This was someone I had to get to know. Claire McAlpine has lived in France for almost years, but it took her French husband five years to convince to her to make the move from the UK. The homestead might be recognizable to film fans as it was used as one of the set locations in the Lord of the Rings movies, thus Hobbiton. Claire left this pastoral setting for the big city at age 13 when she headed to Auckland for boarding school, which she admits was a bit of a shock.
She did not realize it at the time, but she was leaving home for good. High school led to university and a commerce degree. Claire rolled right into working life in Wellington and then Auckland. After six-years, Claire followed in the well-worn path of many young New Zealanders and left to travel. It was a life changing journey that sounds a bit exhausting. Claire landed back in London to earn some money to travel. At the time, young under years New Zealanders could take advantage of a visa that allowed them to work for two-years in the UK.
Claire worked only enough to support her to travel bug. In the few hours that remained Claire began the drafts of a novel, set in England, Italy and New Zealand, the protagonist was a young Italian man who leaves his village in Liguria and moves to Londonβ¦. Claire was finally convinced to move to Provence in She admits that initially expat living was not easy. Claire had not mastered the French language and their four-year old daughter developed selective mutism the first day she passed through pre-school gates.
This little girl did not utter another word, at school, until she was eight. It was time to take on a few projects. Claire dusted off her keyboard and started writing again although now it was for her blog called Word by Word β the novels are still in the works. Claire also resumed her Flairesse massage and aromatherapy practice. So Flairesse is about being me, growing into who I really am. We deliver temptation from Provence twice a month. Sign-up to enjoy our articles on food, wine, shopping, accommodation and travel tips.
You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, please review our Privacy Policy. With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel. While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg.
