LIFE IN FRANCE: Interview with Rachel Kolisi
Our beloved Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, moved to France after the Rugby World Cup, to join French team Racing 92. Moving cities, countries and even continents comes with its own set of challenges for his family, who moved from Cape Town to Durban for him and now all the way to Paris...
Although Cape Town is close to her heart and where the Kolisi Foundation is based, we decided to find out from Rachel Kolisi, wife of Siya, how she is finding life in France and settling in with their children…
1. How did your own perceptions personally change on the French?
My friends around the world had generally said that the French can be less friendly to people that don’t speak their language.
Well, I experienced this only once or twice, but I actually found that most French people actually try and help. Once at a local bakery, there was a lady who was quite thrilled at the opportunity to practice her English with me ! I have to remind myself to put the effort in of learning French. It is their official language after all.
2. Name five differences between France and South Africa ?
a) The driving. They drive on the right side of the road and the roads can be quite narrow !
People love to hoot here in Paris too. Basically all of the drivers here remind me of taxi
drivers in South Africa. Hahaha !
b) The food. Everything is just less sweet.
c) Quality/environmental grading on how the items you buy - from cars, to food – you can see the impact it has on the envrironment, which is great because you can make informed decisions about your purchases.
d) Kettles... They almost need to be descaled with vinegar !
e) Our perks.
In South Africa, we have petrol attendants, grocery bag packers, domestic help at home… I have explained to several new friends here that it’s not because of laziness, but that we have a huge poverty problem in SA, as well as an unemployment crisis, so it’s a necessity for our country to create jobs wherever possible.
3. How do you plan to expand the Kolisi Foundation further while there ?
We’re really wanting to do as much fundraising as possible, and use our time well, and just connecting with the appropriate people. We’re also just spreading awareness, making people aware about the work we do, and the impact that the Foundation is making in SA, especially the French people who’ve never been to South Africa. We encourage everyone to visit South Africa, because we truly believe it’s the most beautiful country in the world.
4. Which cities in France have you already visited ?
Paris, Toulon, Marseille, and Valmorel in the French Alps.
5. What would you like to still see or do more of ?
I would still love to experience more art, museums and hiking… I could drive 20 minutes
and just be able to do Lions Head in Cape Town back home in South Africa.
6. Describe your favourite French food and dessert…
Haha this might sound ridiculous, but it’s probably a baguette... I just see people eating
baguettes everywhere ! I also love a beef tartare… eating raw meat here is seemingly
normal, not like in SA. My kids also love a galette !
7. Three favourite French words/ phrases you have learnt…
I unfortunately haven’t learnt much vocabulary, but I’m working on my comprehension
skills. I can basically only say bonjour, merci and au revoir.
8. A French song that describes your new life.
I haven’t learned any yet, but the kids come back from school singing French songs
almost every day !
9. The motto you live by.
“This too shall pass.” It helps with making peace with the fact that this chapter is at times hard, but we know it’s going to be so great and we’re going to appreciate this season so much. The French are passionate, artistic, loving people, and we’re trying to beintentional about not just ending up in with only English circles and people.
10. Your own influencers…
The influences in our lives and the content we consume changes constantly. We actually
only get to see a piece of famous people, not the full picture of who they are. Whereas a friend or someone you’ve just met can have a bigger impact on you.
I guess I’m intentional about learning from everyone who plays a role in my life, whether it’s for a short or long time. To take something I’m challenged by, inspired by, or even led by in them is really important to me.
So, I’m probably mostly intentionally inspired by the people in my life and, most
importantly, by my faith.
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Interview by Vanessa Smeets