Tales of a British Student on a French Adventure

Home Time

2007-03-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry this update comes so late, but i've been busy. I went up to C+J's as planned, C kindly picked me up and made the journey north west to Anger. To cut a long story short, J was not my sort of person, and I made the decision to come home. At this point in time I had around 350 euros in my wallet and two extremely heavy bags to carry. C took me to the train station in Anger, and I booked my ticket to Paris. Let me just return to the subject of my bags for a second. Firstly I had a very large ruck sack, completely full to the top with clothes and ridiculously large a level folders, accompanied by books, staionary and the laptop. So i had that on my back. Next i had my old roller hockey kit bag, which is big and floppy and very hard to carry. This i chose to fill with everything that wouldnt fit in the first bag, which added up to a lot. So there i was waiting on the platform of Anger train station at 6am surrounded by burbury clad businessmen and the odd younger traveller. It all felt very european and slightly dated.
The train arrived. I struggled onto the train, my bags clutching on as i wobbled with them to my seat. The train was fast ( TGV) and as we whispered to paris with the sun rising as i went i began plan what on earth i was going to do once i get there. The journey was really quite un planned, so nothing else at this stage was booked. I considered staying in paris for a day or two, to give me chance to sort the next stage of the journey out, but my money was a concern, so i decided to carry on, get home in one trip. North west france to mid wales.
We arrived in paris on time, and the city was now wide awake. The luggage and i got of the train and followed the signs saying taxi, which took my up several flights of stairs, through doors, along passageways but i got there. I needed to get to paris north train station, so after some confusion with the driver, who at the time was arguing and gesturing at someone else, i was on my way to paris north train station. The taxi ride was enjoyable, a comfortable, new mercedes, my luggage in the boot and a free tour of the sights. Paris north station was a good step, this was where i could find the eurostar and finally be getting home. I loaded up with bags, ( after weighing them at home later, i found they weiged nearly 6 stone) and made my way inside. Seeing i was a travelling student, i was approached by several dodgy looking people offering cheap accomodation and hostels, both of which i declined. This place had trolleys, so i got a rest from the bags and booked my ticket to london waterloo. Easy i thought, i even did it at the english speaking desk and on doing so went for a look round before checking in. It was the usual over priced tat you get at these places, but at least i have an hour or so to relax before the train.
I boarded the train after some more wrangling with the bags and took my seat. This was it, no going back, the only way is home. I enjoyed the journey, and took in some wonderful views before entering the tunnel. The train attracts all sorts of people, and deciding who they were and what they were doing provided some entertainment for the trip.
We arrived at london waterloo, and i couldnt have been more pleased. All english, staright foward and easy to get home. I loaded the bags onto what i hoped would be the final trolley and headed toward the trolley escelator. The signs were unclear in my opinion and i found myself at the top of the pedestrain escelator asking myself is this right? I asked a guy next to me, sort of middle aged american guy, and he replied " welll you could go down there, but you'd have to be pretty adept, at least wait till i'm off it" at which stage i decided against it and found another way down. We were nearly out, just need to get to the main building. As i approached the doors into the main 'terminal' i was pulled over by some police type people. This isnt something i've had before, so i wasnt sure quite what to expect. They were concerned at the size of my bags, thinking i was trying to smuggle something in i think, so i got asked all these questions ( its about 3pm at this stage) and the official then dons some latex gloves and starts to open my bag. Starting with the rucksack, completly jam packed with clothes, meticulously rolled and packed. As he delved into my boxer pile i remembered what i had in there. Back in france K bought be a farm knife, which withought thinking i put in with the rest of my things. That increased the attention, bringing over 5 more offical looking people, and questions began about that. It was taken away and measured while i stood there surrouded by officials, taking about bringing in the police, me there wondering if i'll be introuble for smuggling knifes and my clothes and underwear sprawled across the table. They were quite nice about it though, and eventually i got my knife back withought any trouble. Packing the bag proved as difficult this time as it did last time, and lots of pushing and squashing was involved to get everything back in. I could finally continue with my journey, hopefully with no more delays. Through lots of walking up and down, the bags and i squashing into neat ques and questions to people i found the train went from paddington, not waterloo. I had to return my trolley at this point so i ended dragging my poor bags to the taxi rank. By this stage in the epic journey they were dirty, scarred and torn, but still doing their job. The taxi took me to paddington station, i got to see a bit of london on the way which was nice, and i got on the train at paddington. This took me to newport in a couple of hours, where after some confusion i got the train to abergavenny station.
This was the last train journey i took. From here it was a £50 taxi home. I was there, and although it had cost me all my money, taken 12 hours of solid travelling and my bags were damaged it was worth it. It was an awesome trip, and the 9 or 10 weeks i spent in France have been wonderful. Thank you to everyone that has had any part in the trip. Where will i go next?

Nearly there

2006-11-14T04:28:00.000-08:00

I'm entering my final week at this farm now, and well into the routine. Things have trundled along at a comfortable pace, and i do feel ready to move on, and ready for the next challenge. Its sunday that i will be departing for the next farm, near angers in north west france. I'll only be there for a couple of weeks, but it gives me some sheep experice, and gets me ever closer to Paris and the train home. I booked my eurostar ticket online, and at just £40 a bargain as well. From Paris, the Eurostar will take me to London Waterloo, where i will find a train to Abergavenny, and at that i am pretty much home. It will be a marathon journey, and i will have seen my fair share of trains by the time i am back in wales.
Recently i've been occupied around the farm, doing the things that need doing to keep everything rolling over, fencing, feeding etc. Walking around gives you plenty of time to think, and i am now bursting with ideas for when i get back. Some evenings i spend watching DVDs on my gereatric laptop, everything from apocolypes now, to american beauty, the latter being a very good film.
At the weekend I went on an interesting able round the Huriel horse Festival, which seemed to co-incide with memorial day services. Although interesting, the range of horses was limited, as was the assorted line of donkeys. For the locals though, it seemed like this was quite an event, with many turning up on their own horses and riding round the village donned in cowboy type attire, and looking the part. The memorial service started with a march round the village roads, and seemed to end with a service near the memorial stone. Speaking of cowboys, the other evening the salers cows were on the rampage, patrolling the feilds at some speed. We went to see what was going on, and 70 odd large horned cows running towards you makes you think twice about wether its such a good idea being afterall.The scene was remenicant of the wild west, but we returned home ok, still clueless as to what had set them off.
I will try and post again soon, keep you updated of my comings and goings.

Nice to meet you..kiss kiss

2006-10-27T04:45:00.000-07:00

The french seem quite formal about meeting each other, and there is a right way to do things. Whoever you meet always say bonjour and shake their hand. With the women you kiss them on each cheek. Same when you say goodbye. Now this at fist seemed like something that would take some getting used to, as its normally the middle aged farmers wives type people i meet here. Although on a visit to Madame Bridgets last evening she called down her daughters, who being young, french and attractive, changed my opinion of this whole kiss on the cheek when you meet malarky. So we sat round a table drinking home made raspberry wine and talking. The house was very nice, sort of laura ashley in french, with antiques thrown in.Madame Bridget is an english teacher, so conversation wasnt too hard. I must learn french at coleg brecon when i get back.
Back on the farm, things are toddling along nicely. I should be here until mid november, at which point i'll head north to stay with a family on their sheep farm. And from there back home to wales, about 2nd December i think, so see you soon. That is if i dont decide to buy a house here and stay forever. We'll see.

Viplaix et Montluçon

2006-10-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we needed to go and get more food for the cows, so after hitching up the trailer, it was decided i was driving. I hadnt driven this tractor before, and suddenly 15miles per hour bouncing along the road feels quite fast. I almost though alan jones was sitting next to me as i learnt what to do from Kenny, sitting behind. It felt although i was taking up the whole road, butwe got to Viplaix and loaded the sacks of food. Whilst we were there we decided to go to get bread, so i had to park this tractor and trailer in the middle of the village. The best spot was next to the church, as hopefully you can see in the pictures. The bakery was shut which gave an oppertunity to walk round. Like many of the little french villages i encounter, it was half deserted, many houses with shutters shut and abandoned. Looking round at the amount of antiques and architectural salvage there is in these places sitting rotting away, i'm sure some money could be made selling them in the UK. The houses are ncie, what i've noticed though is that they seem to favour the modern, cheaper materials, and like to have things functional and new. The houses arent that expensivee either, around €40,000 for an average vilage house. Makes you wonder about buying a few and renting them out until the area is back in demand, then selling. We are not far from Montluçon, so the prices wil rise;
Anyways, enough business thinking, back to what i've been up to. Today i was out in montluçon whilst they went to the supermarket. Being around 1 o clock in the afternoon, the place was almost totally deserted. They are very strict on their lunch times here, and the place was dead. Even on this satruday afternoon all the shops were shut and no-one was around. So i toddled around the town on my own for a bit, and then headed down to the train station. that also being very quiet, i sat and waited with a drink until i was collected to go home. Whilst i waited and watched i noticed a few things.Everything feels very 1998. Everyone in town seemed to have a sense of style, and no-one seemed to be without a boyfriend or girlfriend, except me of course. What would these people think of Guildford on an average saturday afternoon?
On the way back we dropped in on some neighbours (sheep farm not too far away) for a coffee and a very tasty scone. Their collie was nice, i'll have to get me one one day.
Overall a good day, i'm just thinking about travel arrangements and how to get home. Its been 2 weeks i've been here now, and i think about 41 days till i set off home to Wales. Plenty of time then for more posts and pics. Bye for now...

Manatou Man

2006-10-20T04:31:00.000-07:00

Its been a busy time since i last posted. The weather is good, and staying fair, all except for the thunderstorm we had the other afternoon. I had lifted Kenny up onto the roof with the manatou, holding a spanner and lader in the bucket, he proceeded up the roof. After failing to mend it, i lowered him back down and the heavens opened. The cows all run to the hedgeline or under the scattered oaks when it rains. Since then however, its been ok, bit of sun, bit of clouds, fair to midling.
I am getting to grips with all the machinery now. I use tha manatou (pictures) most.Its nice getting up each day and watching the sun rise overr the hills as i feed the genises (heifers). Its sometimes interupted by gunshots. The fench here seem to enjoy shooting anything, and you here them out a lot with their dogs hunting.
We drove down to a mill yesterday. It was very old fashioned, in the middle of a village. Where you go in they had loads of belts and wheels whirring round, crushing grain and other things. It was a veyr interesting little place. We left with our sack of chicken food, and drve down the road to visit some people. They were british, and seemed to enjoy living in france. So we spent a while sitting on their balcony, chatting and watching the world go by. People here are friendly, and after saying hello (t the french people i meet) i normaly manage to explain i speak little french.
I'll try and post a little more often, the internet here has a mind of its own, but till then, heres some pics for you..

This is a picture of me with Noble. Shes a salers cow, and i think one of the frindliest. I must say though, it looks a lot bigger when your standing there next to it, let alone juan carlos the bull. All the salers seem to have horn, as do the charroalais.

This is what greeted me last night in my bed. I dont know what these spiders are eating, but over here theyre BIG.

The cockeral is one of three soon to go elsewhere. This photo of the lizards i took the other day when it was sunny. I have so many, but i chose this one for its good composition. I was gonna put in a wildlife post, but seeing as i had it, it fits well here. The wildlife post will come, but theres so much to chose from, check back soon xxx

A mixed bag

2006-10-14T05:04:00.000-07:00

I seem to be doing a lot of writing on here, but theres so much going on. I met Boris the other day, hes a young Belgium? farmer who lives down the road i think. A nice guy, and a bit of a hippy it seems. He had a beard and longish hair, with loads of big earrings in one ear. He was softly spoken, and spoke good english, which makes conversation easier.
The television here is funny, and kind of reminds me of ITV back home. A couple of programs in particular. Firstly, i think its called ''offre au le banque''. Its deal or no deal but with prizes up to €1million, and they seem to get overly emotional, crying at every bad box, and at a good box theres music and claping lol, makes noel edmunds seem dull. Star academy is on ather a lot as well. Its like a mix btween fame academy, X factor and big brother. The people on it are soo annoying and always showing off. Although i suppose thats whate theyre there for. Its funny whe watching TV here you can understand mst things, and least a little bit despite the language barrier.
The weathers been a bit grey recently, altough not too cold, and only rain at night. Today (saturday) is sunnier, so i've taken the chance do do all my washing and let it dry in the sun.
I'm becomming a pro at solitair now on my laptop, it passes the time, and theres plenty of that here and there throughout the day.
We went down to the agricultural engineers place yesterday to get some help with a pump on the hedge cutter. Its fun meeting everyone, and at least saying hello and goodbye in french. Although at the moment i've not had that many chances to speak it, i'm making the most of those i get. I think on other weekends i'll try and go to Montluçon, do a bit of shopping and try out some phrases.
I'll try and get together a wildlife post, when i get a few more pics 'cause theres some good stuff here, till then, salut.

Calm Thursday

2006-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry no pics from the journey yet, but i'm working on it. The blogge thing wouldnt upload them all, so i might have to link out to a photo sharing website, so you can see them all on there.

Anyways, today felt a bit calmer, as i'm a bit more set in the tracks, and know the general routine. This morning i mixed up some food for the calves, and took it to them. Its kinda fun cause theyre so friendly and they enjoy being fed. Then i drove the manatou up to the salers feild with kenny, and we took them a bale of hay. The hay seems to be of a very variable quality, and there seems to be too much of it fed if u ask me, theres plenty of grass at the moment. This afternoon kenny and i went to montluçon to 'brico depot' i think its called, kinda like B and Q, to get a new fan for the heating thing, that pumps hot air from the fire round the house. After a warming lunch (the weather today although calm, was a little grey and cool) of irish stew, we fixed that, and took another bale up to the cows.

One of the hens has a big gash down its side from the cockeral holding onto it. They have 3 cockerals and 6 hens here, so the hens seem to get a bashing. We sprayed it with purple stuff and le it go. Soon we'll be taking the cockerals to a neighbour, as theyre not needed here. I'm looking fowrd to catching them, i like chickens.

I've felt like going home today, partly because i'm getting to see whaqt life is like here, and partly because of all the suff i'm missing out on, or so it seems. France isnt quite what i imagined, in that if you took away the language, it wouldnt be far of being england(although i doubt the French would share this opinion). Being here all day as well, you dont notice you're in france really. I think i'll give it to the end of the month, and see how i get on. I dont want to go home right away, but i'll only do what i wat to do, and i'd rather be helping out on our farm, rather than theirs.

I hope all the sheep are well, they'll seem small in comparison to these cows. Being here has taught me a lot already about cows, and i like their intelligence, but it has re enforced my ming that i am a sheep person. I guy called Phil dropped buy today. Hes english and has a sheep farm of about 500 Sheep down the road. I think i was supposed to be going over to help him if he's busy. That'll be good.

Staturday 7/10/06 TO Tuesday 10/10/06

2006-10-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

We drove for about 4 hours to get to stansted, it didnt feel too bad and the roads were pretty clear. Hadnt been there before. Once we had parked, in zone D if i remember right, we got on a bus to get to the main building. Because we had timed it to alow contigency time, there was a bit of waiting around before we could check in. I had a coffee and sat with the bags, watching and wondering where all the passers by were going. I noticed there are a lot of ' we think we're posh' people going skiing, and alot of 'individual' young people travlling . Gap years and things i spose.
After check in there was more waiting around, although we took advantage and got some luch. I had a chicken and pasta thing from boots, which had rather less chicken and much more pasta, nice all the same. The security search was fun, but i kept thinking as i approached the metal detector i might have left a penknife or something on me, but it was ok.
W boarded the plane walking up some stairs of the tarmac. I chose a window seat,and the view was good. I love taking off, feeling so much power , that was fun, and watching the ground drop away as we gaind height.
Once we laned we got our bags off the conveyor belt and onto a trolly. I didn realise 20kg was so heavy. I had the moment where it sunk in i was comong to france the secon we set off round Lyon airport. We had to wait for a bus to take us to the Eropcar deot. They gave us a peugeot 1007, whih was like a sort of bubble/robot. The door were sliding and electronic.
The drive to montlucon and 'Chateux saint jean' was somewhat longer than i had anticipeted, the scale on the map must ave been far out, as it took 4 hours to get there. It was a very nice place, with an older chatuex dating back to the 1600's, and a newer bit were our room was. Because it was too late to eat in the hotel, we drove into montlucon(5 min drive) in the robot bubble, and got a pizza at speedy rabbits pizza takeaway. It was nice, with strongish cheese and stuff on.
The drive to the farm 'La Bourse' was pretty, but i didnt really notice thinking about the arrival.
Onc we got there no-one was to be seen. Although after waiting while; kenny appeared and we went inside. Andrew was still here at this point, although not quite awake. Dad still had the 4 hour drive back to lyon airport, so after a coffee and checking the maps he had to leave. So there i was, on my own in centeral france. Athugh a daunting prospect, it wasnt too bad to start with, kenny took me round showing me and i got more of an idea of what i was in for.
The following days till tuesday were mainly just 'shadowing either kenny or andrew, and although feeling like i wanted to go home, by tuesday evening i felt a bit more settled in, as i got bedroom, and could finally unpack all the stuff i thought i'd need.

The view from my window on the plane.

The view from buble-robot as we drove to Montluçon.

Our hotel, Chateux Sain Jean, as we arrived at about 9pm after the collossal 4 hour drive from Lyon. This is only part of it , it extends to left left with newer parts, and to the right older parts. The person on duty was very nice and helpful, although i didnt let her carry my mega bag to the room.

This the left hand view from my window, the morning we were leaving the hotel.

Au revoir

2006-10-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

Pic: A last walk round at home

I go the day after tommorow, and its a rush to get ready now. I took a last pilgrimage to TK Maxx to buy clothes. Its things like that i think i'll miss. I dunno, Montlucon is supposed to have modern shops and things, so we'll see.
Tomoz is my last day in england/wales, and i'll have a busy day. Need to finish sorting the sheep,
go into brecon to do a few things, and
then finish packing. My bags soo full and easyjet only let u have one and a hand bag, so i guess i'm gonna have to be selective.
I found my phone, so once there i'm gonna get a french sim card if i can.
What else is there?...
Dunno, anyways, i'll take loads of photos from now on, should give u a better idea of what i'm doing.
I found out the directions to the farm today, it sounds ok, not too hard to find. They had a calf fall down a well at the farm in france today, so its gonna be exciting times from here.
For now anyways, bon nuit.

2 Weeks Today

2006-09-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

So its 2 weeks today till I leave for France. I go on the 7th October. We're driving to stansted airport and then flying to Lyon. Once I get there, my dad and I are staying in a hotel near montlucon, central France, its a 4 star castle type place, so should be nice. The morning after I'll be arriving at the farm that will be my home for the next 7 months or so, could be up to 9 or 10, I don't quite know yet.
Its been a busy time at home getting ready for the trip. I bought a new bag rucksack type thing, which at first looked like it could carry enough to supply a small village, now its filling up fast with piles of my stuff. I still have to fit in all my A level work, my heavy, oversized laptop and loads of stuff I haven't even bought yet.
My French is appalling at the moment, but I'm hoping that by some miracle, it will develop into total effortless fluency lol. I'll try anyway.

I'll keep ya posted....

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