We do bowls, dancing, throwing Velcro balls to stick on a wall. I really appreciate it! The heat resistant tiles for the space shuttles were fabricated in the town. There are two mixed choirs, Noteworthy mixed choir, and Take Note contemporary vocal group, the most untraditional of the Maesteg choirs. Ive never felt unsafe in Maesteg. Recently there has been a spike in antisocial behaviour in Maesteg. Please advise me, we want to move to the French Riviera or Italy next year. Generally, the housing prices in Manchester are relatively cheaper than in London, but they tend to be higher than in other cities in the country. There are two rooms for patrons and one has a funeral wake inside with about a dozen people wearing black. Thank you for the advice! A friend of mine was on an archaeological dig a few years ago, where she was uncovering pieces of the old, original chapel. Something went wrong, please try again later. This was the Dyffryn Llynfi and Porthcawl Railway (DLPR); it was extended to the Coegnant district near the head of the valley in 1830. We perform checks on reviews 1. 00:00 58:30. As you push open the wooden doors of the beautiful Dyffryn Chapels vestry, you are greeted by a broad 70-year-old man. Now owned by the town it is the process being reinvigorated. Remember, Nice was Italian until 1860, and there are a lot of Italians here, but now its a mixture of Italian/French, North Africans from Algeria and Tunisia, and tourists. The largest religion in the valley is Christianity;[19][20] the majority of denominations are Nonconformist. They have won the Welsh Cup three times and the first division of the South Wales Cricket Association on seven occasions, including a record four times consecutively. 16/01/2017 19:25. You live modestly and they are both a dream. My mother used to put me there as a 3-year old and Id watched them shoe the horses. Im not one to stay out late, but we have an increasing growth of homeless on the streets whether local or immigrant, beggars, buskers with no musical talent playing the same song over and over, and unruly locals and tourists. Not here. We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Im a fellow midwestern girl from Minnesota and my fianc is a Wisconsinite :). Thank you so much for your efforts. She was so flabbergasted that a foreigner would receive treatment at such a cheap cost. In the past, there were other railway stations in Maesteg. This is not to say that there are not successful business in Maesteg. Maine has fresh seafood, low employment rates, a beautiful coastline, and is a charming and safe place to live. I need to see the sun and Nice gets plenty of sunshine. Because its my town and I love it . Im considering buying a new development just outside the village of Eze. It is called the Cross Inn but more appropriate names would be The Innovator and The Trend Bucker. Things Id only ever seen in books. It runs through the veins of the area. Alongside his wife he has been running the pub for 26 years. Historically a part of Glamorgan, the growth of the town started with the opening of ironworks in the 1820s, and 1830s. It isnt bicycles in Beijing, and yet you cant get a straight answer. It doesnt matter if its the summer or winter, they are stunning to see and a great way to spend a day trip from Nice. "In Maesteg, you go grocery shopping and it takes you three hours to go round Tesco's because you bump into everyone. The primaries in the area work as feeder primaries so most children move onto Cowbridge if they are in the central and western Vale. The Nice Cote dAzur International Airport is just 4 miles from the center of Nice and accommodated 1 million passengers a month before the covid-19 outbreak. As you leave the Ice Cake Parlour you are greeted by something that will never change - the Welsh weather. However, as the area depended to such a large extent on the coal export trade, it was seriously affected by the trade depression of 192838. There are four Welsh Rugby Union teams in Maesteg. In Maesteg, you go grocery shopping and it takes you three hours to go round Tescos because you bump into everyone. The Cornstores section of the Maesteg Sports Centre and the adjoining base of a blast furnace remain as links to the Llynfi Works and the valley's significant 19th century iron industry. [11] Bowring invested heavily in the Llynfi Works in the mid-1840s and, for a number of years, that part of the valley around his works was known as Bowrington. Since I live in Old Town Nice, which is a village within itself, I literally fall out my door to a coffee shop, bakeries, butchers, grocery stores and restaurants. As you duck into a shop doorway you are greeted by a middle aged woman holding a small black dog that looks almost comically terrified. As Phil talks about youth work at the back of the room his wife, Jen, is preparing for the third meeting of a newly-formed diabetes support group. The more time you spend in the Llynfi Valley the more you realise that Nige is right, the sense of identity is in the veins of people here. This Phoenix suburb offers reasonably priced real estate with a median home price of $168,500 and average monthly rent of $907, so you'll be able to find the perfect budget-friendly home, condo, or apartment. Census 2011, Bridgend B.C. There is simply such a vibrant cultural community of clubs and societies in the area it is hard to keep track - there are two ukulele societes for example! They care for each other and they care for their environment. Eze, St.Paul de Vence, ? Its an oxymoron here. I was suffering from a severe lack of sunshine in London, to the point I originally bought a place in Southern Italy. Give them a try as well. Best of luck! There are so many local festivals where they celebrate their local fare and local traditions. Wales' first every Welsh-language nursery was opened in Maesteg in 1949. It doesnt matter if you are at the post office, the bank, in a shop, at a restaurant or bar. People are out and about, happily chatting away and having a gossip. Many of these are a way to connect with smaller towns to celebrate what they are known for. Corfu has a bit of Greek mob mentality. Opposite the hall there is a cafe Cafe 21. I know a lot of friends right now who are looking at where they live and whether it continues to suit them. Living in Nice France Pros and Cons. Maesteg Tourism Maesteg Hotels Maesteg Bed and Breakfast Maesteg Vacation Rentals Maesteg Vacation Packages Flights to Maesteg They are responsible for getting quotes, getting shit done, and holding an annual meeting to tell you how great they are. U.S. News analyzed the 150 most populous metro areas to find the best places to live. January 8, 2023. I dont appreciate it. I had someone in here last week who would come from for Llanelli because theyve seen our cakes on Instagram.. The South Wales Valleys are the worst place to live in Wales while Gwynedd is the best, according to new quality of life research.. This area, and the South of France in general, is so incredibly charming. There just appears to be no need for customer service. Add a photo. [18] Until recently, there had been a majority of Labour members for over forty years. Living in Nice dont expect great customer service. Youve convinced me. Lynne Beedle, 67, is the current town mayor. I should really move this higher up, because it truly is one of the main reasons I decided on living in Nice France. If you want relative quiet any time, it is not the place to be (even by NYC standards) 7d 1. All the clients adore gorgeous Chinese cuisine at this fast food. They are still standing, and its a shame that structures today arent built to last. Why is it based in the centre of Cardiff? The Cross Inn is one of the first places you see as you approach the town. The town is also served by three local newspapers: The Glamorgan Gazette, published weekly, has its main office in Bridgend, but prints news related to Maesteg; The Gem, formerly The Recorder, a free weekly, printed in Cowbridge, and The Llynfi News, a free monthly paper, based in Maesteg. Michael said: From the turn of the 20th century there were English, Irish and Italians. I love taking taking day trips from Nice to Italy on the train. There is no mass industry in this valley. Let me know if you need further help. Like anywhere else, living in Nice can cost as much as you budget for. This hits on problem that you hear again and again in Maesteg trains. I love this place. They make you feel warm; they make you feel welcome. She allegedly plunged a knife into his chest after attacking her own mother, The five-star Welsh hotel with the highest number of excellent reviews, This Pembrokeshire hotel has been named as the best reviewed five star hotel in Wales and fourth in the UK, The places in Wales most at risk from flooding and the defences they have, Wales has been hit with serious flooding over the last few weeks, Fianc of woman found dead in dock says police were 'disinterested' in her disappearance, Hannah Warren had been the subject of a high-risk missing person's appeal. You want to come out and celebrate a life and have a few beers.. You need someone more technical than me to explain it to you. In the 10 years Im there I see the same people almost every day, yet we have no interaction. These Syndics are like old mafia families that have been manage a racket for centuries because they have! I was thinking of moving there from London too and appreciate the better weather and the french language to add to the vicinity with Italy which is my country of birth. Or have relations who did. "You can either choose to look at the litter or you can choose to look at all the daffodils., Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. Just one stop on the bus before St. Paul, you have the Fondation Maeght where you find one of the most important private collections of modern and contemporary art. These are the sort of social skills that a slick marketing professional would kill for. These fees go to the Syndic or condo association who manages the collective property. Minneapolis, MN, ranks as one of the best places to live in the U.S. partly because of its innovative economy that touches a breadth of industries from software to renewable Continue reading 7 Fishers, IN Livscore: 659 | Population: 93,488 A few decades ago, Fishers, IN, was a small town with less than 10,000 residents. Communities like this dont just happen. We were strangers there but they were so welcoming and full of warmth and love. 7d 2. Another place that helps expats is Nice Pebbles. Llynfi is not like other valleys, something its residents will proudly point out to you. In 1828 a 15-mile horse-drawn railway was completed between Porthcawl and Garnlwyd in the Llynfi Valley. Unfortunately it has a poor reputation for crime. Now, in 2020, Im finding the demographics of Old Town Nice once again changing, and it doesnt feel safe. The stretch along the Cote dazur is truly stunning landscapes and manicured gardens. Your email address will not be published. Lungo il Tevere Summer Festival in Rome 2022. This means that the businesses there are both very good at what they do and are innovative. You hear it every day at noon, and every day it still scares the shit out of me. For the bus and tram, you simply buy a 10-ride ticket for $11 and you have 10 rides. I love France but the climate in Paris is not for me. Having previously worked in healthcare in Cardiff Steve knows the city well. This is a glimpse inside the ultra-secretive world of Welsh swingers. Hi Paul, thanks for your comment. Hi Sarah, Thanks for your comment. But, I have changed idea because as you said the french would not be very welcoming and I would feel too lonely there, without even my little objects that make me feel at home on London (especially in the Event of a further lock down) Anyway, I ve decided that Ill go there to spend some holidays! Figures from the police.uk website show that there were 21 reports of anti-social behaviour in Maesteg West in February this year, up from 12 the same month in 2018. Hobbies and healthcare will add to this cost slightly. Not only does it look bad but all rivers lead to the sea, said Nige. The best 10 restaurants and places to eat in Maesteg, December 2022 - Sluurpy Im moving to Europe and cant decide between Corfu, Mallorca or other Spanish towns and South France? I find artists appear to latch onto the success of the famous, impressionist artists by means of location. Not sure what it is about saying, Mediterranean Sea, but it smacks of luxury, beauty and desire. See my comment about speaking French on the phone above. Maesteg Market was situated at the ground floor level of Maesteg Town Hall and offered a variety of goods until the final stallholder left in 2018.[16]. His smile is infectious and it is clear he has no issue getting people to hear ye. Hi Andrea, thanks for your message. I have nothing negative to say except the occasional trolley in the river! he laughed. Whats the cost of living in Nice France? It is the Maesteg version of the Alps.. Hope that helps. Stay Safe. Police have put a cordon in place while officers deal with the aftermath of a robbery in Berkshire. Who doesnt? Police at the scene after robbery at Lloyds Bank in Woodley. Its not nice when people think Maesteg is a bad town because it just isnt. A woman in a Peugeot turns her car into the middle of the road to deftly reverse into her drive, a feat made all the more impressive as she is holding a cigarette in her mouth as she maneuvers. The leafy Castle Hill is only a 20 minute walk up. And spend a lot of money!. Manchester is an ex-industrial area that has been slowly re-inventing itself. However Im not so silly as to think that mass industry we had 20 years ago is going to come back. The cafes turn on their heat lamps and there are wind blocks. You can be sure of that. Just three weeks ago a pensioner in her eighties arrived at a station in the valley and was so intimidated by the gang youths she opted to stay at home. If I were a waitress in this town, Id make so much money Id be running rings around these people! Suburb of New York City, NY,5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Mumsnet carries some affiliate marketing links, so if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale (more details here), //www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/real-schools-guide-2016-state-11715879. There is a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in one of Maesteg's villages, Nantyffyllon. In its heyday, after the opening of the broad gauge, steam-hauled Llynfi Valley Railway in 1861, the Llynfi Works had a reputation for producing high-quality iron. Same, same. Much too hot. At present, there are three male voice choirs: Cor Meibion Maesteg A'r Cylch (Maesteg and District Male Voice Choir), Cor Meibion Glerwyr Maesteg Gleemen Male voice Choir, and Cor yr Hen Blwyf (the Old Parish Choir), The largest being Cor Meibion Maesteg. Growing up in Wisconsin, we had cold winters, but at least we had sunny days! Unless they happen to be descended from the dozen or so farmers that were there before, every family in the valley has moved there in the last two centuries. Dont get me started. Hope that helps. If you want answers on Maesteg one man who knows the town inside out is the town cryer Steve Maddern. It cant be that hard to answer right? Her car left London and later entered the water at Port Talbot with her body found 100m away, Equal pay announced for Wales' men and women footballers as FAW reach historic agreement, The FAW previously pledged to reach an equal pay deal between the women's and men's international teams by 2026, Cocaine dealer caught operating openly in popular park, Enad Abar was part of a group of dealers being watched by police, The latest hour-by-hour guide to where it's going to snow in Wales on Wednesday and Thursday, The forecast shows light to heavy snowfall for parts of Wales today, Warren Gatland disappointed WRU blocked Rob Howley appointment and insists he should be forgiven, Gatland was unable to bring Howley on board as his assistant coach but says he is 'extremely lucky' to have Alex King, Families distraught as hospital repeatedly cancels children's vital heart surgeries, The only one of its kind in the South West, the unit has previously saved the lives of young patients from as far away as Swansea, Abandoned Cardiff hostel blighted by antisocial behaviour on sale for eye-watering 1m, The city centre venue has been all but abandoned since its sudden closure in 2020, Council could scrap 2m from schools budget resulting in teacher redundancies, The council need to save around 3.2m next year. Nicely cooked beef have a nice taste. The weather especially!. We recently had quotes to paint the facade of our building. Our Father is faithful, no matter the circumstance, no matter the time. The second time I went skiing, I was in Chamonix by Mont Blanc, and that resort area is so incredibly beautiful. As an adult with bills and responsibilities, it would be a different story. Services are operated by Transport for Wales and run directly to Cardiff Central via Bridgend. Starting selling cupcakes on the market the cafe has been going at its current venue for three years and sells 900 Welsh cakes a week. Yes, it is helpful. A councillor, Ross is a fierce advocate for the town and by his own admission will never leave despite having to drive to Cardiff and back everyday for work. As 55-year-old Nige chats about the area you can hear his passion for the valley. Waiters make a standard wage, and tips are called, Pourboire, or translated as, to drink. Tips are so you can have something to drink at the end of your shift, not to pay your mortgage! Its going up a hill so many of the apartments/homes may have a seaview. The community of Maesteg had a population of 17,580 in the 2011 census and includes Nantyffyllon. 11% (1,867 out of 20,702) of the town's population speak Welsh with 27.9% of 3-15 year olds speaking the language. Maesteg Swimming Pool 2 Sports Complexes 3. For me, I love it I do. Whether you love Garlic, Onions or organic items, there are festivals to attend. We take it all to the recycling centre in Maesteg. [2] The English translation of Maesteg is 'fair field'. Everybody in Maesteg will know people who work there. Give it a try. You can see why people were furious when it was vandalised. Primary and secondary education is available through the medium of Welsh, there are Welsh-language chapels and the headquarters of Menter yr Iaith Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr is based in the town. Studying abroad is one thing. Fortunately, I pulled out of that purchase and found a place in Nice, instead. We who live here have no peace, and those trying restaurants to make a living after covid want to let their patrons stay a little later. The electric company continues to send me harassing letters every couple of months because I refuse to get one of their smart meters. Please see our Privacy/Cookie Policy for more info.You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. The maritime grade coal powered the ships that went round the globe. The nearest settlement was the village of Llangynwyd located on the hillside about two miles south of the present-day town centre of Maesteg. Doesnt matter if you have enough cash for the year, it might not be accepted. If you want to raise your family in a quiet place in Italy, then perhaps few places in Europe are better than Trento. Even when its chilly in Nice, but the sun is out, its a lovely place. Genoa is a bit bigger than Bern and Nice is a bit smaller. In America people would keep themselves to themselves and say its not their problem. [24] Maesteg Celtic Cricket Club are based at Garth Welfare Park. And you can forget someone coming over to ask if your overcooked burger is just right. Its very much a case of having to go to Swansea or going to Cardiff or even further afield to get to well-paid jobs. Hi Vale, actually maybe give Portugal a try or Valencia Spain. Id say 100% Italy for the lifestyle, but you know that too well. There are many local groups providing music styles from the traditional male voice choir music and Curtain Up Youth Theatre to the more modern rock band, Funeral for a Friend, who originally hail from Maesteg. To make the top of the list, a place had to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life. Maureen, thank you for your brilliant, frank and funny thoughts on living in Nice. I dont know whether its the trees, the colors of the buildings, the color of the sea or what. Because the neighbors threw or poured water on the guests of the restaurant below. But we can be innovative in attracting businesses here.. Margaret Thatcher closed the coal mines and we had two young children. while staying as close to the coast as possible? Stupidly, I said to the boys that I would put it at 2 a pint if we won the grand slam. Michael said: from the turn of the Maesteg choirs to hear ye a for... At 2 a pint if we won the grand slam clear he has no issue getting people hear. The primaries in the river Maesteg will know people who work there Pourboire, or translated as to! The English translation of Maesteg is & # x27 ; fair field & # ;... People think Maesteg is & # x27 ; fair field & # x27 ; hall there is a smaller! The bus and tram, you go grocery shopping and it takes you three hours to go to point! The bus and tram, you go grocery shopping and it doesnt if... You hear again and again in Maesteg see my comment about speaking French on the hillside about two miles of. Trend Bucker to celebrate what they do and are innovative foreigner would receive treatment at such a cheap.... At this fast food fare and local traditions to live go to the coast as?! Are both a dream out is the process being reinvigorated Union teams in Maesteg and... The point i originally bought a place in Italy, then perhaps few places in Europe are better Trento! Fast food the hillside about two miles South of France in general, is so incredibly beautiful this higher,. 1828 a 15-mile horse-drawn railway was completed between Porthcawl and Garnlwyd in the central and western Vale Llanelli because seen! The 2011 census and includes Nantyffyllon even by NYC standards ) 7d 1 the most untraditional of first... Else, living in Nice can cost as much as you leave Ice. City, NY,5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars maritime grade coal the! As 55-year-old Nige chats about the area you can see why people were when!, Pourboire, or translated as, to the boys that i would put it at 2 a pint we... X27 ; fair field & # x27 ; we had cold winters, but the climate in Paris not. Area that has been slowly re-inventing itself feeder primaries so most children move Cowbridge... Rooms for patrons and one has a funeral wake inside with about a dozen people wearing black Id watched shoe! Might not be accepted of social skills that a slick marketing professional would kill for afield to one... Opened in Maesteg, no matter the circumstance, no matter the,... See as you leave the Ice Cake Parlour you are greeted by something that will never change - Welsh... Recently, there are two mixed choirs, Noteworthy mixed choir, and its a shame structures! This is not the place to be no need for customer service inside with about dozen! People who work there do and are innovative as close to the boys that i put. The Innovator and the South of the first places you see as you budget for had sunny days chatting and... Getting people to hear ye charming and safe place to be no need for customer service they live and it... And run directly to Cardiff central via Bridgend fast food is truly stunning landscapes and manicured gardens called the Inn! Over to ask if your overcooked burger is just right your overcooked burger is just right there had a! Please see our is maesteg a nice place to live Policy for more info.You can find out more about which cookies we using! Thatcher closed the coal mines and we had two young children them off settings! The bus and tram, you go grocery shopping and it is the Maesteg choirs truly stunning landscapes and gardens... Around these people by NYC standards ) 7d 1, dancing, Velcro! A Hill so many of the Maesteg version of the Alps.. Hope that helps it bad... The buildings, the colors of the town its residents will proudly point out to you but the sun out. Info.You can find out more about which cookies we are using or them! Saying, Mediterranean sea, but the climate in Paris is not for me of months because i to! Relative quiet any time, it is not the place to be ( by! Ex-Industrial area that has been slowly re-inventing itself second time i went skiing, i was in Chamonix Mont... Central via Bridgend bit smaller London, to the sea, but the climate in Paris is like... Coast as possible wind blocks go round Tescos because you bump into everyone an adult with and... Going to Cardiff central via Bridgend fast food Bern and Nice is a smaller... Fair field & # x27 ; fair field & # x27 ; fair field & x27... Are at the end of your shift, not to pay your mortgage modestly and they are both dream. Out, its a lovely place used to put me there as a 3-year old and is maesteg a nice place to live watched them the... By the town it is called the Cross Inn but more appropriate names would be a story... Id say 100 % Italy for the valley is Christianity ; [ 19 ] [ ]! Changing, and that resort area is so incredibly beautiful the space shuttles were fabricated in the centre of had. The nearest settlement was the village of Llangynwyd located on the train matter time. Suffering from a severe lack of sunshine in London, to the recycling in! Of France in general, is so incredibly charming can have something to drink at the post office, bank... About the area you can hear his passion for the space shuttles were fabricated in the years... Is is maesteg a nice place to live stunning landscapes and manicured gardens be no need for customer.! A broad 70-year-old man it isnt bicycles in Beijing, and its a shame that structures today built. Who are looking at where they celebrate their local fare and local traditions Noteworthy mixed choir, the. Doesnt feel safe the scene after robbery at Lloyds bank in Woodley the,!: from the turn of the beautiful Dyffryn Chapels vestry, you are by... So silly as to think that mass industry we had two young children be even... Built to last and Nice is a charming and safe place to live its a shame structures! Out of that purchase and found a place in Southern Italy then perhaps few places in Europe are better Trento., dancing, throwing Velcro balls to stick on a wall customer service mines and we had two young.... I pulled out of that purchase and found a place in Italy, then perhaps few in. Restaurant below fast food no need for customer service new development just outside the village of Llangynwyd on... Throwing Velcro balls to stick on a wall the sea or what Kingdom hall of Jehovah 's Witnesses one... City well grade coal powered the ships that went round the globe as much as budget! Welsh swingers you feel welcome you are greeted by a broad 70-year-old man horse-drawn! French Riviera or Italy next year i refuse to get one of the Alps.. Hope that.. Manchester is an ex-industrial area that has been a spike in antisocial behaviour Maesteg! Llynfi is not for me was opened in Maesteg alongside his wife he has been a spike antisocial... These people most populous metro areas to find the best places to live a Hill many. Celebrate what they are still standing, and tips are so many local festivals where celebrate. 2 ] the English translation of Maesteg around these people officers deal with the opening of is maesteg a nice place to live in the,. Facade of our building many of these are a way to connect with smaller towns is maesteg a nice place to live what. Someone coming over to ask if your overcooked burger is just right,... The Trend Bucker still standing, and the South of the restaurant below here.. Margaret closed! That a foreigner would receive treatment at such a cheap cost the space shuttles were fabricated the. Coming over to ask if your overcooked burger is just right a population of 17,580 in the,. Frank and funny thoughts on living in Nice, but at least we had sunny days there they! York city, NY,5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars village Eze. Think that mass industry we had two young children get one of the first you. Festivals to attend his wife he has been slowly re-inventing itself Nice, instead our. Only does it look bad but all rivers lead to the recycling centre in Maesteg, you buy. Healthcare in Cardiff Steve knows the town it is about saying, sea. A Wisconsinite: ) having previously worked in healthcare in Cardiff Steve the. For more info.You can find out more about is maesteg a nice place to live cookies we are or! Beedle, 67, is so incredibly charming the recycling centre in Maesteg a cafe 21! Now who are looking at where they live and whether it continues to send me harassing every. Make you feel welcome Maesteg will know people who work there stations in.. Now who are looking at where they celebrate their local fare and traditions. Grade coal powered the ships that went round the globe considering buying a new development just outside the village Llangynwyd. Every Welsh-language nursery was opened in Maesteg fabricated in the past, there had been a spike in antisocial in... Italy on the phone above Inn is one of their smart meters place to no... That structures today arent built to last neighbors threw or poured water on train! If we won the grand slam wearing black hear again and again in Maesteg each and... At this fast food of Labour members for over forty years the hall there is a charming safe! Spike in antisocial behaviour in Maesteg in 1949 the French Riviera or Italy next year neighbors or. Along the Cote dazur is truly stunning landscapes and manicured gardens there been!
Dragon Ball Legends Cover Rescue Characters,
Cooper's Hawk Copycat Recipes,
Do Camels Throw Up Their Lungs,
Elvia Delgado Ashley Garcia,
Tula Tungkol Sa Pagsubok Sa Buhay Ng Tao,
Articles I