“The French talk about ordinary things so passionately! »
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Maksim, in Toulon
“In France, there is no discredited profession”
Olga and Maksim arrived in Toulon with their seven children in April, having fled their occupied village. France, with its “exotic” city names, was for them “another planet” before the war; it has become their refuge. Very surrounded, the family never ceases to be surprised by the kindness of Toulonnais. They gradually learn to “read” the country. Maksim shares his latest observations.
“THE FRENCH SURPRISE ME. They always make the effort to smile, they are always polite. They say ” sorry “, ” thank you “, ” bye “ when getting out of the bus, without jostling anyone. With Olga, who now manages very well in French, people are nice, always ready to offer their help. It is very pleasant. Even the bus drivers say ” hello “. In Ukraine, there are obviously a lot of good people, but, on the whole, people are more suspicious, more closed, no doubt because of the way of life – more of a way of survival – with always the concern of keep what has been acquired, the fear of missing out, dissatisfaction… The economic situation leaves its mark on individuals. When one is confronted with a difficult life, with difficulties, with the lack of money, one is less inclined to reach out to others.
Until the war, I had never crossed the border into Ukraine. I had a lot of trouble picturing France, Europe. Around me, many people were aiming to leave, but I did not understand. I thought : “Everything is fine with us, why go elsewhere? » When I arrived here, I said to myself that indeed “we can do better”. The economy is much more developed and the standard of living higher, the population benefits from better social protection.
Above all, I have the impression, and I like it, that work is more valued there. There is no discredited profession. Even garbage collectors, road workers, bus drivers, hairdressers… In Ukraine, when I worked as an electrician, I was not very well seen. Here, it’s a recognized and sought-after profession, I was told. In Ukraine, I had started to learn programming, but I think it will be easier for me to get up to speed in the field of electricity. Especially since I already have a job offer from September: the pool near us is looking for someone for maintenance.
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