The Maid of Lorraine and Dave and Linda’s Status
The Maid of Lorraine and Dave and Linda’s Status
Yesterday we went to Orleans for the 576 anniversary of Joan of Arc’s liberation of Orleans from the English and the Burgundians. I truly believed that we were the only Americans in this small city, packed with people from differing parts of France. It started with attending a catholic mass, lead by an Archbishop with rousing tributes to St Joan, thunderous organ pieces, and haunting songs and chants from the choir. We believe the Archbishop was from Barcelona as his French was not very fluent (as if we would really know!).
We left the mass after about 40 minutes, which is about the absolute maximum for a non-catholic, listening to a Spaniard talking in choppy French, by two Americans who speak minimal French and understand even less.
As soon as we left, we ran into a moving river of ethnic color, wild hats, bizarre instruments, and marching bands. We clicked our heels three times knowing we weren’t in the US this day. Each region of France participated, wearing regional outfits and carrying historic tools. The bands were always a mix of all ages rather than the XYZ High School marching bands we see at home. Plus there was a smattering of medieval characters. One guy represented the wild and rough Gauls, wearing animal skins and carrying a 4’ horn. Every once in while, he would run toward the crowds, grunting and howling, to the wild glee of the spectators. The gal holding the chain would come over and kick him back into the line. Now that I think about it, this is not so different than real life today. Another group of regional folks were followed by a man wheeling a keg of what looked like beer, but was really their “boom box” playing regional folk music.
In one of the pictures, you will see 2005’s Maid of Lorraine (Joan of Arc). Being selected is like being Miss Teen France. They have a whole room in the restored home of Joan of Arc filled with pictures and information on prior years Maids. Apparently, girls of the appropriate age here in Orlean cut their hair in the page-boy style, undoubtedly act piously, and dream about this day.
Later that day we had a military and service parade mostly made up with tanks, fire trucks, and ambulances when one of the spectators passed out. The parades took all day and there was often a 5-10 minute interval between entries. These people were definitely in no hurry. As we were getting close to leaving we found a medieval market, where we ate medieval mountain cow cheese, boar sausage, one bite which we kept tasting for 20 minutes (Ughh), and a walking fondue of sheep’s cheese on a baguette for Gayle. (“Fair food” in Sequim was never like this!)
Dave and Linda Status:
Linda gave us a call from the region of France close to Toulouse. As Linda said, we are “Loose in Toulouse.” They are having a great time. She said she hated to leave her last gite (apartment) run by a kind English couple in central France. Her bathroom in her new place is actually a tower! Driving has been no problem if you don’t mind driving in circles a few times in small villages to get your bearing.
Dave has been really engaged by all the ancient weaponry, tools, and castles that pop up around every corner especially in the Dordogne. I can’t wait to see all the home improvement ideas he is going to bring back. Sequim might have its first moated castle! Linda says she needs my help emptying her pictures from her camera into my laptop and onto a CD. Her camera holds over 500 pictures!
Apparently the wine is good, the food great, and I am hearing words like, “when we come back we’re going to …” The Lyons, world explorers and travelers, par excellence!
Picture Set
Picture Set
Picture Set
Picture Set
Picture Set
posted by Bob and Gayle @ 5:02 PM
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