia. As a child I lived in Spain and Australia as well as England.

Our website is www.domainetreloar.com.

[iracathey]

Hi. Ira here.

We're Americans, still living and working in Pennsylvania - although my wife Cathey is a Texas girl. We bought our house in Cazouls-les-Beziers in 2004, visit when we can, rent it out the rest of the time. www.southfrancerental.com. It's a simple village house in a working class village - just what we wanted. Although there are a few expats in Cazouls, in order to get to know our neighbors we've had to learn French. And our neighbors have been eager to learn about us and help us - and our renters - settle in.

We'll be retiring to the Languedoc in a few years, once our retirement savings get over the swine flu. I'm a fundraiser for a charitable organization - mostly a grant writer, editor of various newsletters, and copy writer. Cathey is an accomplished multi-ethnic cook. When we retire, I'll do some writing and continue my love affair with motor scooters. Cathey will keep me well fed.

As Americans, getting coherent answers about our ability to buy into the health insurance system in France has been an interesting exercise. Some tell us not to bother, just buy private. Some say that it will take 90 days to qualify, some say 10 years. Typical.

Anyway, hello to all.

[Tinners]

British, originally from Southport, Lancs but spent most of my working life in the South of England.

Wife and 16-y.o. daughter in Oxfordshire. Also 2 grown-up sons in Bucks, 2 stepsons in Sussex.

Work status: independent IT contractor, starting contract with IBM Montpellier on Mon 26 Oct

Other countries you have lived: currently Switzerland (leaving Zurich Thurs 22 Oct), last year Belgium.

Hobbies: choral and instrumental music, cooking

Arriving Montpellier 24 Oct, initially for 3 months. Have found a bed for 2 nights via Couchsurfing, but urgently need a cheap room or (poss shared) apartment to rent in Montpellier. I won't have my own transport here.

Web link: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tinners





Peter[/quote]

[Magnhild]

Hi Folks (?Gidday!) — I'm Norwegian, grew up in UK (Cheshire) & Oz (Sydney where I worked as a Language Teacher (English to Adult Migrants) and then had a 2nd hand bookshop ("Bookings Taken") for the last 10 years.

Finally decided twas time for a change so came over in Sept (last year) to check out properties & promptly fell in love with Cessenon. Moved in eventually (with 12yo Siamese cat) end of April. So very new here!

Officially retired but looking for 'something-to-do'; possibly setting up Le Travelling English Librarie for people on the Canal du Midi???

Love the Forum. Well done Peter. Have a feeling I'll be calling on your knowledge base quite regularly.

A bientot

[PAT PROBLEM]

Hello Everyone
I am Scottish, although my passport says I am British. Spent my first 49 years living in Scotland but loved travelling all over the world and obviously learned that there are many beautiful places in the world apart from the Bonnie Banks.
I spent 30 years in law enforcement but at this stage if I tell you more I will have to kill you.
Whilst I was doing my thing my wife opened a number of businesses which provided us with some financial flexibility.
I took the opportunity to 'retire" at the age of 49 and moved to the seemingly unfashionable Alés area in 2005 with my wife and three teenage daughters.
Since then I have unwittingly become a gardener for a number of people and I love spending time in gardens doing the basic's. Apparently my energy and work ethic appeal to many people who need another pair of hands.
I try to squeeze in at least one game of golf per week and I have also finished my first, as yet unpublished novel.
I believe that there are many challenges that still lie ahead of me and I look forward to the future with eager anticipation.

[Sandra]

Hi

I have lived in Pouzolles 20 minutes north of Beziers for 6 and a half years with my man Andy. I am from Rochdale and love speaking french in a lancashire accent ! My parents also live nearby which is fantastic. I like having both french and anglophone friends, we are priviledged members of the local 'Comité des fetes' which keeps us busy in the summer http://www.pouzollesenfete.fr/

I work full time for Garrigae a French investment/hotel group and I am very grateful to Peter as I saw the job advertised on this forum. Previously I worked for www.Southfrancevillas.com which was my first job in the tourism industry.

back to work now.

I hope I have passed the interview.....

Sandra

[graham34]

British and currently splitting the year between West London and the Languedoc (Aspiran between Clermont l’Herault and Pezenas).

Despite having holidayed in France all my living memory only “discovered” the Languedoc by accident in early April 1993, renting a chilly converted manger of a village house in Soubes (near Lodeve) through friends of a friend. Nearly 10 years later we bought a maison secondaire, accepting the commitment to future holidays that would imply.

After over 30 years working in IT quit work in 2008, at the same time as my other half Sue, to take some time off. So far have been nibbling away at the endless DIY an ancient village house implies and progressing my hobbies (see signature).

[dcat]

Very nice, Graham. You're obviously no newcomer. If -- I should say when -- I make my dream of moving to Avignon come true, I will study your restaurant reviews more seriously. You are an inspiration to do something with my own blog.

Dvora

[maisondelorb]

Nationality ?
A mixture of maltese and german blood with a hint of a devonshire accent thrown in for a good measure.

Where from in home country ?
Born in devon but travelled alot when younger before moving to London.

Family situation ?
Partner and three hounds of love. You may have seen us causing havoc around the Beziers area.....apologise.

Languedoc location ?
Beziers. First house we looked at we bought. Situated by the old bridge looking onto the river in the old arab quarter. An easy 5 min stroll into town and yet you feel so seperate from the hustle and bustle of Beziers.

How long in Languedoc ?
Three years plus. No turning back, no need to.

Work status ?
Own and run Maison De L'Orb - see blog for details.

Other countries you have lived ?
Malta and Switzerland when at school, England and Germany for work.

Previous line of work ?
Fashion buyer, think Miranda Priestly in timbers and you are halfway there. Also worked in music management working with amongst many Pet Shopp Boys, Swing Out Sister, Kate Bush and Bananarama....Also a writer of short stories and songs which I have recently collated and put up on my blogsite.

Hobbies ?
Reading, writing, cooking, gym, walking the hounds, cafes, lazy lunches, dining, skiing, book parties, shopping, designing....

What do you do here ?
see above

Web link
http://maisondelorb.blogspot.com (business)
http://mbinmore.blogspot.com (writings)

[james-g]

Ruth and I are both from the UK and have been married for nearly 50 years.

We first fell in love with this area when we were living aboard an old motorsailer and we passed through the Midi canal in 1970 on our way from Malta to Falmouth.

We now live just north of Carcassonne, but spend part of the year on our present sailing boat in Spain.

[mroconnell]

Hey, everybody. My dad is American and my mom is French, so I don't know if I'm technically an expat. But I feel like one.

I make wine out by Carcassonne. Look me up.

Nationality ?
American Irish Vietnamese French

Where from in home country ?
Florida

Languedoc location ?
Carcassonne

How long in Languedoc ?
Life.

Work status ?
Winemaker

Hobbies ?
Winedrinker

Web link
http://www.ovineyards.com
http://www.love-that-languedoc.com

[Lux]

Hi my name is Paul I am British live in Northampton am married with 2 children, have a house being built near Carcassonne. I am a tiler and stone tile restorer and will be moving to France in 2011. Have just started French lessons and will continue until our move.

[tosca]

Tosca

We've been "lurkers" on this forum for quite some time, and the time to post has arrived !

As we get older, better weather seems important.

At present we are thinking about somewhere up to 25 kms from the coast with basic facilities (inc supermarket) and within 1.5 hrs from either Perpignan or Girona airports.

Looking forward to picking peoples brains.

[hesfordj]

Tosca - perhaps you could tell us something about yourselves. That way we can give you more appropriate advice.

[tosca]

We've had a small house near La Rochelle for a few years.

We are about to retire and are looking for better weather. We don't want to maintain a garden any more, but need some outdoor space.

We need 2 bedrooms - either an apartment or a village house would suit.

In UK we live near Letchworth, so Stansted and Luton are our closest airports.

At our age, nightclubs and beaches are not priority, but nearby shops and doctors are factors to be considered !

We are still ploughing through the suggestions we've received.

Tosca

[james-g]

tosca there is a good cheap air service from Stansted to Carcassonne which could be much closer than Gerona to areas you could be interested in. They usually arrive exactly on time also.

[66to11]

You could choose Narbonne (environs or suburbs).
You have the sea within 10-15 minutes (from the south side - driving via the marvellous La Clape plateau!) and all the facilities of a medium sized town at your doorstep. You also have the warm climate and Carcassonne and Béziers airports are each about 30-40 minutes away!

[Lee Dennison]

Hello everyone! I'm Lee Dennison, fictional casting director.

You may have heard of me because some hoaxer (or hoaxers) have been claiming on the internet that I am in romantic relationships with various celebrities. Actor Ron Livingston has filed a lawsuit because of this.

So if I am fictional, who created this fiction? And who is behind these possibly libellous actions? Well, according to this analysis, it may be the same person who posts in this forum as maisondelorb. Then again, it may not be, but the evidence looks fairly damning. I invite you to read the analysis, follow the links, and decide for yourself.

If you can add anything, please send me a PM. Thanks.

[summer2010]

I'm Andrea, English and have been living in Lyon for 5 years.
Moving to Montpellier in the Summer (can't wait!)
Living with my French partner and daughter of 17 months.
Lived in Corsica, Italy and Israel.
English teacher for 10 years and before that worked in tourism.

I guess that's all for now, just wanted to touch base with you all...