Why did Keith move from England to France and what does he like about living in the French countryside? This English expat gives a glimpse into his life and work in Brittany.	Keith Eckstein

-Where were you born?

I was born in Truro, Cornwall, England.

-In which country and city are you living now?

I am now living near the Medieval town of Josselin in the Morbihan region of Brittany, France.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live on my own (with 2 cats).

-How long have you been living in France?

I've been over here for five and a half years

-What is your age?

43

-When did you come up with the idea of living in France?

I decided to move here in the summer of 2001 for a better quality of life.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

Easy to find work as I was a European citizen

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Nope - it came as soon as I started working.

-How do you make your living in France? Do you have any type of income generated?

I work in an abattoir (making boxes).  To get the job, I just went to a local agency, registered and started work, the next day.

-Do you speak French and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

Yes - I do speak French and yes, it is vital (in my opinion) to speak the local language and observe local customs.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

Nope - not at all - I keep in touch with family and friends via my website at http://www.bretondiary.com

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Am starting to look for a new job or, to start up my own IT support business.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I am renting - I pay 231 Euros a month for a one bedroomed bungalow in the country.

-What is the cost of living in France?

Much the same as England - property is far cheaper, though.

-What do you think about the French?

My neighbours have been wonderful.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in France?

 The weather is generally better - the food far better and the people far friendlier than back in England.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in France?

Intergrate, integrate and integrate!!!

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about France?

My site at http://www.BretonDiary.com, which details my simple life in Brittany and the things that are really important to me - such as cooking, eating, reading and enjoying the beautiful countryside and the people who live here.

Whilst the site is certainly not intended to be a definitive guide to living in France (it's more of an explanation of how and why I choose to live here), you may find information here that aids you in your life (whether you are living here now, or planning to move over), or for your holidays in this beautiful part of France where I have chosen to make my home.

http://www.brittany-friends.com (a great site for expats or, soon to be expats, living in Brittany) - Where I get together with my friends in Brittany. Brittany Friends is the best website online for all those ex-pats living here in Brittany, France and those who are thinking of moving here. It is a great, friendly and helpful great community of like minded people.

And finally, I shouldn't really miss out my Girlie's site (or I'll be in trouble!) - http://www.FarmHouseGites.com - our traditional stone Breton farmhouse which was built approximately 200 years ago, set in the tiny rural Hamlet of La Coudrais, surrounded by the relaxing countryside of Southern Brittany which borders the Loire Valley.

The building is divided into 3 Gites, each of which are available for short or long term lets.