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If you think GN can get a little heated.....

(155 Posts)
Greatnan Mon 07-Oct-13 16:30:09

.....you should read some of the expat forums. Most of the protagonists are men. The arguments are sometimes ridiculous. For example, one person says Britain is rubbish and life in France is perfect. Somebody else replies that their life in France has been disastrous and they can't wait to get back to Britain, which is wonderful. If I try mildly pointing out that both countries have their good and bad points, and you don't have to hate Britain to enjoy living in France, I get jumped on from both sides!
And the political arguments can get really vicious, with personal insults flying around.
I have fallen foul of one member who is an ex-policeman and gets very annoyed whenever I mention some news story about police corruption or incompetence, misogyny, homophobia or racism, even though I always point out that the majority of police officers are probably perfectly honest and fair. He always says the offences are only 'alleged' and goes very quiet when they are found to be true. As an ex-teacher, I just feel sad when stories appear about rogue teachers, but I don't take them as a personal insult. He also objects to my atheism and left-wing views. I have to enjoy that I quite enjoy jousting with him. If I couldn't take the heat, I would stay out of the kitchen! However, he has been responsible for several members leaving the forum, especially women.

I find Gransnet to be a haven of polite, kind, intelligent people, mostly women, with a scattering of some very nice men.

gracesmum Thu 10-Oct-13 22:39:48

Have you had a lovely holiday Nonu?

Sel Thu 10-Oct-13 22:43:31

Nice to see you back Nonu hope you had a lovely time (Maldives I think you said?) Mmmmm smile

Galen Thu 10-Oct-13 22:44:19

Nonu where did you go? Was it a really nice time?
I really hope you had a good break and have come back relaxed and happysmile

Aka Thu 10-Oct-13 22:44:56

Welcome back Nonu I've missed your pithy and perceptive comments smile

Ana Thu 10-Oct-13 22:46:16

Yes, a breath of fresh air....hello again Nonu! smile

gracesmum Fri 11-Oct-13 12:00:16

You know when entirely innocuous posts seem to kill a thread stone dead........ confused?

Greatnan Fri 11-Oct-13 12:05:22

I don't mind what people choose to post - it is a white wonderland here today as it snowed all night. Impossible to feel miserable when looking out at such light and beauty! smile

Elegran Fri 11-Oct-13 12:46:54

Beautiful stuff, Greatnan particularly when you are snug in the warm with full cupboards and fridge, a good book to hand, and the broadband hasn't crashed.

petallus Fri 11-Oct-13 15:01:33

I feel quite envious Greatnan

Greatnan Fri 11-Oct-13 16:00:35

The sun came out a couple of hours ago and I had a lovely walk under blue skies, although there are more snow clouds down the valley. The air smelt wonderful, crisp and clean, and all the little streams were gurgling and leaping over the stones, as they filled up. The power has been sorted out, just in time for my favourite quizzes.

j08 Fri 11-Oct-13 16:07:36

Here in Exeter yesterday, and today until an hour ago, it has been blue sky and warm sunshine, and I have been sitting outside reading and topping up my tan. smile

Grannylin Fri 11-Oct-13 16:35:47

..and I'll vouch for that because I've been doing the same!Hope it's still sunny for our meetup next week...with the other SWesters, that is, not unfortunately J08sunshinewine

Galen Fri 11-Oct-13 16:40:30

Bloody freezing in Portishead! Brrrrrrrr

JessM Fri 11-Oct-13 16:44:55

I'm going over to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerichwndrobwylchlantisiliogogogoch Coop to do some shopping tomorrow.
Am taking childish delight in sharing this with you all. grin

LizG Fri 11-Oct-13 16:47:50

Duly impressed JessM. i am hiding under the duvet as we speak Galen

Iam64 Fri 11-Oct-13 16:54:04

I wish it was warm here in the north west, but winter arrived with a vengeance yesterday. I'm just about to walk the dogs, and will need a thermal vest and gloves. It's been a gorgeous clear day, with blue skies and some sunshine, but it's heading for lancashire grey, and cold right now. Central heating on

j08 Fri 11-Oct-13 18:07:45

Oh, they've got a big shopping place there (at where you said) haven't they Jess? Really good to go round.

harrigran Fri 11-Oct-13 18:44:38

Photographs of the sea, where I live, in the Telegraph today. DH and I drove along the seafront and the waves were tremendous.

Grannylin Fri 11-Oct-13 18:51:05

yes harrigran, I gloated too soon! We are getting the Plymouth/Roscoff ferry tonight and I've just checked the forecast: Gale warnings, force 7-8 envy and that isn't envy!

harrigran Fri 11-Oct-13 19:01:21

I hope you are a better sailor than me Grannylin smile

JessM Fri 11-Oct-13 19:03:28

Yes lots of shopping aimed at coach parties. And a massive cafe, ditto.
Oh grannylin I hope you have a cabin booked and can wedge yourself in. Best place to be on a ferry if its a bit rough.

Grannylin Fri 11-Oct-13 19:22:17

I shall drink a big glass of wine and then lie very still in my bed and hope I don't wake up til France!

Galen Fri 11-Oct-13 19:34:44

Just the one mrs webley?

Nonu Fri 11-Oct-13 23:28:20

Sweetie pies i am not back in the Mother country yet , just ducking and diving at the moment.
Will be here for a while longer , I cannot EMail as I canot remember password, to get in DUH!

Love to you lovely G.N . S xxxxxxx

Penstemmon Sat 12-Oct-13 17:58:24

Nonu I have two of visions of you! One in a spaceship orbiting the Mother Ship and the other in Peckham alongside Del boy!

In both you are dressed like Patsy from Ab Fab! Sweetie! grin