April 2, 2012

I Know I've Said it Before...

Normandy

Let me just say this one more time...and then I'll stop (maybe).
I know I must sound like a broken record.

I love Normandy. 

More than I ever imagined I would.

La Pêche

Saint-Vaast la Hougue

There is so much to love here.

The landscapes are soft and gorgeously green, and the cheese, butter and food in general deserves its celebrated reputation. I love the fresh air coming in off the sea in the morning (unless our neighbors have just fertilized their fields - wow, that is pungent stuff!) and the warmth and regional pride of the locals.

Grazing

Spring!

It has been so easy to settle in here. Other than the sous-préfecture taking its sweet time to switch the address on my husband's Carte de Résident and our hiccup with Orange, which is to be expected no matter where you live in France, we've found everything to be easier and much more efficient. Customer service is better, business people are friendlier, even returning items has been a snap.
And that's saying something.

Le Château de Gratot

And I love that moving to Normandy has opened up a whole new world of opportunities.

A few days after we arrived, I had a job interview, and a few days later a job offer. My post as a receptionist/concierge at a small Château hotel began on March 1st and in the midst of settling in, learning the various systems and how things are "done," remembering names of coworkers and becoming part of the team, I received a phone call offering me an exciting position at another Château that I just couldn't ignore.

Three interviews and two weeks later I received a formal offer and accepted it.

Salon de Thé

In Bloom

Our life here in Normandy is truly falling into place.
Can you see why I love it? Pin It

29 comments:

A Life Un-Styled said...

I can totally see why you love it! You've made me love it just through this post. What a great opportunity :)

The Beaver said...

Loulou

It must be fun and a relief being able to choose where you want to work . I remember when you were looking forward to gain citizenship so that you can work on a regular basis.
Toutes mes félicitations.

PS: Does your hubby find it easier to be employed also?

Jean said...

I can see exactly why you love it. The fact that things are falling into place shows the move there was meant to be.

Congratulations on the new job.

(Is that first picture of the Château d'Ô ?)

French Girl in Seattle said...

I certainly know why you love Normandy! Beautiful days ahead, now that spring has finally arrived! Congratulations on finding the new job too. It can't be easy looking at the French work market right now. Bonne semaine! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

Claire O'Connor said...

Lovely, lovely! Celebrating along with you!

deedee said...

I think your love is a sign that you have made the right move for you. Yay :)

Diane said...

I am so pleased for you that all is going so well. Your photos show just how beautiful it is in Normandy. Congrats on the new job and I am glad that you are happy. Take care and keep well Diane

Caroline said...

I'm *so* happy to hear things are going well. We try to make out to Normandy once or twice a year, usually for our anniversary--as it is the fastest way to see a beach ! Normally we go towards Fecamp, but I'll be in your area in May with my mom, and will most definitely be hitting you up for recs... (if you will oblige, of course!)

ChaumiereLesIris said...

Such a lovely photo essay in praise of Normandy. I love it there too - it's a region that is very under-rated.

Ginger G said...

... so happy for you but can you see the green hue spreading from my envy!!!

helen tilston said...

So glad to hear you have found a place to live that you love- continued blessings

Helen xx

Unknown said...

Wow that's such amazing news! I've always wanted to visit up there but just haven't had the funds to.
It really does look great. I've heard it feels a bit more like England. Have you felt that or does it still scream France?

spacedlaw said...

Congratulation!

Jennifer said...

Vanisha
It is an easy place to love. :)

Beaver
Thanks! It has been a long journey, that's for sure.
My husband is retired.

Jennifer said...

Jean
Merci! It does feel like it was meant to be.
No, that is a Château in la Manche. I'll reveal more later. :)

Véronique
There seems to be a lot of work in the hotel industry, especially if one speaks French and English. I received yet another phone call from a local Château hotel today!

Jennifer said...

Claire
Thanks! Hope the packing and preparations are going well!

Meredith
It really seems like we made the right decision. I'm so happy that it's all working out.

Jennifer said...

Diane
Thank you for such a sweet comment.
:)

Caroline
I'm very happy to help...ask away!
It would be nice to meet you as well, if you are going to be in the neighborhood and all.

Jennifer said...

Chaumiere les Iris
Glad you enjoyed the photos. Thanks for stopping by to comment!

Ginger
You live in pretty gorgeous place yourself! :)

Jennifer said...

Helen
Mille mercis...

Rvaya
I've only been to England a couple of times, but Normandy definitely feels like and is France! Hope you get the chance to come for a visit one day.

Jennifer said...

Nathalie
Thanks my dear!

Fatboytim said...

It looks incredible through your eyes and words, I only hope I can get the same across about the Charente when we move in a couple of weeks!

Katie Zeller said...

Congratulations!!!! It does seem like your life is just falling into place.... We need to spend more time in Normandy.

KateinOR said...

Congratulations on your new job, but it sounds as if you have your choice! I'm so glad everything is going so well for you - thank you for sharing your experiences, and I love your photos! Bonne journee!

Jennifer said...

Fatboytim
(I love your name!)
The Charente is a charming, beautiful region, so it shouldn't be too difficult.
Good luck with the move!

Katie
Thanks!
You should spend more time in Normandy...let me know when you decide to come up. :)

Jennifer said...

Katie
Thanks for such a sweet comment! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

Camille said...

So happy for you! I can't wait to get up there for a visit one of these weekends. How long is the train from Paris again?

Jennifer said...

Camille
You are welcome to come visit anytime! It is only 2 hours from Paris to Bayeux and we're just 10 minutes to the train station. Hop on the 6:15pm-ish train some evening after work and you'll be here in time for dinner!

Andi said...

I love it too, it its the spot I want to retire to in France. It is amazing and green and yummy and not too far from Paris - heaven!

Jennifer said...

Andi
Next time you come for a visit, please let me know. I would love to meet you!