Although Napoleon was a bit of a dick and the French Surrendered too quickly to the Germans and they still hate us for sinking their fleet at Mers-el-Kebir, we do actually have much in common with them. 200,000 french reside in the UK (many brits live there as well) and we have many close links with the military and business. Whatever our feelings for Germans/French/Italians whatever, we should unite and support them through this tough period. I would rather sit down and talk to a guy in a blue and white hooped top and beret and some onions about strikes/farming/the Euro than some nutter who wants to kill every non believer.
Having spent far too much time doing research into my family tree, I will be singing the French National anthem tonight, as according to the records I have seen (and verified by my cousin who also spends too much time doing this stuff) my 30x great grandfather was William the Conqueror. it's not quite direct male line - there are three places I need to hop down the maternal line - but apparently there's a small part of me that is tricolore-hued...
Kiwi, your signature strap line, which has always made me smile, takes on a new and rather poignant meaning, n'est pas?
The match tonight is live on TF1, I'll be belting out both anthems this evening...one because it is in my blood, and always will be. One because for these past five years, its been my adopted home land. I moved here slightly hesitantly, but do like it here now. As I cycled home this afternoon, I cycled past La Belle Equip, as I have done most days since living here. 19 people died there. Now, there is a mountain of flowers outside, and people stopping outside to look, and mourn. I now know at least one friend of a friend was killed. There is a weight of sadness over the city at the moment, but also a sturdy determination to get through this. With regard to the French/English rivalry, I have reminded a fair few people this year that June was the 200th anniversary of Waterloo.
OK, il est temps pour obtenir stupide après tout ce débat de poids. Je propose que nous écrivons tous en français pour une journée ou deux pour montrer notre solidarité avec nos amis à travers le ANGLAIS Chanel!
Je suis d'accord. Au moins jusqu'à après le match, quand nous pouvons revenir à abuser de Chelsea dans notre propre langue ...
I'll be doing the same Dave. This game is important, but not for any footballing reasons. I suspect that the players, especially the English ones, will find it hard to be very competitive.
Unfortunately I think Wembley is going to be pretty quiet tonight. A very wet tuesday night friendly in the middle of school term with armed police won't sit well with many parents.
Yes the English will find it hard but the French shouldn't have any problems and be very competitive.
