“We arrived in Hesdin (in the Pas de Calais) with three grand, hence the title of this book.” Long before Brexit, but just after the Crash, Samantha and James left England behind to seek a better life on the European mainland. Mortgaged, bored, poor and sick of hearing the word “austerity” it seemed like there was nothing much doing in the UK. Discover how they fared as château guardians in the darkest depths of rural France. Find out what it is really like working for rich aristocrats and well heeled showbiz types. Filled with tips, observations and curious anecdotes, “The Three Grand Brits” constitutes a funny and, at times, cautionary tale. During the course of their adventures, Samantha and James get to know the “real” France, collect two golden retrievers, and make digressions into Spain and the Pyrenees. Fate ensures that the jolly duo get to live in the dark heart of the EU - Bruxelles. If you're ever thinking of “living the dream”, read this book first. It won't put you off leaving the UK, but it'll give you considerable food for thought.
James J. Browne has managed to survive for 51 years whilst having had many diverse and not necessarily interesting occupations. He has been, prior to leaving Blighty, a professional musician, a tour guide, road sweeper, recycling operative, telephone fortune teller, insulation installation operative, light bulb packer, antique dealer, waiter, sea shell salesman and barman to name a few. It was his brief career as a taxi driver that decided it was time to leave England behind, and this is where the adventure begins. He now lives and travels with his long suffering partner Samantha and two golden retrievers in a Fiat Ducato.
The Three Grand Brits is the tale of their adventures on the other side of the Channel and what happened when they became Chateau Guardians. Full of humour, both light and dark, this gritty factual tale describes how the jolly foursome fared on their travels. Packed with unusual observations this book is a must for anyone wishing to emigrate and “Live the Dream”. This is probably the most unusual travel book to be published in 2014.
James J. Browne has managed to survive for 51 years whilst having had many diverse and not necessarily interesting occupations. He has been, prior to leaving Blighty, a professional musician, a tour guide, road sweeper, recycling operative, telephone fortune teller, insulation installation operative, light bulb packer, antique dealer, waiter, sea shell salesman and barman to name a few. It was his brief career as a taxi driver that decided it was time to leave England behind, and this is where the adventure begins. He now lives and travels with his long suffering partner Samantha and two golden retrievers in a Fiat Ducato.
The Three Grand Brits is the tale of their adventures on the other side of the Channel and what happened when they became Chateau Guardians. Full of humour, both light and dark, this gritty factual tale describes how the jolly foursome fared on their travels. Packed with unusual observations this book is a must for anyone wishing to emigrate and “Live the Dream”. This is probably the most unusual travel book to be published in 2014.
