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Concerts on the Square
A Sublime Evening
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Continuing our coverage of the eagle + eaglet family, including breakfast delivery, growing up, learning to fly, morning light and dinner is served.
I Love a Parade!
We were excited to attend a stage of the Tour de France. As long time fans we watched many hours of television coverage back home in the States.
We had no idea about the part of the show the Tour puts on called “la Caravane pulicitaire”. Since 1930, this festive, rumbling disco of sights, sounds and swag has preceded the pack of cyclists. It is a delight to all the awaiting throng who experience a parade that rivals the float standards of Mardi Gras and the celebratory vibes of the Watertown, Wisconsin 4th of July Parade.
We had a clue that perhaps we were in for a treat because when we arrived in Fleury d’Aude we checked into the sublime Chateau Laquirou. The Chateau offers top rate lodging amidst a picturesque vineyard and garden setting. The proprietors clued us into where to situate ourselves for the best vantage point for the Tour. We had been counseled to be at the beginning of a stage or near the end lest you are sandwiched for hours on the course, which is wisely closed off to vehicle traffic.
We arrived at the end of the Chateau’s drive 60 minutes prior to start of the stage. We enjoyed a picnic with the requisite French wine/cheese/bread and delectable foods foraged from the local boulangerie.
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A group of spectators was assembling with camp chairs and blankets. It is so fun to watch the people. A sweet baby and her parents were near us and we later offered the mother the use of one of chairs in the shade. We enjoyed incredible weather and a sense of anticipation as we heard the helicopters overhead.
We noticed three fire trucks full of “pompiers” leisurely enjoying a picnic when they abruptly arose - we sensed something was afoot.
Suddenly a rumble and blur of a giant green figure on the Skoda lead vehicle appeared. The older man across the road got up and started gyrating to the blasted music in a provocative “look at me” sort of way! Our initial shock subsided when we understood he knew the parade game.
The speeding vehicles fling their bounty as they zoom by. The more boisterous, enthusiastic parade goers are often rewarded with the goods. Plenty of participants dress up and clearly consider their audience. Suffice to say, it was a hoot. Sponsor vehicles are oversized and humorous. It became a game for us to discern what they were pushing. Some sponsors, like the giant red cow with cheese earrings was obvious and whimsical.
The barrage of goods was diverse. Olive oil, hats, bottle openers, cheese, sausage, and laundry detergent were among the booty. There is a certain loss of dignity when you realize that you are willing to join in the frenzied dance and rush over to retrieve whatever was flung by the roadside.
The tour makes a point of stating the sponsors take pains to deliver sustainable goods that are eco friendly, but clearly this is infectious consumerism. It was a fun amuse bouche until the peloton came by.
The stage had been set and we joined in shouting encouragement to the riders as they jockeyed for position. We were excited to see the yellow jersey zip by.
Cheers to one of the quintessential sporting events in the world.
Vive la France!
Selling and Delivering Shakespeare (?)
Visiting Spring Green's American Players Theatre is a great way to enjoy a summer evening: beautiful landscapes, a picnic opportunity and live performances. And, so it was on what has turned into our annual visit, Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream was on offer.
Lindsay Christians' piece is a worthy introduction to this latest APT variant:
I am wholly unqualified to comment on this topic, having battled with a grad student years ago over an English Literature grade.
Yet, the question of faithfulness to an original work recalled a Frankfurt symphony concert 40 years ago. While backpacking, I took in the biennial auto show and balanced that terrific event with a night at the symphony.
Bach was on offer.
Yet, for most, the concert was short lived as the crowd began to leave 30 minutes into the performance. I, joined them, yet lingered near the entrance, where a guy with a boom box played Bach.
A few minutes later a well dressed couple walked by, the woman turned to me and emphatically said das ist Bach, ja?
Ever so slightly related: the Wimbledon Radio announcers are terrific, with a broad, quick and quite enjoyable command of English.
Explore Spring Green in amuz.
Lindsay Christians' piece is a worthy introduction to this latest APT variant:
With so many variations gone before on this very stage, the need to reinvent and reinterpret can push things in weird directions. These moments are either delightful (a romance among the tradesmen-players!) or needlessly confusing, further clouding Shakespeare’s 429-year-old words.One can imagine the discussions around staging Shakespeare: keep it as is, artistic tweaks, or simply do something new, inspired by the original work.
The most successful spin in this 2025 “Midsummer” is a double whammy: two Pucks, played by the irresistible capering combo of Joshua M. Castille and Casey Hoekstra. Using American Sign Language and spoken word, they make a meal of Puck’s mischief.
I am wholly unqualified to comment on this topic, having battled with a grad student years ago over an English Literature grade.
Yet, the question of faithfulness to an original work recalled a Frankfurt symphony concert 40 years ago. While backpacking, I took in the biennial auto show and balanced that terrific event with a night at the symphony.
Bach was on offer.
Yet, for most, the concert was short lived as the crowd began to leave 30 minutes into the performance. I, joined them, yet lingered near the entrance, where a guy with a boom box played Bach.
A few minutes later a well dressed couple walked by, the woman turned to me and emphatically said das ist Bach, ja?
Ever so slightly related: the Wimbledon Radio announcers are terrific, with a broad, quick and quite enjoyable command of English.
Morning Light: Breakfast Delivery
Continuing our coverage of the eagle + eaglet family, including breakfast delivery, growing up, learning to fly and dinner is served.
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