Switzerland is not exactly known for its warm, sunny weather. As a result, they celebrate the few minutes of summer they have with the Fete (Party) de Geneve. They have not one, not two, but three different evenings of fireworks over the lake. They have three different stages with live music and other free entertainment. They have lots of food vendors selling food from all over the world. Last, but not least, they have carnival rides (he says Europe has way classier carnies).
The last set of fireworks will take place tonight. It is supposed to be the best in Europe. It will be an hour long, take place over the lake and be coreographed to music. After the fireworks, on one of the stages will be, gasp, Johnny Hallyday. Some Americans may ask “who is Johnny Hallyday?” Not me. He is my host dad’s favorite singer so I have been a fan for almost 20 years. I can even sing some of his songs. Tonight, I am going to try to make him go with me to see Johny Hallyday.
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| Photo from Getty Images* |
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| Photo taken by Ed Alcock for the New York Times** |
Johnny Hallyday is a French icon, but some things do not translate easily. For example, Americans have difficulty understanding the French love of Jerry Lewis. It was explained to me that he was, he is, the French version of Elvis. I only became a fan when he was older. He has been around so long I think of him more as the Wayne Newton or Tom Jones (with way more hits) of France (he now is worth so much that he has obtained Swiss citizenship). That could have something to do with the fact that he looks like he as had a bit of plastic surgery. In any case, he is very talented and it is probably my one and only chance to see him perform. I must go.
* see http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/7768014/Johnny-Hallyday-put-in-coma-because-of-incredible-alcohol-intake-report.html
** see http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/16/world/europe/16hallyday.html?pagewanted=all
schwingeninswitzerland 