been a busy week with brother in law and his wife staying and 24 hour Le Mans in the middle. All overshadowed by the referendum.
I love the race, the atmosphere and all the wonderful cars people bring. Even Brad Pitt could not resist this year. It seems to me corruption for the sake of monetary gain is everywhere. This year was an anniversary for Ford and they were heavily promoted. The rules for the GT pro class say the car that races must have a road car too. Ford brought out a new car for the race with a road car due next year. Rules bent for no doubt a large donation the the FIA and ACO. At the practice Ferrari, Aston Martin and Corvette were all faster. Turned out Ford sand bagged! Deliberately went slower. The other cars were penalized! For the whole race up until the last hour Ferrari were second. Ford complained their race lights were incorrect in the final hour. After the awards Ferrari were disqualified giving Ford 1, 2 and 3. They had to hand over the cup! As much as I enjoy the event I will not support corruption so will never go again.
So, England want to leave Europe. Fine but what does it mean for us? We have invested a lifetime of savings in this property and cannot afford to go back. Life at least could become very uncomfortable here. Already we get less for our pounds so will have to tighten our belts for the foreseeable future.
We thought about applying for French citizenship but doing that will mean we will not get our pension due in 6 years. We have not worked in France long enough to qualify for their pension. We have worked hard since moving here but now face the prospect of having to walk away. Will England help us? No way!
That's worrying news about your pension. I get a small pension from the UK (just pennies really!) even though I only worked there for four years but maybe that's because Canada is part of the Commonwealth. Hope things work out for you all.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you this morning when I heard the news of how the vote went. I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteThank you both for taking the time to comment. It is very difficult just now, so called friends have said some very hurtful things. All we can do is sit tight and see how things work out. At the moment we have two options..sit tight and cope or walk away and battle for financial support in the UK. We are on the fence just now.
ReplyDeleteDont be sad, its not all over now. We are not at war!(yet!)There are 000's of French in London, can always swap 'prisoners'. Remember, you went to enjoy the good life, so continue to enjoy. Once it settles, life on both sides will be the same. Only consider retreat if the natives get restless. Please keep up the blog.Mart
ReplyDeleteMy French friends are on my side....very understanding about how unsettled I feel! Thanks for reading my drivel!
ReplyDeleteWe have been living in France for nearly 25 years and have recently been approved for dual nationality. As we are within 5 years of the official retirement age of 62 we got a pension statement about a year ago from the French Govt. This takes into account the years we worked in the UK in assessing our French pension. We will probably have to work until we are 67 but the UK years are not lost. It is all a bit unsettling but a lot of situations are covered by Treaties between countries not just EU law so won't be affected by Brexit. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteFeel much better thanks! Taking each day as it comes.
ReplyDelete