Working abroad in France.

Posted on July 28, 2016 by La Giraudiere

A day working abroad in France.

After a delicious pasta bake made by Olivia for dinner, last night came to a close with a wonderful game of cards whilst watching the sunset. We shared stories about our home towns, our travels and our hopes for the future. I loved listening to all Rhian’s stories about her travels to places such as California, Africa and New Zealand. What a ‘formidable’ way to spend an evening working abroad. Then, we all happily headed to bed eager to start more work tomorrow.

Today saw the group doing a variety of tasks. Olivia used her french skills to translate the Brossac village’s website from english to french. Kathryn had the very important role of answering emails and scheduling the dates of future volunteers. Later she analysed La Giraudiere’s accounts. Joanna spent the day up on the ladder painting the shutters. The difference a bit of paint makes!!! The place looks great!

Olivia working hard translating

Kathryn doing the accounts

Joanna painting

Rhian got kitted out in her work gear as she spent the morning gardening. She trimmed the plants and raked away any unwanted debris. The garden is looking better already!! Unfortunately as we moved into the afternoon the rain arrived so Rhian decided to fix the bikes. I’m already looking forward to our cycle this evening!

Rhian out in the garden

Niamh writing the blog

The plan for tonight is very exciting as we are hosting a barbeque with the neighbours and then heading down to the lake for the concert and perhaps a crepe!! Hopefully the weather stays in our favour! It certainly sounds like a wonderful way to spend an evening after a rewarding day working abroad in France.

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Two new volunteers hit up the French countryside.

Posted on July 27, 2016 by La Giraudiere

Volunteers in French Countryside

Here I am, writing my first blog post after my first sleep at La Giraudiere. And what a wonderful sleep it was!! Upon my arrival I met a group of warm friendly easygoing people. All my nerves quickly vanished as they ensured I happily settled in to the scenic countryside. Luckily I arrived just in time for lunch. We had a tasty lunch of salads, crispy bread and delicious noodles lounging outside in the warm sunshine.

And then down to the lake we headed. After a leisurely stoll through the breathtaking countryside of Brossac we arrived at the famous lake. It certainly was everything I anticipated and more!! The beach was full with laughter from sunbathers, swimmers and those playing volleyball.

two new volunteers enjoying their first day.

I was excited to hear that there would be another arrival- a lovely woman from Wales who has volunteered here two times already. It was so interesting to hear her great experience as a volunteer on this wonderful program in the french countryside and to hear how La Giraudiere has developed since her last visit – 5 years ago.Then it was time for dinner which consisted of a mouthwatering chicken strawberry and avocado salad served with delicious garlic bread all made by Joanne, one of the volunteers. Once again we ate outside as the sun began to set in the distance. We topped that off with some melon and then ice cream and drinks at the lovely restaurant Quai Sud that overlooks the lake.

After a wonderful day of strolling the french countryside, meeting the other volunteers who I’m sure will become lifelong friends and getting to practice my french with the locals I quickly fell asleep eager for the next 3 weeks as a volunteer here in the picturesque countryside of Brossac, France.

evening dinner in the french countryside

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Why southwestern France?

Posted on July 26, 2016 by La Giraudiere

Why southwestern France?

In the days of computers and google, it makes the world a smaller place! Like many of those before me, they asked themseves the same kind of questions. Where to go to achieve my goals and desires? Aha now to the computer, and the search is on!

Improve my French, volunteer, intern, travel, adventure, exploration…whatever your reason may be, there are endless posibilites! I found La Giraudiere to be the perfect place for me! It is a place that welcomes individuals from everywhere, who want to share their talents and passions, while exploring France.

As I depart, a piece of my heart remains at La Giraudiere, along with the new friends that I have made (the family we formed)! La Giraudiere offered a new perspective of living, learning and exploring from within France! Au revoir for now!

Final farewell at the Club house

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French market & Restaurant Poirier

Posted on July 20, 2016 by La Giraudiere

French market & Restaurant Poirier

Southwestern France has an ambience like no other! It is the perfect setting to intern or volunteer/study French and explore the country. Monday, brought us to the local market in Chalais, held once a week, where shopping opportunities abound from local wine and fresh produce to jewellery, clothing, sovenirs and more.

Chalais market fun

After experiencing the French market, we were treated to a lunch of fine, French cuisine at Le Poirier. Le Porier specializes in tantalizing the taste buds of their customers with a six course meal, but only for lunch and reservations ensure that you have a table. Also, be sure to avoid snacking at the market, prior to such a feast! What a grand day out: the French market & Restaurant Poirier!

Delightful cuisine at Le Poirier

The volunteers and interns were excited to embark upon tasting the culinary delights that awaited. The traditional French meal began with everyone’s favourite, of course, baguette and red wine! We were soon served a delicious chicken soup. A little known tradition to travellers in France, is that towards the end your soup, you add just a small bit of red wine to mix with the last of the soup (called faire Chabrot). Sounds odd, but tastes great! We were then served with two different types of salad: green bean and beet (very delicious)! The next course consisted of a salmon dish; quite scrumptious!

Delicious salmon

Room for more you ask? That was not all, with still more to come. We were served an entree of sausage and mashed potatoes, along with a vegetarian selection of fish and potatoes. We practiced our French admist the fine dining experience, which allowed for a break between courses.

wide selection of cheese

We dined on a variety of cheeses and finished with a salad for a good palate. There was a refreshing dessert of raspberry cream to follow!

delectable dessert

That was almost the end of our scrumptious lunch. But, alas in France, they finish the meal with coffee. We extolled the dining delights we had experienced as we sipped our coffee. What a marvelous dining experience, so rich in French tradition and culture! The French market & Restaurant Poirier were definitely a highlight for us today!

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Volunteer Adventures in Angouleme

Posted on July 19, 2016 by La Giraudiere

Volunteer Adventures in Angouleme

After a lovely week at La Giraudiere the volunteers and interns were off on a weekend of exploration and adventure in Angouleme. Angouleme is a city, which lies on a high plateau above the Charente and Anguienne rivers in southwestern France. We boarded the train on a sunny, warm Friday at Chalais station. A half an hour later we arrived at our destination, ready to go! To our delight, as we began our adventure, we encountered beautiful wall art on the buildings.

Wall art in Angouleme

Angouleme had so many wonderful sights to see! After checking into our B&B we had a plan of action. The volunteer adventures in Angouleme began with a train tour around the old city and ramparts (dating back to the 9th century).

Volunteers explore by train

Then, with maps in hand, it was time to begin our walking tour. The cathedral stood majestic against the skyline. After much exploration of the sights, it was time for a lunch break. There were so many outdoor cafes from which to choose! Afterwards, it was time to explore the museum of Angouleme. We practiced our French along the way! We ended our evening with a drumming extravaganza outside the church!

The next day brought the volunteer adventures in Angouleme to the infamous: Le Musée de la Bande Dessinée (Comic Museum). We explored the origins of comics through the ages: Tin Tin, Popeye and Lucky Luke to name a few.

Adventures at the Comic Museum

It was a lovely weekend in Angouleme. There was much laughter, French conversation and exploration of the city! We ended our time with a scenic boat trip down the Charente River!

Boat tour of Angouleme

Angouleme was a city rich in culture, history and beautiful sights! The highlight of our stay was capturing all of this ambience together-from the Cathedral, parks and river, to the museums and wall art, along with the cafes and French restaurants. Angouleme has become a cherished memory!