Okay, we've finally bought the house and have spent a lovely week en Bretagne without the kids. Ah, I remember what it was like before kids....
Unfortunately, now we are back to reality and I (oh, lucky, lucky me) am travelling back to Brittany with the kids next week. The kids are very excited because it will be their first trip to the new house and it has stairs!!! (We live in a bungalow here in the UK.) So here is the first in a continuing series of questions.
1) Please can someone tell me what the deal is on garbage collection. I went to the Mairie's office and I think I will be getting a poubelle which is fine and dandy (it should be in front of my gate when we return next week) but I am not sure they are bringing it to me or I have to pick it up and if I have to pick it up from where?
2) Still on the garbage question...when we arrived we had a few things to bring and also to buy which has left us with some rather bulky garbage - boxes, etc. I understand there is some sort of Saturday a.m. arrangement but I'm not sure of the whereabouts or the details so any help here would be appreciated. Also, the garden has become overgrown and we will need to cart the grass away as it has been too dry to burn (it's almost like being back in Canada) so where do we take it?
3) I am going to have my 4 (yes 4) horrible children with me and they are already cross because I'm not bringing their bikes. I need to know where I might be able to buy 4 second hand (very cheap) bikes for kids aged 12, 9, 7 and 6. I don't actually want them to have bikes initially since they aren't used to busy roads and drivers who drive on the left. I thought I could get away with scooters to start with and work my way up but kids are crafty these days so I don't think it would work for long.
4) The next thing of course, is are there english-language dvd's available? If so, from where or how much or can you rent them or any info really?
5) Finally, (I think), I am bringing my computer with me (internet ready of course) but need to know about the computer leads and an internet connection lead (where you plug it into the phone jack and link your computer to it). Do they have these in France and if so, what are they called.
My learning curve is dramatically rising. My French has improved amazingly and I have to say, I was totally chuffed when an older French gentleman said in French that my French was 'very good for an Anglaise'. I hope my kids pick it up quickly 'cause it's no fun being the only one in the family that speaks French.
Thanks for all your help.