Fete des Jardins, Chanzy Park
This past weekend was the 15th annual Fete des Jardins in Paris, a celebration of the gardens and green spaces of the city.
I had forgotten about the festival, so was pleasantly surprised to stumble into some festivities in my small neighborhood park.
The sun has been shining gloriously the past few days. Though the pile of projects is ever beckoning, I do what must be done when the oft-hidden sun appears: go outside and bask in it. Never know when it will be sunny in Paris again!
My friend Ericka and I went to have a quick catch-up in Chanzy park. There were a few booths set up for Fete des Jardins, but nothing spectacular. After about half an hour, though, musicians started streaming in from all sides.
Then a man who looked like he had just been lolling around enjoying the weather like the rest of us jumped up – the conductor! All of a sudden we were surrounded by an orchestra.
A mime/dancer appeared after that.
“I really feel like I’m in Paris right now,” Ericka said. No kidding!
Even more so when an ornery old man came up to us and said, “god, isn’t this lugubrious music awful?”
Ericka feigned not speaking French. I followed suit. No negativity today, Mister!
Everyone else seemed pleased and took it as the event was surely meant: a chance to smile at the serendipity and feel blessed by a beautiful Paris day.
Here’s a snippet from the concert. Pretend you were there!
What a treat! Hello to Ericka too from Melonie.
It was a treat! I’ll pass the ‘hello’ along!
Wonderful! Outdoor music season is almost over here – I just have to play my harp at one more outdoor wedding and then it’ll be too cold.
Glad you enjoyed the Parisian sunshine with a few tunes, too!
I don’t want to jinx it, but it’s been marvelous weather here! I hope this Indian summer lasts for just a bit longer…we barely got the real summer so I’d be happy if we keep having it now!
Mimes. I can deal with mimes. Mimes can be ignored.
It’s the accordionists I want to shoot.
We all have different things that get under our skin. Funny about the mimes, though. I guess they are pretty easy to ignore! (Just look away and you won’t see the silent, sad face
)
ha! You know the Far Side cartoon: Welcome to heaven, here’s your harp. Welcome to hell here’s your…accordion! (though I love accordion music, too)
Very cool, Sion. Whether one likes the music or not, the idea was great. What a wonderful surprise on a rare sunny day.
Exactly, Delana! It was a treat!