“Le Père Fouettard” AKA "The bogey man"

Today, we learned about “Le Père Fouettard” (“The whipping father") AKA the “Bogey man”. Intrigued? Find out more information on the link below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Pere_Fouettard

He can be seen as the “bad Santa” in the run up to Christmas in certain parts of France and Switzerland. When Santa gives presents to the well-behaved children, "le Père Fouettard" would appear with his whips as a threat to ward off any naughty behaviour.

It originated from folklore (much like the London legend of Sweeney Todd) . To this day, he’s used to scare little kids into being good. The sack of coal threat seems mild now!

Quelle horreur! We were all speechless. Apparently Laura Salamin actually met "le Père Fouettard" while living in Switzerland. So it's all true!

Tahnee also met him while living in Germany! Pauvre petites!

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Le Kougelhopf alsacien:

La Choucroute

Le Baeckeoffe

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Voici la periode des marchés de Noel... Dans ma ville de Strasbourg, nous avons nous aussi un magnifique marché de Noel. Il a lieu sur la trés celebre "Place Kleber", au coeur de la ville Alsacienne... Vous serez sans aucun doute impressionné par les illuminations et particulierement si vous y allez le soir... Les gourmands y trouveront leur compte. En effet, vous pourrez deguster quelques fantastiques spécialites Alsaciennes, comme la "choucroute", le Baeckeoffe", et biensur les traditionnelles patisseries comme le Kougloff!!! Bonnes fetes de fin d'année a tous!! Laetitia

"Rendez-vous" recommends.......

The continental market at the City Hall in Belfast!

We had the opportunity to sample some continental dishes at the market on Wednesday after the QFT. C'était délicieux!

Laura recommends "La Raclette" at the Swiss stand and "crêpes".

Ms Clarke recommends "La Tartiflette".

Clare liked the Dutch pancakes.

Rachel went all Spanish on us and had "churros".

Madeline surprised us all and had a ostrich burger. Apparently she didn't really eat meat before coming to Northern Ireland.

Scott got extra sugar on his "crêpe" for saying "merci", not to mention free Russian beads for being polite at the Russian stand. Quelle politesse!

Stands to look out for: Turkish pastries, German "wurst", Spanish omelette and Paëlla.

If we still haven't convinced you just look(top) at what was available at the French "patisserie".

It really is a feast for all the senses so you don't have to buy anything but if you do make sure to walk around first before making your choice as it is a bit pricey.

Bon appétit!

Persepolis

AS and A2 French students attended an introduction to the film Persepolis at the QFT Belfast yesterday. They listened to Dr Dominique Jeannerod, explaining in French, issues pertaining to the film - family life and relationships, gender issues, prejudice & racism, democracy and human rights, violence & conflict. Dr Jeannerod is a lecturer in the school of Languages,Literature and Performing Arts at Queen's University and has published articles on various aspects of French Culture and Film.

We found out where the title came from: "Perse" the French word for Persia (the ancient empire which stretched across Iran) and "Polis" the Greek word for city. (City of Persia.)

"Persepolis" was the ancient ceremonial capitol of the Persian Empire. Cyrus the Great chose the site (which is 70km northeast of Shiraz - not the wine region!) but his son, Darius the great was responsible for building the city around 500 B.C.

The film itself is an autobiographical coming-of-age French animation by graphic novelist Marjorie Satrapi. It is as funny as it is tragic. The film also charts the history of Iran, as well as how Satrapi eventually left her home country due to the regime's oppression of women. It is beautifully animated as we witness the trials faced by an outspoken Iranian girl who finds her unique attitude, and outlook on life, repeatedly challenged during the Islamic revolution.

Members of the sixth form language committee were so taken by it they have decided to show this film for our French Film night in February. So watch this space for more details about the upcoming screening at Shimna!

PS It says "Punk is not ded" on the back of the little girls T-shirt in case you can't read it :-)

A video-conference with Brussels.....

Last Monday year 12 French student Philip Crookes went on work experience to the European Commission Office in Belfast. The highlight of the day was a video-conference with the Commission in Brussels during which delegates from all the EU countries discussed and debated issues from around the EU in French and English. It was also of particular interest to Philip as he visited Brussels last year with the College and was able to talk about his experience with his mentor who travels regularly to Brussels on business. Philip was thrilled by the experience. "I always knew that languages were important but this made me realise how important languages can be in other areas of work like business, law, journalism and politics."

To find out more about career opportunities in the EU visit this site: http://europa.eu/epso/index_en.htm