Last Day of July!

Stockholm -  After the heatwave in France we feel happy to be in cool Sweden.  The days go fast filled with excursions or relaxing inside when the sky is grey and rain is coming on and off.

Rain or shine,  July 26 was celebrated because it is 'Bellmans dagen' in honor of Carl Michael Bellman (1740-1795) a much loved and admired Swedish poet, composer and songwriter. Already during his life time he was well known in Stockholm with numerous friends who admired him.

On July 26, 1829 a memorial bust was erected in his honor in Djurgarden which is the large park close to Stockholm.  His widow and the King was then present and since then, July 26 - when nature is at its best and the large oak trees offer shade against the sun...... when shining..... this day is still "Bellman's day".

July 2015 was so cold and rainy that the wreath of flowers will keep fresh for a long time.

                                                                
                                         https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Michael_Bellman

The Other Centre Pompidou

2010 a 'branch' of the Centre Pompidou Paris opened in Metz.  They have changing  exhibition of modern art with works on loan from Paris.  Now after five years we at last made the trip. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit  'Leiris & Co.' http://www.centrepompidou-metz.fr/en/leiris-co-picasso-masson-mir-giacometti-lam-bacon  This show introduced us with nearly 350 works of art - somewhat overwhelming - to this French intellectual and his illustrious circle of friends.

In the spacious foyer of the museum was the installation by artist/composer Celeste Boursier-Mougenot called 'Clinamen'. In a round blue pool different sized porcelain bowls floated on the surface. Put in constant motion by a small jet they produced a visual and audible enjoyment to young and old visitors.

You may have seen his installation 'From here to ear' in the Peabody Essex in the Spring of 2014,

and his name, somewhat difficult, is worth to remember:  Celeste Boursier-Mougenot.

Morning Escape

The record high temperatures in France are hard to manage.  This country is not ready to meet the heat with massive air conditioners in stores and restaurants like in the US.  The last days we have become masters in the technique of cross ventilation.  Paris churches have become popular, cinema theaters are visited without regard to what film is showing and every park is filled with people looking for shade.

Today I escaped to Versailles and drove early at 7 am when the gates opened at the St. Anthony entrance. What bliss to enjoy the cool morning breeze walking under trees in a still deserted park.
I did not mind the group of runners passing, they disappeared quickly.  Walking slow and enjoying the smell of the Linden trees, after a while I met the runners again.  Are they firemen keeping fit or cadetts from the military school in St. Cyr nearby?  Next time I will dare to stop them and ask.

http://bienvenue.chateauversailles.fr/en/park/walks