Cultured Views

The grass is not always greener

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When we decided to come and live in France four years ago it was a decision that we put alot of thought into. OK, there were some areas that we could have considered  more but no matter how much research you do there is always some area that you trip up in.

In all the decision to come here has been a worthwhile one. France is a a very family oriented society;  a relatively safe society where you can walk down the street of your village late at night and not be accosted by a group of 11 year olds carrying knives. Like in the UK. Customs and traditions exist here that have existed for centuries.

One of my elder sons has disagreed though, he has decided that France is not for him and is planning to return to Australia soon. He is 20 years old after all so it is his decision to make. He was 16 when we arrived here and, unfortunately, not much has happened here for him that makes him want to stay. The schools refused to educate him for a start. He could not speak French well enough so the authorities would not allow him to attend high school. Crazy isn’t it?. In Australia no matter what language you speak no school would dare turn you away.

Life in a rural area also is not always what it’s cracked up to be. For a teenager it can be darn boring; French teens are not as outgoing or social as Aussie teens, many of them stay at home on weekends and on Sundays France literally closes down so there is nowhere to go.

William has had his fill of France, I think there’s just too much Australian in him.

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