Meet Alan Ball...

How would i describe myself ?, ehm, well i don’t know. Let’s see. I can be as introspective as i can be outgoing. I like good company but i like to go off on my own as well…er, i’m pretty laid back, but i hate routine. I could just as easily find myself in a museum or a nightclub, up a mountain or swimming in the river. I like spending time with my kids and cooking and crackin’ open a bottle aswell….. and always looking for ways to bring creativity into my work, whether it’s Yoga or teaching English through theatre, or painting…..

What is your greatest achievement?
Greatest acheivement !....er, it’s probably something to do with digging deep and changing my outlook on life when i was in a bad way and really understanding that life is their for the taking. But that’s an ongoing thing and it’s a great acheivement every day to make it work. And learning how to use bizarre french expressions! ha ha.

What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
My alarm clock in general. I’m a bit of a slow starter!

What has been your most memorable day?
Ehm…every day is memorable isn’t it ?☺

What do you think is the most important lesson that life has taught
you to date?
That the important thing is to be free and creative and love life.

What or who is the most important thing in your life?
Jaysus what can i say ? the most important thing is the air i breath i suppose. If it wasn’t there i’d be dead pretty quickly ! ha ha. (i forgot to mention i’m a bit of a joker too) my kids, Aengus and Macha are pretty important to me of course.

What is your favourite french expression? Why?
« Ca ne tombe pas sur le coin de la gueule ! » it doesn’t fall out of the sky and hit you on the side of the mouth ! It’s a great image ! It means that if you want something you have to go and get it.

What do you like most about living in France?
The people who are close to me are here and my passions and interests are here…and of course the food and wine are great, the landscape, the weather, the holidays, the culture etc etc

What is your favourite place in Nantes?
I’ve lots : the Loire ; everyone goes on about the Erdre but the Loire is much more majestic and interesting. The poplars twinkling in the sunlight on the road to Poitiers. The vallée de Gévres and it’s ancient lagoon. The old silos and the cranes on the quays. The ‘bac’ from Coueron to Le Pellerin. The cinema Katorza. My bed when i’ve had a bit too much red...wherever there’s good company….

What made you join the Knowing Nantes network?
I like the idea of networks ! it’s a good way to get to know what’s going on, from the horse’s mouth so to speak.