With central European cabin fever at its peak I've been spending far too much time thinking about retirement and a possible move in a few years time. As I have the impression there are TM members with relevant experience, I thought I would ask for input to help us decide where to locate our slippers, medicine cabinet, mog and moggy (she's a British Blue) in the Twiglet years, as SWMBO likes to call them.
Here are some pertinent points.
For a few years now we've both been talking about France e.g. Gascony, Gers, that area. We like France, the food and the culture and G has some family there.
But increasingly I find myself thinking of the UK. I'm attracted to the south west; Devon where we were married, and Cornwall as I love the sea and boat harbours.
Pros for France: We could afford a much larger house with a garage/hangar that could hold multiple Morgans and where I could do blokes' stuff on wintery days. A garden for G is essential wherever we end up. France has a great flying culture and I already own a classic French plane which could be brought over from oz. G definitely leans towards France.
Against: Not much. Will have to get my French up to speed. G's is ok. Winters can still be a pain but not too much. French bureaucracy and stand-offishness? Not experienced it yet.
Pros for UK: I love the countryside, the pubs, the communal atmosphere of the villages. G is not so enamoured, having grown up there and moved away in her 20's and has no great desire to go back. For me the flying and associated events as well as the vintage motor racing scene are huge attractions. I already have friends and contacts there both in flying and motoring circles.
Against UK: Weather. Not a problem for G but for me a real issue. I have yet to experience the full force of a 10 on the Anorak scale English winter but I fear it would leave me a quivering wreck surrounded by empty red-wine bottles and inflicting self-harm. Yet I see pictures on TM of Morgans roaming the Scottish highlands, top down and in sunshine. Am I over reacting? Our budget is limited thanks to the ravages of the GFC but we could afford a modest cottage in Devon with a small garage and garden. Our needs are modest.
So that's about it. Have others grappled with similar issues and what were your conclusions to the question - UK or France?
