EP 21: Celebrating 1 YEAR in France!

It's crazy but it's true, Shaun and I have now celebrated 12 months in France in the beautiful Dordogne Department.
This episode takes you for a stroll down memory lane and summarises all that has happened in what feels like a very short period of time!
It's a celebration and validation too that what ever you put your mind to, you can achieve. I hope you enjoy this episode and thank you for watching :)
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[@chrisb3962]

Fantastic! You are a wonderful photographer and story teller! Bravo!

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you very much!

[@deek8623]

What a huge year I admire your hard work🎉 the guest room is looking so pretty! How frustrating about the ID issue !

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you so much!

[@Travelling_Jonoberries]

Darlene great to have you back, our life is not the same without seeing you and Shaun. Time to sit back and enjoys your episode, thank you for the joy and the journey 👍🙏😇🇫🇷🏰

[@DarleneLavett]

Thanks so much that’s so sweet of you. I hope you enjoy it! 💖

[@gsbeak]

I'm glad you are enjoying your choice of living in my country. You are very welcome as you have a great attitude : Learning the language, making French friends, integrating in the village life and showing France to your Australian friends and family. Well done ! I say that because some (not all) British expats are not very popular in Dordogne : They refuse to learn French, they stay completely in their English speaking bubble and criticize all day long the French way of doing things. I can't understand why you would choose to live in a country that you don't like.

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you so much 🙏 We adore your country! Our intentions have always been to assimilate as best we can. It is so difficult though, like landing on the moon! and I think some people can give up too quickly. But everyday we learn something new and I can now say a year on I understand my French friends quite well! 🥳 And every day my French pronunciation gets better too. It’s just a magical part of the world. ❤️

[@daisy9910]

What I love is how much you love your furkids. It's really lovely, and the kittens have landed on all paws. The house is looking great. I hope you get the KZbin issue sorted soon.

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you! 😊 They really are my babies and I adore them so much. 😊 French cats have a lot of personality too 😂

[@gillesfauveaux2394]

Hello both of you. I was in Daglan the sunday after you post this video. I saw you in the distance talking with friends in front of the little wine seller stand during the farmer market. I wanted to greet you but I didn't want to bother. I'd like to thank you for your vlog because you made me discover this extraordinary region and particularly this ravishing village of Daglan. Keep on going your marvelous vlog. Happy birthday and long life in France.

[@DarleneLavett]

Oh wow! You should have come and said hi! But I understand. I’m so glad you enjoyed my vlog enough to explore this area, it’s so nice you got to enjoy this little piece of paradise. I recall we had beautiful weather that day, well the morning at least. We’ve had so much rain recently. Thanks for reaching out and sharing your trip with me. 😊

[@omahgroup4080]

Congratulations on your one year anniversary! You two have accomplish so much and produce lovely videos. The few changes you made to the room look beautiful! Thank you for sharing your journey and all the best to you both. ❤Zeljka

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you so much Zelijka! That is so nice of you to say. Merci 🙏

[@janiebratt8826]

Magnificent, simply magnificent!

[@DarleneLavett]

Many thanks! 🤩

[@talesfromtuscany]

Awww...congratulations on an entire year in which you've achieved so much! Your home and garden are both gorgeous and we feel so honoured to have visited! I'm watching this from my "rehab" bed on Lake Garda LOL ....leaving tomorrow and heading south towards home. We love your journey and are so happy we got to share a little with you...merci et a bientôt 🥰🤗😘Marisa & David

[@DarleneLavett]

So nice of you Marisa thank you. It was lovely meeting you and David and also to get to know your story and endeavours. I hope you recover quickly but your positive attitude certainly helps which is such a credit to you. Bon chance and safe travels X

[@talesfromtuscany]

@@DarleneLavett thank you my sweet! Sending hugs 🤗🥰🙏🏼🫶🏼

[@carolynthompson6518]

What a wonderful year. Congratulations on your move ❤

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you so much!

[@neridamoore7635]

Loved this video! Where do you stay with you go to Paris?

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you! I stayed at Hotel Aiglon in district 14. It was a perfect location, beautiful small boutique style hotel but affordable and great service. Really recommend it!

[@rex7486]

@DarleneLavett - Do you have any videos that cover how you went about (as an Aussie) emigrating? I.e. all the processes/paperwork for winding up affairs in Australia and setting up in France? I think that would be really interesting.

[@DarleneLavett]

Hi there. Yes I do, episodes 1 and 2 cover the process of moving to France in terms of visas, buying and legal issues.

[@elsenm3965]

What a beautiful "Chambre d'amis" ! Congrats to the 1 year !

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you very much!

[@michelesauret7779]

C'est un plaisir de regarder vos vidéos, vous êtes un couple très agréable que nous accueillons avec joie en France ❤

[@DarleneLavett]

Merci ☺️

[@anne4083]

Sorry about your ID issues! Possibly watching the ads could help?

[@DarleneLavett]

Yes true I just have to resolve the ID issue before ads can be run sadly!

[@cynthiamcglade3473]

Love your video.thank you. Have followed you from the beginning. We were neighbors so to speak. Born in New Zealand but now living in Texas USA with one of my daughters. The other daughter lives not too far from you in France in a medieval village st Cirq Lapopie. Your home is beautiful and love the animals 🙋‍♀️🥂

[@mlomarechal6877]

Votre fille a choisi un magnifique village pour vivre en France. St Cirq Lapopie est située dans le département du Lot où il fait bon vivre.

[@DarleneLavett]

That is awesome Cynthia. Happy ANZAC too. Texas hey? I’ve never been to the States. Life must be a little different there having grown up in NZ! Thanks for watching from the shakey beginning and for your continued support. 😊

[@SusieMonk-jh8tj]

Yep I think he could be a keeper Darlene. There is a lot to be said for finding the love of your life later than a lot of people. My parents celebrated their 60 th wedding anniversary a few months after. DH or GB and I got married. Mum said she wished the same for us! I pointed out in that case we would be 102🤣🤣🤣 Although she was just short of 101 when she passed. The rug looks much better in the chambre des invitees. Love the cushions. How you found time for that visitors and your fur babies is beyond me. Well done both of you for making such a beautiful home and garden. Bienvenue au sud ouest 👏👏❤❤

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you Susie! All we can hope for is to love and be loved yes? If that comes a little later in life then I think you appreciate it even more. Shaun is definitely a keeper… hard working, a master chef and all round ‘top bloke’. 😂 My life is certainly very busy but full of happiness, particularly when I’m pottering in the garden and playing with my fur-babies. Thank you for continuing to watch along and all the best to you!

[@peterferan4389]

I am truly fortunate as a kiwi to have a French wife. The administration here is monumental and my wife has been exhausted with the paperwork. Sending a registered letter via the post is a mission, getting health insurance plus the complimentary was a mission, now it is the tax department! However every person in the administration have been kind, patient and helpful , it's just monumental. The French ID for KZbin??? Will they accept a 10year residence Visa? Good luck

[@DarleneLavett]

😂 You know it Peter! I call it the slow dance. Sort of like a waltz that goes round and round in circles. But I will take the good with the bad and cross my fingers that I get it resolved soon!

[@mlomarechal6877]

Vous avez une vie bien remplie depuis votre arrivée en France ! profitez de votre retraite et visitez la France car il y a beaucoup à découvrir, toutes les régions sont différentes, magnifiques et accueillantes. Et puis visitez aussi l'Europe ....😉 Vos vidéos sont toujours très agréables à regarder alors continuez ainsi. Merci Darlène.

[@DarleneLavett]

Merci et oui je suis tout à fait d'accord ! Nous avons commencé à organiser des excursions d’une journée et j’ai hâte de vous montrer ce que nous avons découvert dans notre prochain vlog. Ce département regorge de lieux historiques incroyables. Merci pour votre message et pour avoir regardé !

[@mlomarechal6877]

@@DarleneLavett C'est un plaisir de regarder vos vidéos et de vous regarder découvrir notre pays et l'Europe. Vous serez "sous le charme". A bientôt.

[@DrakeAlexanderKnight]

I would love to celebrate just my first time in France! One day I hope to

[@DarleneLavett]

🤞

[@debbierudolph9489]

The new cushions on the bed are stunning.

[@DarleneLavett]

Merci Debbie!

[@arianaconnor8208]

Oh kittens so lucky to have you😊 Macy’s so intelligent

[@emmiewahl2842]

Thank you Darlene. Enjoy your stay in France.

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you! 😃

[@lindamounts2193]

The bedroom is beautiful.

[@lgrigg5439]

Absolutely gorgeous room.

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you so much!

[@KateTShabbychic]

Beautiful memories so far 🧡

[@trevmsmi]

Just found your channel, what a treat ! Another Aussie couple (from North QLd, via Gold Coast now in Tassie) looking to move full or part time to France. I'd love one in some of the practical things, like what sort of Visas, costs of visas, how long they last, how do you open a bank account, do you need a special visa ? did your license just transfer over to a French one ? and the things that you found so different, one video you said the shops were all closed for lunch, no rubbish service etc You don't seem to have any issues getting trades people, unlike Australia, Are you concerned immigration will not renew a visa and then you can't get "home" ?

[@DarleneLavett]

Hi there! Welcome to my channel. So all those questions you’ve posed I have answers for! If you go back to the very first episode I try to explain as much of that as possible to help lesson the burden for the next Aussi who wants to do something similar.😊

[@PatriciaDelsey]

Liked this recap!!

[@JezyKrat]

Nice surprise to see you back Darlene! Have queued it up for our Saturday night here in Brisbane with a cheeky glass of provincial Rose!

[@DarleneLavett]

Hope you enjoy it and the Rose!

[@dorothypaul4642]

New subscriber here. I'm a retired high school French teacher and you are living my dream!

[@DarleneLavett]

Welcome aboard! Oh to speak fluent French! One day 🤞

[@nerinawegener5609]

Loved watching you one year recap vlog. You have been making great progress. Look forward to seeing your next year.

[@DarleneLavett]

Thanks so much!

[@carolpipher4839]

🏡 ~You two have made a beautiful life there!❤ ~Congrats!👍🐯

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you! 😊

[@sabinebauchart467]

Happy birthday !

[@kimstclair1879]

Congratulations on your one year anniversary, look what you have achieved in a year, you must feel so proud well done the both of you.😊❤

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you so much!

[@bobolpatrick3789]

félicitation ,à bientôt pour des nouvelles aventures

[@DarleneLavett]

Merci beaucoup

[@julieeyre-tanner6074]

Happy first year living here in the Dordogne and may you be as happy as we are living here 🥰 we are truly blessed ❤

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you Julie. What an incredible place it is. We are truly blessed!

[@beverlymurray6554]

Happy first anniversary of being in France!🥂🍾

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you Beverly! 😃

[@daynight4902]

BEST

[@robinzaleski5]

Congratulations on one year, thank you for taking us along on the journey!

[@DarleneLavett]

Merci ☺️

[@inabates8919]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[@DarleneLavett]

My pleasure!

[@cmp7777CeliaP]

Wonderful video Darlene, Ive been watching since 13:07 you began packing up in Brisbane. I'm on the GC. It's truly beautiful what you & Shaun have achieved so far. I love how the French have their village festivals, markets etc. Italians, too. Keep enjoying your french country life. Nice to have your friends visiting too & Marisa & David recently. I'll be visiting Chianni in October.

[@DarleneLavett]

Thank you so much! Do you know Marisa or have you subscribed to her channel? What a darling she is. I plan to share some of our catch up in my next vlog. I hope the weather there is now cooling down nicely.

[@cmp7777CeliaP]

Hi Darlene, i have followed Marisa since she began her vlog. I met her & David in Sydney in January this year & hope to visit Chianni this Sept/Oct.🧡

[@rowandowland1391]

Time sure goes quickly when you retire and start it all over in Europe! We can't believe we're now into our 3rd year. All the best with the ID (residency) issues. It's not straight forward but there's good advice readily available in person and online.

[@DarleneLavett]

Hi Rowan, thanks for your lovely msg. Where there are internet chat groups, there’s always a way! 😄 and congrats to you for three years! 🥳

[@rowandowland1391]

@@DarleneLavett 🙂 Many thanks... absolutely. There's always a way. And it all gets easier as each year goes by! We might write the 'how to ' guide one day! best wishes, Maria et Rowan. (back to the language class..........)

[@DarleneLavett]

😂

[@JPayne-ul4qd]

To Darlene & Shaun 🥂🍾 and your first year in France 🎉 . The year has gone by so quickly 💨. And it's wonderful to see all of the things the two of you have accomplished! Making time for dear old friends and family is a must. My favorite transformation has been the kitchen and the chambre. Each room showcasing your individual stamp on them making them both french along with your own style and decor. The way that the community has embraced you is a testiment to your graciousness as a couple. I found the French 📚 book I wrote about previously. I think the book along with the other items I listed in an older vlog will aid you in your transitioning from English to French. If you would message me off the channel I'd be more than happy to share photos and everything so you and Shaun can see and decide which items would benefit you the most. Out of all the KZbinrs doing their own DIY renovations, your maison has had the least amount of damage compared to the other couples properties age and size. You two have really lucked out. This year has been a testimony to your love and friendship as a couple. Hoping that you can sort the issue with identification out soon. Your card de séjour should be sufficient. KZbin has been a pain lately when it comes to monitization so hang in there. Again, I love your channel! I Anticipate every vlog. Much congratulations to you and Shaun for a successful transformative year. I know that your family and friends are extremely happy and proud of you both. À Bientôt 🍇🍷🥐🥖🧀 Jacqueline 😘.

[@DarleneLavett]

Merci Jacqueline! That’s so lovely of you to say. It’s been a roller coaster ride and your encouragement has always been wonderful. I would really appreciate if you could email me at [e-mail] with those learning items. 😊