Thursday, 10 May 2007
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
One year on
Its been just over a year that we moved here. It has been slower, more intensive and exciting than most of the previous years combined - highlights are the exception. Yet, I still am surprised what there is to see in such a small place one year on. You walk down a street, look up and bang, there is a picture, a sight you have not seen before and you ask why?
And some experiences which are still unfamiliar. We had to remind ourselves that May 08 is a holiday in France. To celebrate the end of the Second World War. So, this morning, the streets were deserted. There is more activity on a Sunday than today. But I had to cross the border for some appointments - boom, the peace is shattered by hectic Wilderbeast busily increasing the GNP.
I wonder if this will change in France too. Sarkozy won the Presidential election last Sunday, beating Segolene Royal by 6%. (53% to 47%). As a conservative, he wants to bring back traditional values of work, loyalty and bring France back to the "Grand Nation" it once was. Of course, Royal wanted to do that, but with a softer more feminine approach to it. Her message was largely accepted in the south west of the country, but no where else. The political map is a sea of blue.
It is strange to live in a country again but not be part of the political process, yet be interested. Still, I give him the benefit of the doubt. He is the first post war President. Although he is seen further right wing than Chirac (who hasn't really left much of a legacy) he may be a more modern President. This came to mind after reading an article in the March issue of "the monthly" published in Melbourne, about the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard. He too is a conservative but one who works best with an "enemy" to focus on. Bring on the war of terrorism and with it, the authority to do anything they want, whether it is morally acceptable or not. Misuse of power. And I see that as a particular characteristic of all "conservative" govts.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch - activities across the road. There was an empty building with a disused shop front sporting a sign proclaiming, in Italian, "oh my sunshine". We had been told by our letting agent, that there had been quite a dispute with the restaurant owners and the building owner and it had not gone in the former's favour. It was an eyesore. A few months ago, there was frantic activity and the upstairs was gutted and renovated and after a few weeks, let out. A guitar was seen hanging from the wall. One evening I strolled past and heard the sound of guitar music (live??) and I had visions of a musician creating some fantastic pieces which would float across the square separating our two houses and enthrall me whilst I would sit there and enjoy a leisurely cigar.
Not so.
Last weekend, the on Saturday, "oh my sunshine" sank and disappeared. The facade in the front was done up, holes and cracks filled with plaster, the stray posters removed from the windows which were subsequently cleaned.
Since my music dream has evaporated and it has transpired that a Turkish family has moved in..we wish for a Turkish shop, rich with spices and exotic foods to enhance our cuisine here. There used to be one at the other end of town - but it closed and in its place is a Senegalese place selling wood carvings and other exotica. How it survives is a mystery.
We wait in anticipation to see what happens next.
And some experiences which are still unfamiliar. We had to remind ourselves that May 08 is a holiday in France. To celebrate the end of the Second World War. So, this morning, the streets were deserted. There is more activity on a Sunday than today. But I had to cross the border for some appointments - boom, the peace is shattered by hectic Wilderbeast busily increasing the GNP.
I wonder if this will change in France too. Sarkozy won the Presidential election last Sunday, beating Segolene Royal by 6%. (53% to 47%). As a conservative, he wants to bring back traditional values of work, loyalty and bring France back to the "Grand Nation" it once was. Of course, Royal wanted to do that, but with a softer more feminine approach to it. Her message was largely accepted in the south west of the country, but no where else. The political map is a sea of blue.
It is strange to live in a country again but not be part of the political process, yet be interested. Still, I give him the benefit of the doubt. He is the first post war President. Although he is seen further right wing than Chirac (who hasn't really left much of a legacy) he may be a more modern President. This came to mind after reading an article in the March issue of "the monthly" published in Melbourne, about the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard. He too is a conservative but one who works best with an "enemy" to focus on. Bring on the war of terrorism and with it, the authority to do anything they want, whether it is morally acceptable or not. Misuse of power. And I see that as a particular characteristic of all "conservative" govts.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch - activities across the road. There was an empty building with a disused shop front sporting a sign proclaiming, in Italian, "oh my sunshine". We had been told by our letting agent, that there had been quite a dispute with the restaurant owners and the building owner and it had not gone in the former's favour. It was an eyesore. A few months ago, there was frantic activity and the upstairs was gutted and renovated and after a few weeks, let out. A guitar was seen hanging from the wall. One evening I strolled past and heard the sound of guitar music (live??) and I had visions of a musician creating some fantastic pieces which would float across the square separating our two houses and enthrall me whilst I would sit there and enjoy a leisurely cigar.
Not so.
Last weekend, the on Saturday, "oh my sunshine" sank and disappeared. The facade in the front was done up, holes and cracks filled with plaster, the stray posters removed from the windows which were subsequently cleaned.
Since my music dream has evaporated and it has transpired that a Turkish family has moved in..we wish for a Turkish shop, rich with spices and exotic foods to enhance our cuisine here. There used to be one at the other end of town - but it closed and in its place is a Senegalese place selling wood carvings and other exotica. How it survives is a mystery.
We wait in anticipation to see what happens next.
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