Bryan Laurence Hughes

Postcards from The Charente Bryan Laurence Hughes

"11 months house exchange in the sticks in France! What will you DO?" was the constant question asked of us by our friends. "Simply live...live a day at a time!" was our reply. "But you don't even speak French!!!" they cried. "Hang on", we replied, "we've been studying the language diligently under our Professeur, Patricia, at the University of the Third Age. We can even say: bonjour, mes amis." "We are two not-so-young, retired Australians, who love France and we wanted the real experience of actually living in France, not just the "18-day typical tourist drive-through just $8,543 discounted if you book NOW" experience. We were seeking authenticity! And we found it. In the tiny hamlet of "La Petite Ferme" located between two small and unremarkable French provincial towns in the "Département de la Charente". Now, the Charente definitely is not Provence nor is it on the banks of the Loire. Its rural France with a capital R. The location might be unremarkable, but the experience was most remarkable. The simple adventure of shopping in supermarkets and street market almost as a local. The time to discover the treasures of our countryside, the laneways and walkways, the village "vide greniers" (car boot sales). The opportunity that arose in an unlikely quarter to develope lasting friendships. With a laid-back, humourous style, Bryan captures the essence of our wonderful experience in a series of Postcards home. They are true to the experience, peppered with real people, all stories and events real and unadorned. This truly is a delightful read. Regards to all: Val and Bryan