Eiffel Tower on fire!

You thought you were done with Bastille Day celebrations? All wrong! There is no 14 Juillet celebration without a firework in the evening. Every single town has its own, even if it's not as elaborated as the one I was lucky enough to witness from the Champs de Mars Monday evening, right after a music concert (French music mostly) took place. I know I'm making you envious, but one thing I can tell you, it was Fa-bu-lous! Check out this little video, you'll miss the atmosphere of course, but you'll enjoy some of the music they played during the show ;)

Let's dance with the firemen

Every year it's the same, but how could I possibly miss Le bal des pompiers (the firemen ball), one of the most traditionnal events around Bastille Day (le 14 juillet in French), our national celebration. For years now, on the eve of Bastille day, most fire stations throughout France offer a ball to whoever wants to join and dance; that is if you're patient enough to wait at least 30 minutes to get into the station! I don't really know why, these balls are extremely popular. More French tradition tomorrow...

Les heures joyeuses

Unlike some countries I visited (no, I won't give names!), people in France don't typically drink just to get drunk. Make no mistake, I'm not saying French people don't drink but when they do, it's an additional pleasure to gathering with their friends or eating out. Or should I say was... Because apparently, the situation is changing. Up to a point that the government is thinking of banning happy hours and increasing the taxes on alcohol. Needless to say that a few months after the ban of cigarettes in cafés and restaurants, this new measure is not exactly welcome...

Talking about France, and its evolution, I received an email from the Paris correspondant of CNN international who is interested in the global view of non French people on France and the French. If you'd like to contribute, please have a look at the first entry in the comment box and give your opinion.

Le Muguet

I did not have the opportunity to offer you "un brin de Muguet" (a Lilly of the Valley stem) yesterday because of the theme day, so let me do it today... It's a tradition in France on May 1st (the day we celebrate "labor day" - la fête du travail) to pay a visit to our relatives and bring them this cute little white flower that is supposed to bring luck. Incidentally, it's also the only day in the year where anybody can sell Muguet in the street without paying taxes... BTW: I still haven't decided on the picnic place for sure, I'm still waiting for the weather forecast to be a little more certain. Stay tuned and check the latest in the PDP Forum.