Have any TAG readers any ideas how we can integrate more with our French hosts?
Last night I had one of my many brilliant ideas ( Malc groans at these! ) why could we not have a twinning scheme like towns but with people.
When we first came 12 years ago we thought we would never get invited out to a French person's home or really get to know French friends like our English friends and this was important to us.
Now we have many French friends who invite us and we have laughter fun and discussions as we would with our English speaking friends, but it took awhile for this to happen.
I think the French have the impression that we want to cling to our English speaking groups and do not want to integrate. I think age is a big factor with this as we see the new young families coming and getting straight in there with integration.
I always feel about getting older if you stop trying new things, you have given up... and I can tell you I am not ready to give up.
Imagine arriving in your village and going and introducing yourself to the Maire (as you are expected to do) and the Maire welcoming you and giving you the name of a French couple he hopes you will invite to your home for an apero or a meal and they will invite you to theirs. What friendships could be formed and what advances with language could be made.
Val continues that is alongside all the French groups one can join, choirs, patchwork, dancing, motor clubs, etc.
Anyone with any other ideas?
Malc says hanging out in the bar seems quite a good way... if only Malc! wishful thinking there.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
