The life of a Brit expat in rural France is examined at first hand here in the interior, far from cities, the charming Chamberet, a small town 45 minutes stroll away, the hamlet quiet, the few French neighbours apparently pleased to see the deserted house back in use, the lonely old lady happy to have someone with whom to talk ... even a foreigner struggling to sustain a conversation ... a liveable house, seventies style, formica finished furniture, lino floored, two bedrooms plus roof space and ruins to develop, generous garden for 45,000 euros ...
Such places are to be found all around France ... Spain and Portugal too ... reasonable land, solid buildings, friendly neighbours ... just lacking employment and maybe the delights of cities preferred by the escaping former residents.
This life is far removed from the Costa experience ... though the costa living, as shown through the coffee indicator (2.40 for cafe au lait being double the Tubalita price) is higher... research needed, of course, since coffee is not the only indicator and the purchase price of land and buildings is much less ... the climate another factor, with proper winters here ... whatever that means ...
Meanwhile your blogger is enjoying the transition from solitude to the temporary company of a friend, conversing in English interspersed with French, before a week of community life with the Buddhists. .. then a long wander ... maybe, let's see ...
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