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POSTED: Tue, 08/25/2009 - 2:57pm
Tell everyone about your country and culture!
So, where do all of you live? Would you care to share some interesting things about your country and culture (food, style, environment.. or anything that comes to your mind!) ?As for me, I live in Finland. It's a small country with 5,5 million people, situated in Northern Europe. I love the fact that our air is so fresh and clean and that the nature still remains quite untouched. Also, if you're interested in experiencing a day when the sun doesn't set at all, you should visit Finland in the summer! And if you want to experience 24 hours without daylight - visit us in the winter! :)
A fact that most don't know is that we have two official languages, just like in Canada, but instead of english and french (of course..) we have finnish and swedish. The minority that has swedish as their mother tongue is as tiny as 5,5%! I find myself priviledged to have been born into a bilingual family, as I got to know two languages at birth.
Well, I don't want to bore you, but do ask away if you have questions about Finland! And also, please tell others about your country!
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Bree
POSTED: Tue, 02/28/2012 - 6:49am
The other side of the world
Hi, Not sure if i'm the only one from Australia on here, you can't get much further from Europe/USA! I live in a small coastal town a couple of hundred k's from Sydney. The weather here is pretty temperate. Right now we're in mid/late summer, the opposite of Europe/USA. Being close to Asia we have a lot of Asian food influences, especially Thai,Indian and Japanese. Yum! Australia is a very outdoorsy country i would say. Living close to the beach i spend a lot of my summer there. I guess the handy thing about living in Aus is if you feel like getting away to the tropics you can head upto the Northern states like Queensland and Northern Territory where in some places it is summer all year round or if you want to go somewhere cooler you can head right down to the most southern state Tasmania(Tassie). It's not really cold all year round there but it does snow in winter. I would say the people are generally pretty laid back and most of the mentality that you work to live, not so much the other way around. Anyways hopefully iv covered everything,thanks for reading! Bree :)Naja
POSTED: Tue, 01/18/2011 - 7:06am
GREECE means GRACE
Well, that's the word that "Greece" derives from: it's the latin "grace". But did you know that in greek we call our country Hellas and ourselves hellenians? I guess not very many foreigners have noticed that. When the Romans first entered Greece (especially Athens) were astonished at the public buildings and statues and frescos and the objects of art and the architecture, the landscapes, the people and their clothes and jwellery, and called it the land of "grace". With time many invaders tried to alter the nature of our culture and civilisation and the last ones were the Turks. They were muslims and the difference in religion, culture, mentality and history did not allow them to absorb us. The Turks stayed in Greece for 400 years (1453-1821) and finally walked out leaving behind some turkish words (taking with them some greek ones) and a lot of pain. Because of the many months of sunshine (like 10) we are basically a people of good mood and optimism. I'm sure many of you have already visited some of the thousand+ islands of the Aegean and Ionian Sea: Crete, Mykonos and Santorini in the Aegean and Corfu, Ithaca, Kefallonia in the Ionian Sea are the most famous ones. But there are so many others that are not so well known and just as beautiful...Plus our mountains: little picturesque villages with local cuisine (mmmiammm!). Visit Zagoria in western Greece and you'll just love it! Talking about cuisine, I'd like to point out that we almost never use butter when cooking. The only option is olive oil like in all proper mediterranean dishes. The use of butter is more common in the northern cuisines of Europe, like France. I guess that's because of the climate. Olive trees and their produce have always played a very important role in the mediterranean agricultural economies. Also, fish and shellfish are very important staples on the greek everyday table. And here comes yoghurt! If I got it right, in the US they only import FAGE yoghurts which, for us, is an old and very common brand. Well, we have all kinds of rare yoghurts here (made of goats and/or sheeps) that are really amazing wether you buy them whole or light! I've tried yoghurts from all over Europe, but I'm telling you, they are not the same! Mireille knows what I'm talking about, I'm sure. And, of course, there's feta cheese!!! I enjoy the salty, hard kind with some "paximadi" (whole bread that's left in the oven and is eaten overdried) to accompany it with a tomato, 2-3 olives and some olive oil. What a simple and satisfying delice for lunch!!!! Of course we also enjoy listening to our bouzouki music (I prefer the real traditional stuff) and dancing till morning. Contrary to the common impression, we do not smash plates while our friends dance anymore (it's forbidden by law some 35 years ago-since then the plates have been replaced by carnation flowers thrown towards the dancers), but we occasionally smash a glass or two to express our happiness while someone dances at a very emotional song. Yes, we tend to be very emotional and dramatic at times... We are pationate about politics, philosophy and...fashion. Although I do not see it mentioned very often, the truth is that greek women have a great sense of fashion and are very well presented fashionwise but are not fashion victims. As for our sentiments for other countries, our first (and for me also last) love is Italy since it's so close to visit (lucky us!). That's all for now. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Ya sas (="to your health": that's how we say "hello" and "bye-bye")!!!Vintage1944
POSTED: Tue, 01/18/2011 - 8:24pm
Philhellinon
Hope I spelled it correctly.I adore Greece,the food,the country,the people,the light,the music ,the language and the passion.Although,I do not miss my ex,I miss his culture.I miss hearing Greek and speaking it(only a very little)The dancing is such fun.I even like Retsina,a wine most outside Greece don't appreciate.I have been to the north of Greece.Gorgeous.There is much to see and the history fascinating.The food is divine.I miss my mother-in-law's Keftedes.They were yummy.Ya sas!!Naja
POSTED: Wed, 01/19/2011 - 7:44am
Agapi mou!
Jean, agapi mou, ya sou! And, yes, you spelled it correctly! I'm glad you don't miss your ex, but even if you did, it's not that difficult to find another (or a better) greek if you come here for a holiday (after all we are all living in a global village, remember? Plus, the travel packages to Greece can be very rationally priced I think). You should also pay a visit to the south, you won't regret it. If you do, I can always show you around Athens (I studied archeology and history of art and although I don't practice it as a profession, I'm always passionate about my city and its attractions). You're just a decision away and the year is still young. Just think about it! Filia!!!!Vintage1944
POSTED: Wed, 01/19/2011 - 6:47pm
Flia mou!!.
How lovely to experience even a tiny bit of Greek again.Greece is part of my soul.I have been several times(likely before you were born!!)and I would love to return.To have you as my guide around Athens would be a wonderful thing.My truest love was a lovely man I met in Athens(not my husband).It was not meant to be,sadly.Perhaps I will get back one day.OXONaja
POSTED: Thu, 01/20/2011 - 8:36am
Macari, Jean mou!
Macari(=wish/hope)you can make it, Jean mou! If you do, I'll be here for you! Again, filia!!!Vintage1944
POSTED: Thu, 01/20/2011 - 6:14pm
Me too
Dreams lead to realities.Naja
POSTED: Fri, 01/21/2011 - 7:20am
Again...
...Makari, Jean mou!jas
POSTED: Thu, 01/20/2011 - 9:29am
wow
I loved reading your description on your country Naja. You write with knowledge, love and color.Naja
POSTED: Fri, 01/21/2011 - 7:19am
Hey, Jas
Why don't you share with us info on the State you live in. It'll be really interesting for us Europeans. In fact, don't do it here. I'll open a new thread in a while. Come and share!!!soleil
POSTED: Sun, 01/16/2011 - 11:49am
I am from the Czech
I am from the Czech Republic. A LOT OF people say Czechoslovakia which will likely annoy a Czech person. We tend to forgive Americans who are notorious with their geography or lack of thereof, however, it has happened to me countless times in France as well which surprises me since we are in the European Union...
No, I am not from Prague. A lot of people ask that too.
I am not going to state things one can find on wikipedia. I think a lot of people expect "Russia-style" stereotype. Do not forget the Czech Republic is Cental Europe which most people do not know. Location AND culture-wise. If you see a woman in Prague with a heavy make-up, large fur coat and "bling bling" jewellery, she probably IS Russian.
When I speak French, most people say I have an accent of an anglophile speaking French. A lot of movies portray Central Europeans with Russian accent so be aware. Stereotypes are dangerous. Not every Czech woman is pretty. But many are.
What I like about Czech people: they lack political correctness (vs. feel-good and denial culture in the US), they are less arrogant and bureaucratic than the French (as a former part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, everyone thinks bureaucracy is the worst in our country). I would import Mediterranean cuisine and better climate and lightheartedness of Spaniards and friendliness of Dutch and Danes. But overall I think we are quite friendly and open bunch especially once you get to know us.
We are one of the most atheist countries in the world. I believe that is a good thing. Live and let live.
I love Mireille's books and she travels to Provence a lot. Just a note: Provence is not Paris. Women there are often so sloppily dressed, overweight (in comparison to Paris) and generally rude, very rude. It is especially the older women who have more style in my humble opinion. Again, stereotypes are dangerous. The advice in the books is incredibly helpful but I find it perpetuates the myths about France. Elegant, stylish or classy women are to be found everywhere! With a different frequency, yes. Going to Milan is always good for some eye-grazing inspiration.
France has a good quality of life but there are so many problems. Like everywhere. I met a lot of young American girls dreaming of life in Paris. They make me smile because I was the same. I would never want to live in Paris. (My only French friends are either from South West France or Nothern France.)
Sorry for being so long...:) Au revoir.
Naja
POSTED: Mon, 01/17/2011 - 9:48am
Loved Prague and Carlo Vivary
Well, I haven't had the luck to visit all Czech Republic, but at least I visited Prague and Carlo Vivary only to find out that it's a truly beautiful country, with very kind and hospitable people! You have to talk to them first to find out though. They don't smile very much. I asked why and I was told that they are a bit reserved because in the years of the "block", there were lots of people "talking" against you to the government. I could never forget Koundera and his "Unbearable lightness of being", so I guess the explanation was right. I also guess that, in the future, these memories will die and the smile on people's faces is going to get right back on!Vintage1944
POSTED: Mon, 01/17/2011 - 8:48pm
Naja and Soleil
This is a really interesting discussion.Thanks for the cultural insights.And Naja welcome aboard.You are in Athens a place I love and visited a few times.It will be great to hear more from you both.Again welcome to our wonderful Francophile community.OXO Jeansoleil
POSTED: Mon, 01/17/2011 - 12:00pm
Hi Naja, good point about the
Hi Naja, good point about the smiling. Yes, I would say a bit more reserved than for example Americans but as you noticed, with time, ice melts. Karlovy Vary are amazing, very calm spa town (the outside pool with the view is my favourite) but if you go in July for the film festival, it gets crazy.Marilyn
POSTED: Mon, 01/17/2011 - 8:39am
Soleil
Nice to find another European here. I loved Prague when OH and I visited, the buildings are superb especially the Municipal Building with it's tearoom, restaurants, theatre and cocktail bar. We managed to see a production of Swan Lake at the National Theatre during our brief but enjoyable stay. We walked for miles around the city and found the majority of people very friendly especially in cafes and restaurants, even a taxi driver gave us a potted history of the city and culture. We intended to go back but it is stil on our wish list.soleil
POSTED: Mon, 01/17/2011 - 11:57am
Hi Marylin! What nice spots
Hi Marylin! What nice spots you went too! You bring back fond memories of a Nutcracker in the National Theatre. Glad you liked it. Sometimes people's stay gets worse because of pickpocketers or poor service. Nice to see we are getting better.Vintage1944
POSTED: Sun, 01/16/2011 - 8:57pm
Bonjour Soleil
Thanks for telling us about your beautiful country.Now more than ever I want to visit.Please feel welcome here and I look forward to hearing more from you.Jeansoleil
POSTED: Mon, 01/17/2011 - 12:01pm
Hi Jean, thanks. I am excited
Hi Jean, thanks. I am excited to join other francophiles and discuss all kinds of things.:)soleil
POSTED: Sun, 01/16/2011 - 11:39am
I am from the Czech
I am from the Czech Republic. A LOT OF people say Czechoslovakia which will likely annoy a Czech person. We tend to forgive Americans who are notorious with their geography or lack of thereof, however, it has happened to me countless times in France as well which surprises me since we are in the European Union... No, I am not from Prague. A lot of people ask that too. I am not going to state things one can find on wikipedia. I think a lot of people expect "Russia-style" stereotype. Do not forget the Czech Republic is Cental Europe which most people do not know. Location AND culture-wise. If you see a woman in Prague with a heavy make-up, large fur coat and "bling bling" jewellery, she probably IS Russian. When I speak French, most people say I have an accent of an anglophile speaking French. A lot of movies portray Central Europeans with Russian accent so be aware. Stereotypes are dangerous. What I like about Czech people: they lack political correctness (vs. feel-good and denial culture in the US), they are less arrogant and bureaucratic than the French (as a former part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, everyone thinks bureaucracy is the worst in our country). I would import Mediterranean cuisine and better climate and lightheartedness of Spaniards and friendliness of Dutch and Danes. But overall I think we are quite friendly and open bunch especially once you get to know us. We are one of the most atheist countries in the world. I believe that is a good thing. Live and let live. I love Mireille's books and she travels to Provence a lot. Just a note: Provence is not Paris. Women there are often so sloppily dressed, overweight (in comparison to Paris) and generally rude, very rude. It is especially the older women who have more style in my humble opinion. Again, stereotypes are dangerous. The advice in the books is incredibly helpful but I find it perpetuates the myths about France. Elegant, stylish or classy women are to be found everywhere! With a different frequency, yes. Going to Milan is always good for some eye-grazing inspiration. France has a good quality of life but there are so many problems. Like everywhere. I met a lot of young American girls dreaming of life in Paris. They make me smile because I was the same. I would never want to live in Paris. (My only French friends are either from South West France or Nothern France.) Sorry for being so long...:) Au revoir.TinaFerrari
POSTED: Mon, 11/22/2010 - 10:11am
Italy/Argentina
I am American born but live in southern Italy, in the region of Puglia. I also have lived in Argentina and am about to go back for a couple of months(though my official residence is in Italy. I'm also an Italian citizen). If you go to my blog http://tinatangos.com/blog/ you can read all kinds of posts I've written about life in Italy as well as life in Argentina. What can I say about my life, other than it's the Mediterranean! I have two seas to choose from (the Adriatic and the Ionian) and lots of fresh fish. There is definitely a market culture and life in general is high quality. It is also Italy, however, so most things don't work very well. But, I love it here just the same.Naja
POSTED: Mon, 01/17/2011 - 9:54am
ITALIA PER SEMPRE!!!!
Cara Tina, I am a true greek who loves all italian things (and people of course)! I've been all over Italy and what remains to be seen is Sardegna and Verona! So many places, such a melodic language, so much beauty everywhere! A special note though: I was once told that if you haven't been in Naples you 've never been in Italy. It is SOOOOO true! Hey, girls, while you are there, make sure you take some time to visit Capri, Ischia and the rest of the neighbouring areas. A trip that I'll never forget and that I'm surely going to repeat! Ciao, bella!Vintage1944
POSTED: Mon, 11/22/2010 - 12:52pm
Welcome to you
Your life is fascinating.I hope you'll post from Argentina too.Thanks for joining us. JeanMarilyn
POSTED: Mon, 11/22/2010 - 11:45am
Welcome
Welcome to our francophile community. Next to France Italy is one of my favourite places. The splendours of Rome, the wine and sun of Tuscany, the art of Florence and the frantic driving on the Amalfi Coast. I have yet to venture further south. All different yet all beautiful. Lucky you.suzan
POSTED: Wed, 10/13/2010 - 12:57pm
i'm from india moved to us 6
i'm from india moved to us 6 years ago living with husband & 2 kids. big cultural shock for me. but i believe in picking up all good things each culture would give. in my culture dating on your own is not allowed. first both parents meet each other. mine is arranged marriage & i'm glad that i did. my hysband's photo & his resume was one of 25 praposals. after lot of enquiry & meetings (at home). it came down to 5 then to 2. then i started talking over the phone & that time my husband was in us we started meeting webcam. finally liked him over his respect towards his parents & i felt safe & said yes. for him my photo was 1 of 100s. my hunting for husband to be started when i was 25 after finishing my degree in electronics engg & started working as an engineer for 2 years. after moving here i had 2 kids 6 & 3 1/2 decided to stay home for kids. once my daughter starts going school i want to work again. thanks for reading my long storyMarilyn
POSTED: Wed, 10/13/2010 - 4:14pm
An amazing
An amazing story. Difficult to understand from our European point of view but so pleased you are happy.Vintage1944
POSTED: Wed, 10/13/2010 - 3:23pm
Suzan
That is a fascinating story.How brave you both are.So glad you are here.JeanNya_Nya
POSTED: Fri, 08/06/2010 - 2:32pm
Slovenia
I've been meaning to post on this topic for a very long time but I've been too lazy up till now. I want to do my country justice, and i hope you won't mind if I'm a bit long. I'm not nationalistic in the least, but I do want to present it well, because it's so little known. Please do not think I'm boasting and if it's too tedious you don't need to read it at all, I won't mindI come from Slovenia, which is a very small European country situated between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. We only have 2 million inhabitants, but the country, despite its small size is incredibly diverse. The Alps extend into our country, so we have mountains, and a long tradition of alpine skiing. In fact, our skiers often achieve very good results. Our highest peak, at 2864m is Mount Triglav, which literally means three-headed because it has three peaks, or three heads: http://www.najnaj.si/slike/data/media/8/triglav.jpg
Climbing is quite popular, and hiking for those that find climbing a bit extreme. The Alpine region has been by glaciers and one of our best known sights is the Lake Bled, surrounded by mountains, overlooked by a castle on a high cliff and with a church-topped island in the middle. Truly a fairy-tale sight: http://www.stoppsblog.co.uk/wp-content/julian-alps.JPG
Then we have a short coastline (45km) in the northeastern corner of the Adriatic Sea, where the climate and the vegetation is submediterranean. This is where I come from - in fact, I can see the sea from my window. Apart from winter tourism we therefore have seaside resorts, too. The littoral had been under Venetian rule for centuries and this can be seen in the architecture and way of life. Piran, a picturesque coastal town: http://www.bic-lj.si/vss/images/stories/piran_obala.jpg
The northeastern part of the country lies on the Panonian plane, which means it's mostly flat, but punctuated by hilly regions where wine is produced. This part of the country is still very agrarian and quite untouched, perfect for cycling, walking, bird-watching and so on. A picture of a traditional raft on the river Mura: http://www.ntz-nta.si/imagelib/ecard/large/razglednice/murska-sobota-mur...
Slovenske Gorice with their vineyards: http://www.happytours.eu/images/destinations/jeruzalem_001.jpg
There are numerous thermal spas on the edge of the panonian plane, for example our oldest spa Rogaška Slatina, which was built while we were still part of The Austro-Hungarian Empire: http://www.atartours.hr/my_documents/my_pictures/ROGASKA_SLATINA.jpg
The fourth part of the country lies on limestone and is the home of Karst. In fact, the name Karst itself comes from a Slovene region called Kras, because scientists first started researching karst topography there and consequently named all future finds after it. Karst is beautiful and wild, mostly uninhabited, made for horseback riding and in fact we have a 430-years-old stud farm breeding Lipizzan horses, which were used at the court of Vienna while the territory of Slovenia still belonged to Austrian rule. For those of you who like horses: http://www.freewebs.com/mouse_girl_93/lipicanec.jpg
As for wildlife, there's enough forest (indeed, more than 50% of the country is covered by forests) to maintain a healthy population of bears, wolves and even lynxes, but not often where people might meet them. There are numerous karst caves open for tourists, some with quite a long touristic tradition: http://www.133premier.cz/miranda2/export/sites/www.133premier.cz/cs/regi...
These are the main four constituent parts of the country and the most remarkable thing is that you can visit all four of them in a day and still have time enough for lunch and dinner on one of the countless tourist farms :) However, I recommend taking your time if you ever come here, and exploring, because there is much to be seen.
That's it for today. I know I've only mentioned natural sights, but I wanted to do them justice, so I can tell you more about the culture, history and towns if you are interested. Let me know!
Naja
POSTED: Mon, 01/17/2011 - 9:57am
Ljubljana!!!!!
Dear Nya, I've only been in Ljubljana (I hope I spelled it correctly) and I was amazed by the grace and the beauty of this small city. Small but precious! Never seen so many friendly people abroad! I hope I can revisit sometime! Cheers!TinaFerrari
POSTED: Mon, 11/22/2010 - 10:14am
I love Slovenia!
Well, I have only been to Piran, but I will never forget a single moment. :-) Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. And I was treated with kindness every part of my visit. Lovely sea, lovely food.Vintage1944
POSTED: Sat, 08/07/2010 - 10:26am
Thank you
For the terrific tour in words and pictures.I loved reading what you had to say and it has piqued my interest.Think I will start a Slovenia Fund.