EVE OF THE REVOLUTION

We invited everyone to dinner at our house. TH and AMG had just arrived back in Montsoreau from Nantes. They had set up their trip so that they would be in the village on the eve of Bastille Day when we have a children’s parade throught the town and fireworks on the Loire. Stana and Danny, the Czech Republicans were invited too along with their host Phil.
The Czechs like white wine so we brought out a 2003 Meursault from the cave and Tim contributed a 2008 Filatreau to the discussion. We also had a rosé of Chinon and Bourgueil that Phil brought.
We worked our way leisurely through the rabbit paté and duck mousse. While everyone was enjoying the salad I made Mexican rice and grilled the pork chops. There was also a dish of leftover lentils that Rich put in the oven to warm.
We were just about finished the main course when we heard the sounds of the marching band coming up our street. We went outside to join in. In front of the mairie the mayor was passing out Chinese lanterns to the children through the council chamber window.
The parade marched down the street towards Càndes then turned left onto the road along the Loire. We waved to neighbors we hadn’t seen since this time last year. By the time the parade reached the Place de Mail it was beginning to get dark. We found a nice spot to sit looking out over the Loire. At about 11pm the lights of the town went out and the fireworks show started.