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5:00pm, Sun 08 Feb 2009 : Gourge - French countryside
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French countryside perfected, Gourge.
After the hussle and hussle of Paris and one too many frostie experiences, it was great to get down to the countryside for some old fashioned hospitality at chez Donna and Peter. These fine friends of mine from Brisbane, Australia had moved to this small town in October 2009.
There uprooted lives bought about the appeal of this lovely little town, a Roman era bridge across the river Thouet and a run down bar adjacent.
The adventure started at Piotiers Gare, where Donna and Peter were looking fine and happy to now be residing in the French countryside…. For what ever reason, they seem to be happy to see me as well! : )
The town itself is weighted with authenticity, narrow streets, old buildings, trees without leaves, a burrow in the paddock. Just across the river from the town centre is the bar and residence in question. Quite run down when they have arrived, they have already made some amazing in roads. Cleaning, re-tiling, gardening. Their plans changes the layout internally and see them move themselves into a loft type space 2 floors over the bar. Its just lovely. The view from their bedroom is to the river and weir, on the other side the window reveals the rolling hills of the countryside with some distant Napolean era homes and farms.
This place was a great place for me to wind out some French and have some fun as I battled to converse with some French people. It is so true that the French are impressed by attempts to speak their lingo. They will always remark about your efforts (in French).
Within a day of arriving, I had found a way to help them. The renovations to the bar were in full swing. The concrete floor, 100mm thick at best as cracked and floating. A probable relic from about the war years, you can't build a strong existence or business on weak foundations. The old concrete was gone and I laboured (pushed the barrow) as new concrete was mixed and laid in 1/2 of the space.
Their plans are excellent. I love to have been here at this point, so that I may return to see the changes they have completed.
Meanwhile, they continue to battle with various bureaucratic challenges working in France. Work permits, business structures and the like. They have found some pain in one particular path, but have now found a couple of other paths. I wish them well!
My visit culminated in house warming type night. This night was marveleous. To rally support for their cause, they invited about 30 people to attend their house. A good portion were actually English folk, retired to the French countryside. This includes a wonderful doctor, now trying his hand at writing and a very learned chap who educated me on the some of the shaddy sides of the English aristocracy…. Apparently his research was founded on solid ground, having taught several of the current generation UK princes and princesses English…
Elsewhere in the house the French chatter included some of the authentic locals. Relaxed and local, these guys had reserved the most comfy places adjacent the fire. It was a wonderful, warm and welcoming night and I look forward to returning in the future to spend time with these cheerful people.
Donna and Peter wanted me to extend a warm invitation for people to come and visit their home. They are wonderful people, full of fun and energy. If you can find your way there, then please get in contact.
Related Videos, Stories & Links
 Donna and Peter's blog
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Other Stories
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11 Jun 2010 CS Marinya becomes super model for a day
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13 Feb 2009 Montreal - top right corner of France
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09 Feb 2009 Gourge, France to UK
08 Feb 2009 Gourge - French countryside
02 Feb 2009 Best job in the world video making
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31 Jan 2009 Hot Koalas
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Quote
from Ghandi
I
do not want my house to be walled in on
all sides and my windows to be stuffed.
I want the culture of all lands to be blown
about my house as freely as possible.
Pretty much my life... and I love it.
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It's not far down to paradise
At least it's not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away
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The canvas can do miracles
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Believe me
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Of innocence again
The canvas can do miracles
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Takes me away
To where I've always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free
Fantasy
It gets the best of me
When I'm sailing
All caught up in the reverie
Every word is a symphony
Won't you believe me
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