|
Everything you always wanted to know about France - from France |
|
Newsletter From ParaisetteHappy New Year! This is a short "newsletter" addressed to future guests of Paraisette and to some previous ones.I assume all of you have read "A Year in Provence", Peter Mayle's journey into the "earthy pleasures of Provençal life". I mention it first of all to remind you of how the sky, the sun, the sea can be welcoming and beautiful in Menton, even in the heart of winter, provided it is a "good weather day" as is often (but not always) the case. But then another aspect of Southern France comes to life in his book. In the middle of Luberon, it is often difficult to get things done. Well, in Menton it is much worse, believe me! Let me start with a very good news: finally after YEARS of often frustrated effort, Paraisette has Internet connection. Trust me, it was not easy: would you believe me if I tell that there is NO WAY of calling France Telecom from abroad? So, since I am not in France as often as I would like, I had to rely in part of the help of kind guests. Now the Villa is equipped with a Digital Subscriber Line {DSL), a Livebox which allows Wi-Fi and an "Optimal" formula which provides an unlimited number of free calls to landline phones in France, Europe, the United States and Canada. It extends also to mobile phones, but only to the US and Canada. Special thanks to Madame Fougere, to Margaret (Margaux) Rover and to Anne and Don Fraser. I am toying with the idea of buying a new computer and leaving it there.But then most guests come with their owm device. Any feedback on this one? You can all admire and enjoy the parquet in the Master Bedroom, the walls of which have been re-painted. The lower part of the staircase and other parts of the Villa need re-painting too, but I have not yet been able to achieve that. The fireplaces, the chimneys and the barbecue have been professionally swept and now should work faultlessly. Hopefully the supply of wood next to the big olive tree will last a while. The light bulbs in the garden and along the stairs seem to have a short half-life. As for the bell and the interphone at the outside gate, I will try to have them repaired, but I am also thinking of installing a bell, a real live bell (une cloche). The "comments" section on vrbo 2102 is no longer empty (thank you, Becky); further entries would be welcome. Once again best wishes for the New Year. Let us keep in touch! There are over 2,000 features and articles on this site about French life and living in France. You can search from the search box above. Do browse through our website and please use the advertising links, they help pay for the site. I do try to reply to all mail - Contact Me - most is about property or living in France. I publish comments in this newsletter which I believe are of interest and may help find answers for people wanting to come to France. I hope readers will go to the adverts which help support our overheads. |
|