July 14 is Fete Nationale to celebrate the start of the revolution when the people marched on the Bastille in Paris. Every village has a celebration, including fireworks. We decided to join in the fun here in Ferriere-Larcon.
We left the house about 10:15 pm to walk down to the football pitch (soccer for you Americans). As soon as we started down the road, we were met by a group of about 15 adults and children, carrying lighted paper lanterns. The woman at the head of the group invited us to join them on their march, so of course, we did!
At the field, the local band was playing, led by the saxophone player. We knew some of the songs, so sang along; Oh Susannah! and The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Not what we were expecting to hear in rural Touraine. The band finished a little after 11.
It was now dark enough for the spectacle! Music started playing through a really nice sound system, then, BOOM! Fireworks! They were spectacular! The show went on for over 15 minutes. Amazing for a tiny village of 100+ people.
Blackness Castle and Linlithgow Palace
Two castle built during the same period, but for completely different uses. Blackness Castle was a military fort on the Forth of Firth, whi...
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