NewsletterMay 2007

Springtime in France

This is a photo of my wife and son walking in a field in Burgundy. During this walk we picked Muguets - Lily of the Valley. You can see the bouquet we picked. There were also some nearby cows.

Election Results

The results are in and Nicolas Sarkozy is France’s new 2007 Presidential winner. He defeated Segolene Royal 53% to 47%. This is seen as a changing of the guard and a break with the past symbolized by the outgoing President Jacques Chirac. Both Sarkozy and Royal promised change.
France has a number of economic problems: high unemployment and government debt along with a low growth rate. In 2005 France was beset by riots in its poor suburbs that lasted for over three weeks.
France also has a number of pluses: one of, if not the best health care system in the world, a poverty rate lower than either the US or UK, two countries France is often compared to.
To me the question is can Sarkozy fix some of France’s ills without damaging what is good?
So why did Sarkozy win? My feeling is he was able to commucate and connect much more effectively with French voters than Royal. Sarkozy focused in on economic issues: jobs and increasing the work week. Sarkozy said. ‘Work more to make more’ Also he promised to reduce taxes paid by both the employer and employees for overtime. Sarkozy’s focus on crime attracted quite a few far right National Front supporters.
Another almost as important factor was that people tended to see Royal as a lightweight. She started the year off with a number of spoken gaffs that left many wondering if she was up for the job of being President. She was never able to recover from this perception.
During the Presidential Election there was one debate on May 2nd, lasting over two and a half hours with out interruptions. This debate focused almost entirely on domestic issues, most notably the economy.
What struck me most about this debate was not so much what was said but was how it was staged. The candidates sat directly across from one another. In between were two moderators. The candidates directly questioned each other, interrupting when they saw fit. The moderators ended up saying very little as both Sarkozy and Royal needed little prodding to talk. Sarkozy as the front runner was somewhat passive. Mindful of his abrasive image he played defense most of the night. Royal on the other hand was on the attack right from the start. She spent most of the night on the offensive constantly objecting to what Sarkozy said. It was a lively and, interesting debate. The only draw back I felt: the moderators’ questions were somewhat open ended and subjects like the 2005 riots were never talked about.

Learn French

There are few magazines just for people coming to France or wanting to improve their French. I just wrote a review on two of them: Bien-dire Magazine and Fluent French Audio. You can listen to a free French lesson at this podcast page (just follow the instructions). The lesson is done by the creators of Fluent French Audio. To read my review of Fluent French and Bien-dire Magazine (two magazines for French learners) click here.

Expat Support

I’ve recently discover Sarah Dixon of Move Forwards Coaching who helps expatriates and their spouses deal with the challenges of living abroad. As an expat myself, who has now lived overseas for almost ten years, I know how difficult times can be.
If you feel that you need to put structure, clarity and purpose back in your life then sign up for her FREE special report “8 Easy Ways to Settle into Life Abroad”
When you sign up you’ll also receive a free Problem-Solving Self Coaching Tool plus the monthly Move Forwards Now newsletter full of practical self-coaching tips to help you live life to the fullest.
Sign up now at Move Forwards Coaching.

Photo/Writing Workshops

Explore your Creativity in the Heart of Provence
Live for a glorious week in a 16th Century chateau, write and take photos under the guidance of international artists. Enjoy fabulous meals, fetes, excursions, meet interesting people.
Journaling: June 16-22
Photo Workshop and Personal Writing: June 30-July 7
Photo Workshop and Women's Spiritual Writing: July 14-21
Fall Sessions and Creative Retreats. Group Discounts.
Booking now for the summer!

Heart of Provence Workshops: Writing and Photography Workshops in France

8 DAY WORKSHOP in French Conversation

For adults in Biarritz, SW of France.
Includes lodging in a central hotel overlooking the Atlantic ocean, half board (breakfast and dinner), daily classes, discussions with other teachers/city officials, local visits, private tutoring.
All in French - Single accommodation: $1,275.00 / Double-occupancy: $975.00.
Side trips available: Typical Basque villages, Lourdes, Bilbao Guggenheim museum (Spain), etc.
OCT. 13 - 20, 2007: Intermediate
OCT. 27 - NOV. 3, 2007: Advanced
Immediate reservation for a small group only.
Contact:
(707)644-3421

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