I'm not sure where April went, but if May brings warmer weather then "bienvenue Mai" (welcome May)!!!!
So today is May 1, which in France is La Fete du Travail or Labor Day. This is a national holiday so many (most it seems to me) stores, shops, patisseries, markets etc. are closed as well banks and other official offices. Metros and buses seemed to be running although I read some were striking.
One May Day tradition in France dates back to 1561. All over the city you'll see vendors selling small bouquets or sprigs of lily of the valley (muguet). This is said to be a symbol of good luck. This little spring offering became official when King Charles IX received a sprig himself and decided to return the gesture and offered the flower to every woman in his court. Somehow this charming little tradition continued and, more recently, was linked to Labor Day after demonstrators wore the pretty sprigs in their lapels during their marches. Politics aside, I just like any tradition that involves fresh flowers being given or bought inexpensively! When David went out early to get our morning croissant, he came back with a muguet for me!
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| Happy May Day! |
After a quiet morning and with many museums, shops and sights closed, we decided to visit a couple of churches we've passed on the bus but not visited. Like David said, "God is never closed"! I am always awed by the quiet reverence in these old churches. The art and sculptures are magnificent and so different from most churches in the United States.
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| Saint-Eustache |
We ended our "holiday" with a dinner (at home) of new recipes: "Asparagus Mimosa" from David Lebovitz and "Pork Chops with Mustard and Herbs de Provence Sauce from Bonjour Paris. Very tasty and dishes we'll certainly do again. When the kids were growing up, I was always trying new recipes....guess it's a habit still close to my heart!!!
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| Seriously, we don't eat like this every night! |
Happy May Day everyone! I hope your day was as fun as mine!!!
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