We were up early this morning, as we had quite a bit to do. We needed to get ready for guests arriving tomorrow and I wanted to nip into Bar-sur-Seine to buy some meat for tomorrow’s dinner, and order some for next week. I also had some shopping to do, and some Champagne to pick up, and Brian wanted to order some glass from Weldom. Oh, and of course take time to enjoy a coffee at the café des Halles in the marketplace. Our life has changed immensely since we moved here two years ago this week. I’m not sure we really knew what to expect when we piled our three cats into our car, and drove from Kent to start our new adventure in France. But we knew things were set to change.

I think the biggest change for us has been our pace of life. I read some of my early blogs again this week and, although I know a lot was happening for us at that time, my writing really recreates that crazy, mad, busy lifestyle we used to have.

‘Busy’ now is not quite the same. Don’t get me wrong, we have lots to do, and we pack lots into our day, but we enjoy every minute of it, and we rarely rush anything.

At the beginning, we had said that “We wanted to experience a change of culture, visit local markets for seasonal produce, sample new foods, meet new people, delve deeper into its wines, enjoy a different pace of life, and most of all enjoy more time with each other.” and amazingly we have achieved all that. But mostly, I think a different pace of life is what has made our move so worth it. Not to be forgotten is our change in diet and lifestyle, delicious fresh produce, time to really enjoy cooking balanced meals, daily exercise and relaxation - we both feel so much healthier, calmer, more energetic and definitely more creative.

The hardest thing by far was leaving family and friends behind, and being in the middle of a pandemic, with no idea how it would develop or end, made it all the harder. But technology has helped us overcome some of that, and having parents and family that support our choices is enormous. It’s great now having people visit to enjoy our beautiful home, and we can share with them, and enjoy together, a little snapshot of life in Champagne.

We have a busy couple of months coming up with both ‘chambre d’hôte’ guests, and friends and family visiting. Next week is the ‘fête du champagne’, and then a few weeks later Vendanges (harvest) will start, it is very early this year, but will be extra busy for the region, as they have increased the grape harvest quota for the growers to 12,000 kg per hectare from 10,000. This is due to two previously bad years - last year was down to poor weather conditions, and the previous year due to lack of demand. (You can read more on this in Brian’s ‘newsletter’). Such a beautiful time to be in Champagne.

When we arrived two years ago we could only dream of what things could be, we had no idea of what life could really be like. we still have challenges, but we work together to overcome them, and live every day to the full. Waking up, enjoying a slow cup of tea together, and asking ‘what’s the plan for today then?’ is always exciting.

Whats the plan?

In a pickle

Damaged