Todays international testimonial is from Jean Lambert. He is studying International Strategy and Sustainability and has moved to Finland from France.
What is your favourite tradition from France?
On the 23rd of June we celebrate “la fête de la musique” which is a celebration of music. There is a concert, and musicians everywhere in the streets. Usually fireworks as well. You will need to skip midsummer to enjoy it however.
What surprised you the most with Finland or Finnish people?
Many people describe the Finns as cold and not talkative, however my experience is very different. If the first approach is definitely colder than in my part of Europe, but once you’ve got to know them, they are much more open and authentic than in many other places I have visited. The weather however is not a myth, it is sometimes difficult to get through the winter. But as a French man once told me “when there’s no sun outside you need a sun inside”. He was referring to his Finnish wife, I in my case, am lucky to see my day brightened by my local friends.
Can you share your favourite recipe from France?
The only thing you need to know how to cook is crêpes. 50g of sugar, 250g of flour, 4 eggs and 750ml of milk. Mix the sugar, the flour and the eggs, then gradually add milk to get a liquid batter. Add it all to a pan and the result will make your guests jealous.
For any other dish I suggest going to a restaurant or finding a French cook and make a friend of them.
If you had to give us one reason why to visit France, what would it be?
As Jean Ferra was singing “I could not stop writing your song”, I must say I could not stay concise about what I like about this country. I would rather give as an advice not to stop the visit at Paris or St-Tropez. Instead, go to Bretagne, cross the countryside and stop in those small localities that all have their own patrimonies. There is around 36 000 cities and villages in France, and there must be at least as many churches and castles to see. Some of them are famous, like the royal castle of Chambord. While other are more unknown like the church and the bridge in my hometown (which I will keep for myself).
Tell us one artist from France that we have to listen to
Older songs with magnificent lyrics:
– Hier encore-Charle Aznavour
– Les passantes-George brassens
– Ne me quitte pas-Jaque Brel (I know he is Belgian but lived in France long enough)
Rap:
– Ma direction-Section d’assault
– La boulette-Diams
– San-Orelsan
Electronique musique:
– Veridis Quo-Daft Punk
– Signatune-DJ Mehdi
– Quanto Tempo-Kungs
