Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July!

It's the 4th of July...which is such a big day in the US...and holds no meaning whatsoever here in France.  So, imagine our surprise when we discovered that a little village (Bleury) about 5 k from where we are staying was having a parade today!  And the parade was going to have floats...all covered in handmade paper flowers...kind of like the Rose Parade.  We couldn't wait to see the floats, this seemed like the perfect way for us to celebrate the 4th.  We could just pretend that the parade was for the 4th...except there was no red, white or blue...or flags...or crazy Americans.  It really would take a big leap!!



I think it's kind of funny that the picture is a little blurry!




As we waited for the parade to start, we sat at an outdoor cafe and had some pizza and beer.  The pizza was extra yummy!


These ladies were sitting across the street from us, waiting too.


Here comes the Grand Marshall!










My favorite float rider!




The train slowed down a bit, and Ethan & Katie hopped on!
Somehow, I don't think that would happen at the Rose Parade.



After the parade, we went to the little fair.  The kids rode the bumper cars.  No safety belts, no rules and these cars went fast.  Ethan thought is life was in danger a few times!

After the parade, we went for a drive to Joigny and drove to the top of the Cote St. Jacques, where we saw

this view of the Yonne Valley & river


and these grapes.

And we all posed for pictures to prove that we'd been here!




May you all have a happy & safe 4th of July!

4 comments:

Sarah said...

How perfect! What were they celebrating in Bleury?

Teri said...

WOW....incredible pictures.....beautiful countryside...and the float pictures were great...thanks!

Andrew said...

Hi Ireys!

Sorry I have not commented before now, I have checked out the blog a couple of times on my phone, but it does not want to let me leave a comment.

It looks like you are having a wonderful time!

I want to read about how the guys' French has progressed -- are we beyond "oui", "non", and "une royale avec fromage"?

Enjoy!

Steph said...

Sarah, I think they were just celebrating summer! Teri, thanks! It was so much fun enjoying this slice of French country life.
Andrew, you would be quite impressed with the boys! James actually called a restaurant and made a reservation for my birthday, all on his own and all in French! (Of course, he wasn't quite sure that we had an actual reservation until we got there and they had us done...:). We are definitely learning the important things...the kids can order ice cream and we can order all different kinds of wine!!!) Plus, everyone can order baguettes and croissants at our little boulangerie!!