Today is my husband’s birthday. And for the 2nd year in a row his birthday is during lock down. Last year we were still in the UK and now we’re in Brittany. I’m not sure that he will have seen much of a difference between the two.
However; today he got his first Covid jab. He said it was the best birthday present that he could have had. The organisation was extremely impressive. There was absolutely no waiting around. Go in and register, fill in a questionnaire about your health, see a nurse for the jab, wait 15 minutes. Sign out where you are given a certificate to say that you have had the vaccine. There was a funny moment in which he was asked when his birthday is. We both said aujourd’hui, today, the bloke looked confused. He then looked up the information and finally said happy birthday. I don’t think he believed us! I’m sure this is not how the French usually spend their birthdays.
One of the things that I have wanted to write about is the difference between life here and life in the UK. Much of the time at the moment it would be hard to comment given the pandemic and the ongoing lock downs. However today whilst we were at the market in Huelgoat we witnessed a group of people; singing, dancing, playing instruments, stilt walking and using a puppet. I tried to find out what it was about but with no joy. Eventually I turned to good old Facebook. Amongst the fury and abuse I was able to make out that this is a recently written folk song that is being performed by people all over France. It is essentially a protest song, protesting about the ways that our lives are being curtailed as a result of covid and saying that we will be able to dance again. Protest is something that the French are very good at and it is something that marks a difference between the two countries. The gilet jaune, yellow vest, protest went on for over a year. It was essentially a protest about the high cost of fuel in rural areas. However it became more of a general protest about a number of issues that the government were trying to introduce. Interestingly the government did back down on some of the issues. So protesting is alive and well in France and appears to continue to result in some change occurring.
Are there aspects of life here that you would like to know about? Are there things that you expect to be different between the UK and France?
Tales from the Sheshed France 
Happy Birthday to Chris. He won’t forget this one! Nige had his second jab yesterday. It seems the French and English/Welsh system is the same procedure and efficiency which is good to hear. I loved the markets in France which are always quirky and lively. We witnessed a demo similar in Besançon (I think it was climate change they were chanting about) they were cycling at speed around the town dressed in bright colours. More dancing and music is needed here I think.
Perhaps I’ll put up some bunting 🤔
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Nothing like a lovely bit of bunting. So yes hang up some bunting, sing and dance. xx
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Happy Birthday Chris ! This will be another story to tell in years to come. Such sunny weather today and a bit of warmth also, which is lovely at long last.
Culturally I am still surprised at how different the UK and France are but I suppose we have some similar history but the reactions of the citizens in the two countries have always been very different. It looks like you both had a great day though and managed to catch a bit of music and solidarity in the bargain so that is a great thing.
Xx
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The music and dancing was lovely. We really enjoyed it. And yes what a glorious day.
I think there are real differences between the two countries and I look forward to discovering more.
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Happy Birthday Chris! While you were having your first jab today I had my second. Obviously age over weight! Hope you enjoy the day and have a great year ahead 🎂
As for Anglo-French differences Zenna:
I noticed a huge difference when I moved from the North to the South-West (England). In Manchester there is/was a really strong working class solidarity and resistance to work place oppression (hence my strong belief in TUs)
When I moved to Plymouth however, I was REALLY shocked at the culture of deference that reigns here. I thought a lot about that and came to understand it as a hangover from feudalism and cap-doffing! In the south-west it is notable that we mostly live in feudal landscapes (in St Aubyn; St German land etc). Manchester on the other hand only emerged as a cradle of the first industrial revolution without the obvious sign of the landLord – even though they owned land!
SO: I think the development in France is SO different because they realised if they were to eat – they needed to remove the ruling sovereigns. They’ve been decapitating the King ever since, but never fully moved to the English model industrial economy
SO – in interim conclusion: resistance is a learned practice which the French have learnt better than the English (🤓 but I stand to be corrected by somebody more knowledgeable then I)
ENJOY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS 🥂🍻. Long life and good health 🤗 with love
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I think you’re right about the South West. I will keep you posted about what I learn about this country. Great that you have now had your 2nd jab.
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