[INTERVIEW] Meet Lixi, chef in London since 2010

Introduce yourself Hello, I’m Lixi Lineas, 26, originally from Sucy-en-Brie. I work as a chef in London since 2010 but my adventure in that country started in 2008. I have got plenty of hobbies but I’m quite busy, so the only thing I can really do is listening to music.


Why and when did you make the decision to go abroad? I chose to live in Great Britain because France did not provide me enough satisfaction regarding my expectations when I was a young and motivated worker. Also, the perspective of having a good career was quasi inexistent for me there. I was tired of the lack of open-mindedness. However, I don’t want to say that France it’s a bad country to live in. I’m happy to know that it suits others. For people with different expectations, France is the place to be. When I was in France, I had a comfortable situation, a good salary, a nice car and a beautiful girlfriend. I left everything to move to London.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to travel to this country? First, I would advise to prepare that new life. Be sure to have enough skills and confidence to live there. In fact, London can be Heaven one day and Hell the next day. Secondly, keep in mind that nothing it’s impossible. Finally, you better have money in your pocket because London is very expensive.

What do you like about this country? Why do I like London? Well, it’s amazing, you live with no limit, it’s like a movie in which you are the actor. I began to cook in Lodon then went to France to attend a catering school. Today I am working with the best French chef in town and even won a Michelin star. All this would have never happened in France for sure.

How did you learn to speak English? I learnt English by doing, I didn’t know a sentence in English at all, then I decided to improve it step by step, for me music and movies and also my ex-girlfriend who speaks English very well helped me a lot. I took me about 2 years. I understand that speaking English is a vital, it's a passport to the whole world. I can go anywhere I want because I speak English.. I avoided French people as close friends to improve my English.

It is often heard that French people are bad at English. How would you react to this statement? I have no particular reaction to the French people inability to speak English, because I was like them before. They will improve it,  in a fast or slow way, when it is necessary.

Is there a blog or a website where we can find you? You can find me on Facebook as Lixi Lineas.

Anything to add? I would like to add one thing: go wherever you want to go, explore the continents, China, Spain, Australia, USA, Mexico, Sweden, Russia. Sky’s the limit.