terça-feira, 24 de maio de 2016

Cultural Immersion: Paris (France)

 The country (France)


France flag - Read more

France, in Western Europe, encompasses medieval and port cities, tranquil villages, mountains and Mediterranean beaches. Paris, its capital, is known worldwide for its couture fashion houses, classical art museums including the Louvre and monuments like the Eiffel Tower. The country is also renowned for its sophisticated cuisine and its wines. Lascaux’s ancient cave drawings, Lyon’s Roman theater and the immense Palace of Versailles are testaments to its long history.





France map




Paris

Paris, France's capital, is a major European city and a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Its picturesque 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. 


▪ Tourist spots




▪ Louvre
Famous Louvre is also one of main symbols of Paris. A former royal palace, starting from 1793 Louvre has been turned into a world-famous museum. It has gained an international fame, and one of main reasons for such a success is great works of art, including "Mona Lisa" and "Venus de Milo", that are exhibited here. (Read more)



▪ Tuileries
The Tuileries Gardens are located in the immediate vicinity of the Louvre. This is a perfect place for slow walks. In the XVII century, Colbert ordered garden architect Andre Le Notre to make a beautiful park. The garden looks today just the way it looked during those days.  (Read more)


▪ Eiffel Tower
iffel Tower built for the World Exhibition in Paris in 1889, has already become a symbol of not only the capital of France, but also, perhaps, the whole country. Visitors are welcome to enjoy spectacular views of Paris from the top of the tower, at a height of 307 meters. (Read more)



▪ Arc de Triomphe
The opposite part of the Champs-Elysees ends at the Arc de Triomphe, the construction of which was started in 1806 by order of Napoleon. This way Napoleon wanted to honor the victorious French army. (Read more)

Source: http://www.orangesmile.com/travelguide/paris/index.htm


▪ Avenue des Champs-Élysées
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées was meant to be a place of the blessed and a resting place of gods in Greek mythology. The name stems from the fact that this whole area was originally field and market gardens with farmers selling their goods to the local Paris markets. The Champs-Elysées is famous for its prestigious establishments such as Maison Ladurée and upscale designer boutiques like Tiffany & Co. (Read more)

▪ Phanteon
 Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, the Phanteon was originally a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris and her relics. The place was rebuilt in the neoclassical style by King Louis XV to thank God for his recovery. (Read more)



▪ Cuisine

French cuisine consists of the cooking traditions and practices from France. In the 14th century Guillaume Tirel, a court chef known as "Taillevent", wrote Le Viandier, one of the earliest recipe collections of medieval France. During that time, French cuisine was heavily influenced by Italiancuisine.


 Soupe à l'oignon 
This is a traditional French soup made of onions and beef stock, usually served with croutons and cheese on top. Its origins can be traced back to Roman times. However, its current version originated in the 18th century. The remarkable taste of the soup is due to the caramelisation of the onions. (Read more)





▪ Flamiche

Flamiche means cake in Flemish and it originates from Northern France, near the border with Belgium. It is a pie crust filled with cheese and vegetables. The stuffing in the classic recipe is made of leeks. However, there is also a pizza-like version of the Flamiche which is without the top crust of the pie. (Read more)






▪ Chocolate souffle

A delicious dessert not to be missed! The crispy chocolate crust with a soft creamy chocolate filling make this sweet delight different than anything you will ever taste. (Read more)











▪ Wine

France is the place to find the most suitable wine for every palate - from white to rose, and red to champagne. You can drink French wine with your meal, with cheese or while sitting and enjoying the sun at a café. This drink can make you warm in the cold or enrich the taste of the exquisite French cuisine.  (Read more)


Source:http://www.expatica.com/fr/insider-views/Top-10-French-foods-with-recipes_106720.html

▪ Macaron
Macaron One of the most famous desserts in France is the elegant macaron, made of two round meringue based cookie shells, held together by a soft filling, such as buttercream or ganache. Very fine almond powder, egg whites and sugar are combined with mastery, to create an initial crisp and airy experience. (Read more)


▪ Iles Flottante
Simple but tasty, Ile flottante is basically made from whipped egg whites, sugar, vanilla extract and simply floating creme anglaise. Sometimes it can be served with some almonds or coconut on top. (Read more)




▪ Pastis
Pastis is a strong licorice liquor very popular in the southern parts of France. Is normally diluted with water before drinking, but ofter neat pastis is served together with a jug of water for the drinker to blend together according to preference. (Read more)


 Habits

Parisians have always been distinguished by gallantry and enthusiasm. They are very generous and trusting. At the same time, many tourists notice such features of local people as cunning and calculation. 

Locals do not treat the Americans the best way possible, so visitors are recommended to learn at least a bit of French before the ride. If residents see a traveler who tries to communicate using their native language, they instantly start respecting this person and are ready to help.


Paris is famous for its colorful celebrations and folk festivals. Various interesting events take place here on New Year's Eve and Christmas. 
June 21 is the day of a prominent music holiday - this event is heavily anticipated by music lovers from different countries of the world. All day long the squares of the city are turned into concert venues, on which are performed free concerts. During the festival you can hear the music of different styles, from classical to contemporary electronic music and rock. 

Bastille Day is a no less interesting holiday, which is celebrated annually on July 14. The first mention of this celebration belongs to 1789. A beautiful military parade is a mandatory attribute of the modern celebration. During this day numerous music and theater performances take place on the streets of Paris. The holiday is finished by grandiose fireworks. 


▪ Cost of living

Paris is one of the most expensives cities in the world, the city is surounded by good food, culture and great places to visit. Butit comes at a cost. Housing will be the largest monthly cost in Paris, due to the city’s strict zoning regulations that limit building heights in order to maintain Paris’ historic ambience. (Read more)


▪ Climate

The average weather in Paris is temperate year-round. The best time to visit the city is from mid-May to mid-September, in particular from mid_May to late June, when the days are long and the nature is in bloom and there is a low risk of excessive heat. (Read more)



▪ Famous Personalities


      
           Napoleon Bonaparte                          Louis Vuitton                                Brigitte Bardot
        Military Leader, Emperor                   Fashion Designer                    Animal Rights activist,                                                                                                                               Pin-Up, Actress, Model 
                                                                                                                      
▪ Music

The music of France reflects a diverse array of styles. In the field of classical music, France has produced a number of prominent romantic composers, while folk and popular music have seen the rise of the chanson and cabaret style. The earliest known sound recording device in the world, the phonautograph, was patented in France by Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville in 1857. France is also the 5th largest market by value in the world, and its music industry has produced many internationally renowned artists, especially in the nouvelle chanson and electronic music.



▪ Extra




quinta-feira, 12 de maio de 2016

Cultural Immersion: Dublin (Ireland)

 The country (Ireland)


Ireland flag - Read more

Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St George's Channel.








Ireland map




Dublin
Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, is on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. This city has an impressive history, wide choice of architectural places of interest and multiple entertainments. 





▪ Tourist spots



▪ Saint Patrick's Cathedral
The cathedral is also known as The National Cathedral and Collegiate Church of Saint Patrick, Dublin, or in the Irish language as Ard-Eaglais Naomh Pádraig, founded in 1191, is the largest church in Ireland and one of Dublin's two Church of Ireland cathedrals. It has a 43-metre (140 feet) spire. Christ Church, the other cathedral, is the diocesan cathedral of the diocese of Dublin and Glendalough. (Read more)


Dublin Castle - 
▪ Dublin Castle
The castle was until 1922 the seat of the United Kingdom government's administration in Ireland, and is now a major Irish government complex. Most of it dates from the 18th century, though a castle has stood on the site since the days of King John, the first Lord of Ireland. The Castle served as the seat of English, then later British government of Ireland under the Lordship of Ireland (1171–1541), the Kingdom of Ireland (1541–1800), and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1800–1922). (Read more)



▪  Irish Museum of Modern Art 
The museumis also known as IMMA, is Ireland's leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art. (Read more)







▪  Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo, in Phoenix Park, Dublin, Dublin Zoo is the largest zoo in Ireland and one of Dublin's most popular attractions. Opened in 1831, the zoo describes its role as conservation, study, and buzzin education. (Read more)





▪  National Botanic Gardens
It is Ireland's seventh most visited attraction, and the second most visited free attraction.
The gardens were founded in 1795 by the Dublin Society and they have grown to hold 20,000 living plants and many millions of dried plant specimens. There are several architecturally notable greenhouses. Today the Glasnevin site is the headquarters of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland which has a satellite garden at Kilmcurragh in county Wicklow. The botanic garden participates in national and international initiatives for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development
It is Ireland's seventh most visited attraction, and the second most visited free attraction. (Read more)


▪  National Concert Hall
The concert hall is located on Earlsfort Terrace close to St. Stephen's Green, and is the principal national venue for classical music concerts in Ireland.
Today the NCH is one of Ireland's National Cultural Institutions, under the aegis of the Irish Government's Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and, as such, is grant-aided by the Irish Government. (Read more)

▪ Cuisine


▪  Irish stew
Irish stew is any variety of meat-and-root vegetables stew native to Ireland. As in all traditional folk dishes, the exact recipe is not consistent from time or place to place. Common ingredients include lamb, or mutton as well as potatoesonions, and parsley. It may sometimes also include carrots. Irish stew is also made with kid goat. (Read more)




▪  Soda bread
Soda bread is a variety of quick bread traditionally made in a variety of cuisines in which sodium bicarbonate (otherwise known as baking soda) is used as a leavening agent instead of the more common yeast. The ingredients of traditional soda bread are flourbread sodasalt, and buttermilk. Other ingredients can be added such as butter, egg, raisins, or nuts. (Read more)


▪  Boiled Bacon and Cabbage
The dish consists of unsliced back bacon boiled with cabbage and potatoes. Sometimes other vegetables such as turnips, onions and carrots are also added. Smoked bacon is sometimes used.

The dish is served with the bacon sliced, and with some of the boiling juices added. Another common accompaniment to the dish is white sauce which generally consists of flour, butter, milk and a herb of some sort (often parsley). (Read more)

▪  Panna Cotta
Panna Cotta is a simple dessert made with bit of cream or milk and vanilla, however it is the precision with wich they deliver the final product that makes it stand out. (Check out the recipe


▪  Pecan Pie
Pecan Pie is a pie of pecan mixed with  a filling of eggs, butter and sugar. It’s popularly served in Holiday meals and is also considered a specialty of Southern origin. (Read more)


▪  Bertha’s Revenge Gin
Bertha’s Revenge Gin is a liquor made in Wets Cork by Ballyvolane House using alcohol whey and filled with local botanicals this gin’s delicate flavour is both soothing and surprising. (Readmore


▪  Virgin Mary
Virgin Mary is a non-alcohol version of Bloody Mary, almost the same ingredients but without the vodca. Especially good for those times when a lunchtime drink seems like a very good Idea. (Check out the recipe)

▪  Guinness

Like silk being poured into a glass. The Guinness brand is synonymous with Ireland. In 1759, Arthur Guinness acquired a four acre site and signed a 9,000-year lease for the St. James' Gate Brewery in Dublin. The brewery became well known for brewing “porter,” which was a dark ale. Over the past 250 years, the dark ale has evolved in to an unique dark stout, which is enjoyed across the globe. According to the company, over 10 million glasses of Guinness are enjoyed daily around the world. (Read more)

▪ Habits
The locals are very proud of their culture and have great respect for travelers who are interested in local traditions and customs. The cultural traditions of Dublin are the result of mix of different cultures. The indigenous people keep following the traditions of their ancestors even these days and do this with pride. The images of Celtic harp and St. Patrick's shamrock are considered the national symbols. They can be seen on many souvenirs and traditional costumes of the locals.



There is even a national color in Dublin - green. During various holidays and festivals the streets of the city are full of cheerful companies of locals dressed in green T-shirts and wearing hats of unusual shapes. Celebratory items of bright green color are sold in numerous stalls, so guests of the city always have an opportunity to purchase a nice costume and go to a holiday celebrations together with townspeople.




National peculiarities have made their impact on such important areas of life as culinary traditions. In addition to unique treats the local restaurants and pubs serve the most favorite national drink - beer, the production of which has taken place there more than for a hundreds of years. 
There are many restaurants and cafes in Dublin, but locals prefer to visit pubs as they simply adore the atmosphere of home-like comfort and hospitality. However, the city has a strict ban on smoking in public places. It will be quite difficult to find a restaurant that has special rooms for smokers in Dublin. Visitors should not forget to comply with applicable regulations and local traditions. This way your rest in the city will be comfortable and interesting. 


▪  Cost of living
Dublin is a beautiful and calm place to live, the capital of Ireland is famous around the world and the friendly Dubliners can be also a good rison to live in the city, however the good quality of life don’t come cheaply. (Read more)

 

▪  Climate
The climate in Dublin is oceanic, cool and humid throughout the year. Snowfalls are rare, generally, cold spells are not intense and not long. The best time to visit the city runs from mid-May to mid-September, May and June are cooler, but both are relatively sunnier. (Read more)

▪  Music

In 1960s and 70s Ireland experienced a folk music boom particularly in urban centres such as Dublin, Cork and Galway. Some folks groups developed  the instrumentation of Irish traditional music and song popularising the use of guitar, bouzouki and mandolin as accompaniment in live performance. (Read more)





▪ St. Patrick's day