Depopulated towns in Germany's ex-communist east have come up with a novel scheme to bring back life: offering people several weeks of super-cheap housing to give would-be residents a taste of the place. The "trial-living" scheme aims to revitalise half-deserted communities as Germany nears the 35th anniversary of its reunification on October 3rd. One of those giving it a shot is Weslawa Goeller, 50, a kindergarten educator with a two-year-old daughter who is getting to know the small town of Guben on the Polish border.
In March 1982 in the heart of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the mayor of a red sandstone village in the department of Corrèze came up with an innovative idea that he felt could help stem the rural exodus, not just from the beautiful but sleepy countryside around his home, but perhaps even across France. Charles Ceyrac's scheme had the potential to inject new life into historic villages that were packed with history and heritage, but struggling economically as people left to live in bigger towns.
"It feels great when you win, but it's even more fun when you use a card featuring someone you actually know," says 12-year-old Sasuke, who plays about three times a week.
