IAN SNOOKE in France
Published Date
07 April 2009
Home Town in SA
Hartbeesport, North West Province
Now Living in
Limoges, France
Occupation
Student
Best Thing About the Country?
There are many good things in France, but the best ( or one of the best ) is the food. I know this is an old cliché, but you just have to taste some of the dishes here to see just how much effort the french put into their food. On that subject, I have eaten garden snails in a garlic sauce ( which is lovely ) but I am yet to see a restaurant that makes frog dishes...
Biggest Cultural Difference?
For one, they are french and we are south africans. There is no better way to explain it. You really have to come to France, learn french and live here. Or read the books I recommended.
Top Things to Do or See?
A tricky question. It all depends on what you like. If you like nightlife, maybe you can go and explore Paris. If you more into the countryside and wildlife like me, then get out of the cities and go drive through regions like Correze. It is very green around those parts with many rivers and forests. There are also little villages with interesting buildings and history. I can however tell you one thing NOT to do and that is; Don't watch TV. The french love talking and their television is filled with discussion programes where they can’t leave each other to finish a sentence.
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Allez les verts! -
Yes, that is what I have been screaming all along through the World Cup. Vert means green. I am writing from Provence; France. I grew up in Hartbeespoort on a mountain and Paris is just way too crowded for me. France is a country that loves to make their cities and villages look nice. Sometimes just taking a stroll through one of the towns will amaze you. The cathedrals are very impressive, and ladies, you will find that some of the most interesting shops are found in the smallest streets.
If you are a South African and thinking of coming to France, be prepared for a VERY bumpy ride as medical and birth certificates along with learning the language are just a few of the mountains standing in your way.
Once in France though, you might be pleasantly surprised about some of the differences compared to back home. For one, the medical system in France is brilliant. You get what we call a “Carte Vitale” or the “Green Carte”. With this, 50% of what you spend on doctors and medication is refunded back to you. Learning French in France will cost you nothing, all you need to do is sign a contract of immigration with the ANAEM and French lessons will be provided to you.
The funniest cultural difference for me is at breakfast time, you need to keep the cereal in your bowl away from the French, as they will pour coffee in it, instead of milk.
If you would like to learn more on the French people and their ways ways, I recommend reading Stephen Clarke’s three hilarious books: “A year in the Merde”, “Merde Actually” and “Talk to the Snail: 10 commandments for understanding the French”.
If you do have any questions, I recommend www.angloinfo.com , if you cannot find your answer there, look me up on Facebook, and leave me a message. For now it’s au revoir!
Yes, that is what I have been screaming all along through the World Cup. Vert means green. I am writing from Provence; France. I grew up in Hartbeespoort on a mountain and Paris is just way too crowded for me. France is a country that loves to make their cities and villages look nice. Sometimes just taking a stroll through one of the towns will amaze you. The cathedrals are very impressive, and ladies, you will find that some of the most interesting shops are found in the smallest streets.
If you are a South African and thinking of coming to France, be prepared for a VERY bumpy ride as medical and birth certificates along with learning the language are just a few of the mountains standing in your way.
Once in France though, you might be pleasantly surprised about some of the differences compared to back home. For one, the medical system in France is brilliant. You get what we call a “Carte Vitale” or the “Green Carte”. With this, 50% of what you spend on doctors and medication is refunded back to you. Learning French in France will cost you nothing, all you need to do is sign a contract of immigration with the ANAEM and French lessons will be provided to you.
The funniest cultural difference for me is at breakfast time, you need to keep the cereal in your bowl away from the French, as they will pour coffee in it, instead of milk.
If you would like to learn more on the French people and their ways ways, I recommend reading Stephen Clarke’s three hilarious books: “A year in the Merde”, “Merde Actually” and “Talk to the Snail: 10 commandments for understanding the French”.
If you do have any questions, I recommend www.angloinfo.com , if you cannot find your answer there, look me up on Facebook, and leave me a message. For now it’s au revoir!
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