Gras Savoye Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris

On Sunday we went to the hippodome at Auteuil (just across from Roland Garros) and watched many races including the grand steeple-chase of Paris.  Grand because it was 5800 meters (over 3.5 miles) and 23 obstacles, the largest of which was 5 and 1/2 feet high and  10 feet wide!  This race has been run since 1874.  Its was a fun day with free activities for children and entertainment for us as well.

The Republican Guard played.

The introduction of the horses.

The finish of a race - note the tall tower in the background.

Although I didn't get any pictures, the Yamakasis  and Les Horse Men performed.

Joyeuse Fête de mères

Another country, another day for mothers!

Yesterday, after lunch with Claude and Marie-Helène, we went to a Keith Haring exhibit at the Musée en Herbe.  There was even a recreation of the Pop Shop. 

Sorry about the links, can't get french info from google in english.

PARIS

We arrived Monday by train and have been busy ever since.  Lots of walking, some exhibitions, some shopping and even a movie.

Today we had lunch at Le Procope, the oldest brasserie in Paris - founded in 1686.  Even Benjamin Franklin and Robespierre have eaten here!

After lunch we went to see Potiche, a movie with Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Dépardieu, and then strolled around Ile de la Cité, with its flower stalls.

Yesterday, we had lunch at Angelina where we had the very best and thickest hot chocolate in the whole world. 



Bobbin Lace

In Bruges, most of the lace-making is bobbin lace.  It was fascinating to watch, although we had no idea how it was actually going.  Bart thought it resembled a shell game.

Here's a short video.

Lace motifs were everywhere.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a center for lace making.  The next post will be all about that.

Brussels

Two great days exploring Brussels; drinking beer and eating mussels. 

We went to a Miro exhibit and a demonstration by the artisans who create Hermès products.  The Hermès display was fascinating. Although we couldn't take pictures we watched while they silkscreened a scarf (30 colors) and learned that it takes over 40 hours to make a saddle (also watched them stitch and put together parts of a saddle).

We're staying in the India room in the Welcome Hotel.  Pretty cool - a rival to the Madonna Inn.

This "armoire" is ...

really just a door to the bathroom.

A few sights around Brussels.

Appropriately named, "Manneken-Pis".

Night at Yankee Stadium

Although the Yankees lost (again) to the Red Sox, 7-5, we had lots of fun and ate plenty of unhealthy food.

We're leaving tonight for Brussels.  We'll keep posting.

Some Local Wildlife

I have no idea what this is, but it is very pretty and was in front of the garage door.

A quail's nest - between the fountain and the blue gate - the mom flew off just before I took the picture.



Happy May 1

Sure hope it's warmer and sunnier wherever you are.  That's not fog you see - it's snow!

Bart and I are in Keystone for a few days, getting our condo ready for the summer.  So far it's mostly ideas, but we have to start somewhere.  It was a little sunnier yesterday (although no higher the 22 degrees).

We walked until the bike path was too snow-covered.