Becoming a local

Small French farming villages — that just happen to be rich ski resorts in winter — are often a little bit hostile to outsiders. La Clusaz is no exception, and even the kids who were born in the Aravis with parents from elsewhere aren’t considered local. Being an ‘etranger‘ from Australia, I have no chance of ever being considered local, and that doesn’t bother me: my heritage is a bit of a novelty for the locals in La Clusaz, which sometimes works in my favour. Last night, for example, I recorded some non-French jingles for a new online radio station based right here in La Clusaz, RadioMeuh (that’s French for ‘moo’). I don’t know if they will use many of the nine jingles I recorded, but it was nice to be among the Frenchies.

About

I'm a technical author, journalist and writer from Australia who has been living in Europe since 2000 and exploring the world from there. My passions are writing, snow sports and travel.

2 Comments on “Becoming a local

  1. Hi there!
    I was looking for both “Radiomeuh” and “Radio Meuh” on google to see how many matches it has.
    And This is how I did arrive here.
    First thing, I have to say that this blog is kind of fun. I like the way you’re talking about us! I just read few posts but still, might take a RSS…
    Next, yes Radiomeuh is using your voice as a jingle. You have to know that the radio is growing each day, and a lot of people are talking about it… Some pubs in Annecy plays it all day long, I did export it to Lyon (Where I am a student). So, good job!
    Finally, you were talking about Bastille Day and the fireworks. People you live with or whom with you’re around MUST have talk to you about this: on August the 2nd, there is the “Fête du lac”, one of the most impressive fireworks in Europe. People come from a lot of places to see it… You don’t need to be seated on the terrace on the “paquier” to enjoy it… Just some place on the lake or around it. Locals you may know can tell you where the good spots are…
    Keep itgoping, it’s really nice!

  2. Hi Seb, as you can see, I got to see the fireworks from a pretty cool location. I can’t comment on the RadioMeuh blog because comments aren’t allowed, but I did read the piece on Midnight Juggernauts (Aussie band – yay!). Still haven’t heard any of my jingles :O/
    I’m glad you like the blog!