Dominique Dick and her partner, Ash Moeke, moved to Vannes (France) September 2016. They are living in the Brittany region and are about a five-hour car drive southwest of Paris.
Channel Magazine: What prompted the move?
Dominique Dick: Ash was offered a contract to play here in the Vannes Rugby team. The team is in the ProD2 division (16 teams) and is currently in the middle of the table. It is a very long season which starts in July and finishes up in April with a total of 30 games.
CM: What job do you do over there?
DD: Before I left New Zealand I was working at Benefitz as a graphic designer. I approached my managers with a proposition to continue working for them but from France! They were on board with the idea and I have been doing freelance work for Benefitz since I arrived. I loved my job and the work I did, so I was thrilled to not have to give it up.
CM: How easy was it to settle in?
DD: In 2013 we lived in the South of France for 2 years, so it was relatively easy for us to settle in as we knew what to expect. We didn’t know anyone when we moved here which is always a bit daunting at first, but within a few weeks we were introduced to everyone and now we have a big group of close friends here.
CM: Most awesome person you’ve met there since?
DD: It would definitely have to be my friend Marie! She lives in Nantes which is just over an hour away from Vannes. We met through the rugby circle as her husband played with my partner. Her husband is Mexican/American and she is French but fluent in English. So she is my go-to for whenever I am stumped with the never-ending French paper work!
CM: What did you take with you initially?
DD: All we took with us was a suitcase filled with clothes. Oh and my laptop! When looking for an apartment our main criteria was to find one which was furnished. Funnily enough we found one on AirBnB and have been here since. Our apartment is located in a peaceful little village called Arradon which is 10 minutes outside of Vannes.
CM: Best food you’ve tried?
DD: There has been plenty! First, would have to say the salted caramel macaroons. Followed closely behind would be Nutella crepes and last but not least the Roquefort cheese. Oh, but you must have a fresh baguette from the boulangerie to go with it. And as clichéd as it is – their croissants! At €1 a pop you really can’t say no!
CM: Favourite app to use in your new country?
DD: Well that’s easy – google translate! Also, Duolingo has been really handy!
CM: In what ways is your new home patch similar to the Shore?
DD: I would have to say the areas are really similar. We are surrounded by beautiful beaches here just like we are on the Shore.
CM: If I could have one thing from the Shore here with me, it would be...
DD: A packet of St Pierre’s chicken and avocado sushi!
CM: To unwind, I…
DD: As embarrassing as it is, I love catching up on all the trashy reality shows! I also really enjoy running and there’s nothing better than going on a run on a nice sunny day around the little French villages! We had Mason, our first baby, on the 5th March so as you can imagine we are limited with unwinding time with a new-born!
