Both Kate and I have been feeling a bit bummed out lately. I think for me, homesickness is setting in and we're both tired of "the process" that comes with living in France. Everything is a process. Going to the post office could become a whole day event.
I try hard not to complain because let's face it, I'm not working and I'm in France, but it gets a bit hard sometimes.
After Kate left this morning, I was feeling extra lonely but then I remembered about the parade/carnaval going on today!
I headed over to Gambetta (5 minutes from where I live) and this is what I saw:
LOTS of people out and about. Balloons being sold everywhere and lots of kids in costumes.
The popular costume for boys was Spiderman and the popular costume for girls was a Princess, but I also saw lots of cowboys, a santa, rudolph and even a couple matadors! The adults were mostly wearing sparkly wigs or hats. Noticeable absent were the Mardi Gras beads we normally see.
All of the kids were clutching bags of confetti
And confetti lined the streets
I ended up moving down the street to try to get a better view.
At first the streets looked like this:
And then the streets looked like this:
And before I knew it, the streets were packed
When any cars (including police) would drive past, the kids would spray stuff all over and throw their confetti
And then came the "parade" of LES GRANDES PERSONNES
This one was petting my hair. A bit creepy, but an awesome way to kick off the Mardi Gras celebrations. Following the "BIG PEOPLE" was a bunch of drummers and dancers but I felt awkward taking pictures of them (I was trying to fit in)
The parade was not quite a parade in the traditional sense, but after the "GRANDS PERSONNES" walked past, everyone was invited to follow and all the kids were allowed to become a part of the parade. Needless to say, I went home. But I think this has been one of my favorite things I've done in France!
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