To France and back in 30 years

Château & poodle notes - back in the UK​
​Memoirs, mishaps, and marvels from deep rural France and back to the UK.

Hail friends,

I've been a bad correspondent. I know.

Since the first book some have kindly said "more please!" I've been writing away but not quite got my head above the parapet. Coming back to the UK was a D-Day landing.

Sweet teenager and some rude shocks about the world later a deluge of insights and stories are brewing. In the meantime my life is quite simple. No employees, no building, and sadly no dogs. Kazak passed away this year but was very loved and happy until the end and happily real discerning and informed standard poodle breeders are still in my world.

This newsletter is a way to stay in touch with the wonderful people and experiences from that exotic escapade to France. More will come of that but in the meantime below some pointers to what I've been up to.

I love creating tours around Oxford. It's endlessly fascinating, entertaining and both solemnly and absurdly beautiful. My guide coterie sometimes make me think we are to the dons, what the actors waiting tables in LA are to the movie stars. Enthusiastic, knowlegeable and in someways more free.

Happy Christmas & general seasonal Joy

Love to get your news.

Fondest wishes and thanks for all the good memories

Sophie

Most read article on Medium This is a favourite article from my blog on Medium. It reflects on what the French paysans might really think of the Brits and their château dreams... There are many other musings from me on Medium Read article

Navigating the French I was honoured to be invited on this podcast, Navigating the French, my first ever, so no academy awards there but the series explores layers of French culture by diving into the lives of people in it, from all walks of life, one moment impressively scholarly and the next moi! Listen to the podcast

Still hooked on history Our son Guilhem is doing secondary school in the UK. In fact he's nearly done and is travelling to Australia for his gap year after O'levels. Meanwhile in Oxford I have found another history to love. Still getting to meet people from all over France and all over the world. I'm grateful to still be using my French. See my Oxford History Tours

Beyond Paris Beyond Paris - an insiders guide to rural France This is my first book. It's had encouraging reviews. I think it's funny and true and has pictures. Read article

The curious differences between the French and us continue to offer surprising insights. You can share the news latter here here.

If you're curious about Oxford come and visit. It's gorgeous. Winter is spectacular but only on days that you can see the sky, and then only briefly but there is a magic of the Mid-winter skies. Sign up for news here?