TRIP REPORT: Paris, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Toulouse, Provence, and more
#161
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<<See StCirq, I'm learning to factor in the delays!)>>
Wise of you At least the 3-month waiting period to close is mandatory, so you can count on that (probably up to the very last minute of the very last day).
You would be wise to start lining up the workmen for the renovations NOW, though. If you wait until you own the house, you'll be an old man before anything gets done. Call or email if you want references.
Wise of you At least the 3-month waiting period to close is mandatory, so you can count on that (probably up to the very last minute of the very last day).
You would be wise to start lining up the workmen for the renovations NOW, though. If you wait until you own the house, you'll be an old man before anything gets done. Call or email if you want references.
#162
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Russ,
I finally had a chance to read your report this morning while baking Christmas cookies, was immediately absorbed and almost burned a batch, or two.
Thank you for your excellent descriptions of so many places I love plus the fabulous accounts of the gîte owners and locals you met along the way. I have read many great trip reports and travel blogs, this was by far the best.
The "ang" accent took me back to our little village of Figarol southwest of Toulouse. Demain is "demang" and the further southwest in France you are, you soon realize that it is used loosely and can mean two weeks or more where services are concerned. But, in the end, with many breaks for coffee or something stronger, lunch (dinner, actually, all local workers go home for 1 1/2 to two hours) the job will get done and you will have forged lasting relationships. Not to mention, 99% of the time it will be done "right", local artisans have a reputation to maintain.
All the very best with your house purchase. We had seven wonderful years in France and might have kept our house in France, but for various reasons, the costs and logistics seemed overwhelming. In retrospect, without saying too much about the barking mad baby in the White House, we wonder if we made the right decision. You will be amazed by the health service, the high quality and low cost as you found with your "urgence" experience.
I finally had a chance to read your report this morning while baking Christmas cookies, was immediately absorbed and almost burned a batch, or two.
Thank you for your excellent descriptions of so many places I love plus the fabulous accounts of the gîte owners and locals you met along the way. I have read many great trip reports and travel blogs, this was by far the best.
The "ang" accent took me back to our little village of Figarol southwest of Toulouse. Demain is "demang" and the further southwest in France you are, you soon realize that it is used loosely and can mean two weeks or more where services are concerned. But, in the end, with many breaks for coffee or something stronger, lunch (dinner, actually, all local workers go home for 1 1/2 to two hours) the job will get done and you will have forged lasting relationships. Not to mention, 99% of the time it will be done "right", local artisans have a reputation to maintain.
All the very best with your house purchase. We had seven wonderful years in France and might have kept our house in France, but for various reasons, the costs and logistics seemed overwhelming. In retrospect, without saying too much about the barking mad baby in the White House, we wonder if we made the right decision. You will be amazed by the health service, the high quality and low cost as you found with your "urgence" experience.
#163
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Cath, I don't know if Russ and partner will be able to take advantage of the French healthcare system unless they decide to become residents and not just travel there on a tourist visa. But I do know that the place they have chosen to live in is gorgeous and they will have many special moments there.
#164
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You're right regarding their full access at low or no cost but even paying as you go, costs are so much lower than in the States.
We could not join the system until my husband turned 65 so for our first 2 1/2 years continued under my company's retiree health insurance, which did have overseas coverage, at a cost, or paid out of pocket, which ever made the most sense.
We could not join the system until my husband turned 65 so for our first 2 1/2 years continued under my company's retiree health insurance, which did have overseas coverage, at a cost, or paid out of pocket, which ever made the most sense.
#165
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Hi Cathinjoetown, Thank you for the lovely comments!
I just saw these posts, 4 days later, but I'm intrigued by the fodor's deleted comment. What was that all about?
Regarding our healthcare experience, we had bought travel insurance just in case, but I found it amusing that the fee that I was charged for urgent care was actually less than the $250 deductible on the plan for emergency room visits, so even at full cost we will come out far ahead compared to the costs of similar care in the US. Now if only I can figure out how to plan my "emergencies" to occur only in France...
I just saw these posts, 4 days later, but I'm intrigued by the fodor's deleted comment. What was that all about?
Regarding our healthcare experience, we had bought travel insurance just in case, but I found it amusing that the fee that I was charged for urgent care was actually less than the $250 deductible on the plan for emergency room visits, so even at full cost we will come out far ahead compared to the costs of similar care in the US. Now if only I can figure out how to plan my "emergencies" to occur only in France...
#167
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A few people have asked if I would write about our house buying experience in France, so I've started this on a new thread:
So, we just bought a house in France...
So, we just bought a house in France...
#168
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Sounds lovely. I think we may have mentioned to you our American friend Judith Lit's award-winning film, "Après L'Hiver, Le Printemps," which follows the story of an agricultural family in Marquay (not far from your new house!) and is all about the disappearance of the old farming practices. It's a beautiful film. Your friend Pierre might enjoy it, as would you. Judith will be a neighbor of yours and is delightful.
#170
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I'm glad you finally saw it, Russ. I've seen it a few times now and always find it touching.
Now you'lll have to go for a meal here and meet some of the family: Locations de vacances (cabane perchée, gîte, chalet) proche de Sarlat - Ferme auberge en Dordogne Périgord Noir
Now you'lll have to go for a meal here and meet some of the family: Locations de vacances (cabane perchée, gîte, chalet) proche de Sarlat - Ferme auberge en Dordogne Périgord Noir
#171
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#172
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I'm glad you finally saw it, Russ. I've seen it a few times now and always find it touching.
Now you'lll have to go for a meal here and meet some of the family: Locations de vacances (cabane perchée, gîte, chalet) proche de Sarlat - Ferme auberge en Dordogne Périgord Noir
Now you'lll have to go for a meal here and meet some of the family: Locations de vacances (cabane perchée, gîte, chalet) proche de Sarlat - Ferme auberge en Dordogne Périgord Noir
#175
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Drove by your place the other day, Russ. Looking good, but Lord it's cold and wet here!
Next time you're here, we'll go to La Savie, our new favorite, also about halfway between us. The chef is inspirational.
Next time you're here, we'll go to La Savie, our new favorite, also about halfway between us. The chef is inspirational.
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