And to bobs mum about your house in Burgundy: of course I know nothing about your situation in life, but I would recommend you to make that big move if you can. Despite all counter-arguments (like French drivers continually "met" on the wrong side of the road, insensitivity to the plight of animals, tax authorities who don't know what they're doing, no way of getting the "Guardian" quickly & cheaply, etc)we have never ever regretted the decision (and it wasn't easy at that age). You know the pro-arguments obviously, your French will improve through contact with the French more than you imagine (my wife understood & spoke almost nothing on arrival 4 yrs ago)& if you're lucky the neighbours will be friendly, helpful, wonderful people. I think it depends where exactly you live: some areas are definitely too snobby for me, but we've been very lucky, so why shouldn't I encourage you?!(Sorry this response appears a bit late).