Callum Darbishire (FS 56-58) writes from Thailand:

“Our year in Thailand is coming up at the end of October (2012) and it has been a fascinating time, learning of the culture and habits of an intrinsically happy nation. We have met many local people, who have been most friendly and helped us to overcome some of the frustrations of living in this chaotic but charming country.

We have also met many interesting guests who have been neighbours on the development during our stay here, notably from Australia and Norway, with whom we have made good friends. Considering the distance, we have been delighted to entertain many friends and family from UK and Asia; some wonderful days and evenings have been spent together.

The villa has been a success - brand new and two metres from the pool; the roof patio has been a great area for barbecues, notably the one we held at New Year for 20 guests, and had the benefit of fireworks from the Hyatt Regency Hotel immediately behind us and Chiva Som International Health Spa next to it. A convivial evening was had by all.

On 27th October, we arrive back in UK, collect the trusty BMW (which has been cared for by an ex colleague), unpack some clothes, visit family and shoot off to France on 5th November for the next episode of our overseas odyssey. We have rented a two-bedroom apartment near Beziers, in the Herault region of Languedoc - Roussillon; the apartment is on a secure development overlooking St. Thomas Golf Club, where I am hopefully going to reduce my handicap (and weight) by many days' exercise. I am also intending to purchase a bicycle, as the Canal du Midi runs nearby and the old towpath is a popular route. The development is 20 minutes drive from many beaches and Cap d'Agde harbour and lagoon, which is the centre of the shellfish growing area; we shall no doubt be spending some interesting lunchtimes there. Languedoc-Roussillon is also one of the most prolific wine growing areas in the world - it is not by accident that we chose to live there! 

One of the advantages of moving closer to UK is that it is under two hours by air to Beziers or Montpellier, which is accessible for weekend visits. The apartment has two bedrooms and a sofa bed on the ground floor, so we are hoping to welcome plenty of family and friends in the forthcoming twelve months.

There are many other places of interest to visit in the area, mediaeval fortress towns, national parks, visits to Spain (about three hours by car) etc., so we shall be kept busy.”

Contact address: 48 Domain Du Lac, Golf St Thomas, Route de Bessan, Beziers. 34500. FRANCE.

 

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The St. Beghian Society,    St. Bees School,    St. Bees,    Cumbria,    CA27 0DS.
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