Happy Bastille Day!!!

[Chuck50]

To all of our French Friends a Special HUG to Stef.. HUGS Chuck

[Laurent]

Bastille Day in Paris 40 years ago was a magnificent experience. Up early to get a spot from which we actually could see the parade, we searched for De Gaulle's face inside a vehicle (he had a distinct profile), went to L'hotel de Ville to see the U.S. flag flying, the only flag other than the Belgian one to be given the honor of flying over City Hall in Paris. At that time the French had some serious issues with our foreign policies and could sometimes be quite blunt in their expressions, but since we were fluent in French, only our French friends knew we were Americans. I had forgotten that wonderful day of food and wine and gorgeous Gallic boys, topped off by spectacular fireworks that night--both over the river and in a bed in a dorm in Cite' l'Universite'. Oh, most of my hair has left, my skin has descneded, but perhaps saddest of all, my energy level would not permit such a day now even if I could find those willing to share it.

[Laurent]

Bastille Day in Paris 40 years ago was a magnificent experience. Up early to get a spot from which we actually could see the parade, we searched for De Gaulle's face inside a vehicle (he had a distinct profile), went to L'hotel de Ville to see the U.S. flag flying, the only flag other than the Belgian one to be given the honor of flying over City Hall in Paris. At that time the French had some serious issues with our foreign policies and could sometimes be quite blunt in their expressions, but since we were fluent in French, only our French friends knew we were Americans. I had forgotten that wonderful day of food and wine and gorgeous Gallic boys, topped off by spectacular fireworks that night--both over the river and in a bed in a dorm in Cite' l'Universite'. Oh, most of my hair has left, my skin has descneded, but perhaps saddest of all, my energy level would not permit such a day now even if I could find those willing to share it.

[+ deej]

What a great memory to have!

[+ deej]

What a great memory to have!

[VaHawk]

Is lobotomy a French term??? :7

[VaHawk]

Is lobotomy a French term??? :7

[Guest zipperzone]

>Is lobotomy a French term??? :7

 

Another of you kind and positive posts.

 

Who knows - who cares - but we'd gladly all pitch in the gather the money to get you one. Oh wait, my mistake - you've already had one

[Guest zipperzone]

>Is lobotomy a French term??? :7

 

Another of you kind and positive posts.

 

Who knows - who cares - but we'd gladly all pitch in the gather the money to get you one. Oh wait, my mistake - you've already had one

[Guest Tristan]

Thanks for sharing that memory with us. Those special memories of unusual events in our lives stay with us always.

 

I don't have a Bastille Day memory like that, but here are a few relevant notes:

 

In Boston, there is a French Library. Every Bastille Day, they re-enact the storming of the Bastille, preceded by champagne and goodies. The only catch is that in order to participate, you have to fork over about $100. There is a much less expensive street fair outside the library for the peasants, who can't or don't want to pay the steep price.

 

For those who can't participate in any live re-enactment, I highly recommend a CD from 1988 with the most rousing version of La Marseillaise I've ever heard. The Baltimore Symphony and Chorus are conducted by David Zinman, and there are soloists and two boys choirs. They do about six renditions, each one focusing on different performers - male and female solists, boys choirs, etc. The whole thing ends with all the performers singing together, leaving you speechless.

[Laurent]

Thanks enormously for informing me about Bastille Day in Boston. I visit that city every two or three years. Guess what date I'll make sure I'm there next time? Thanks also for the information about the cd; I'll begin a search for it tomorrow.