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DREAMING vs REALITY

The village of Sancerre, France trip, July 2010

I guess every francophile spends at least one prolonged period, pouring over dreamy real estate in Provence, teetering on the edge of probability. Could we? Gorgeous little village houses clinging tenaciously to slopes....breath taking views........... the rugged setting, the flower pots and balustrades, the paint washed walls and terracotta roofs, shuttered open windows perched over twisted lane ways, the famous markets and fly-free summer weather......mmm..

And then, of course the price. Euros...they are almost the same as dollars, aren't they?

We got SO close ..............

THE OUTCOME

Common sense finally prevailed. At one quarter the cost of a house, we could have a base in France that was undoubtedly more AFFORDABLE to purchase, ECONOMICAL to run,  more MANAGEABLE and totally MOBILE....a "no brainer"...............so we bought a boat!!

Ideally, the purchase would have been made in France but there was little in our price range that suited our requirements.

Broadening the hunt led us to the Netherlands where the process was seamless.

We have enjoyed oustanding support from the marina where she is currently moored
in Waspik, South Holland"...........but our objective has always been clear....to get to France.

OUR MISSION

To sail our boat, now appropriately named "Madeline",  from Holland, through Belgium and into France.

Start:

Waspik, Holland   Tuesday 25th June

Finish:

Saint Jean de Losne,  France,  Monday 15th July