Blacksburg Summer Solstice Festival

This weekend Blacksburg held its summer Solstice festival, taking over a section of downtown. A friend dropped his car off at mine and we got the bus down to near the festival, walking the rest of the way. As I was leaving the house, the weather was a little overcast, so I forgot sun screen and my hat. That was a mistake. I was so hot later.
The road had been blocked off and there were lots of craft stalls to wonder around.

For the girls.

Tempted by these wine bottle wind chimes. 

art from glass bowls.

They also had a petting zoo. I was expecting much (Blacksburg is tiny but kicks the butt out of the Preston festivals so far). (I forgot to take a photo of the goats but they look terrified. I was very tempted to try to free them.)

Chameleon 

Very proud Iguana 

A huge Tortoise!

After that we headed over to the flea circus. We were both so excited.

The Alberti Flea Circus

brave fleas.

little cannon for a flea daredevil act.

Flea Circus owner

The guy was really funny and we had a great time laughing and cheering on the fleas! Though I was slightly glad when it was over as we were sitting in the sun and although it was 5.30pm, it was still really hot. So we went down to the food area and went to a wine tasting for Beliveau Estates winery (which is close by) and I had a glass of white wine (called Destiny) while Brian enjoyed the Soul Singer red. We wondered around and tried to have a look at the wing eating contest but it was very popular and we couldn't see much. So we decided to sit down and listen to the music and share a bottle of the soul singer red (which was nice but but the best I have ever had) and listen to the live music. It was a great way to spend the afternoon.
We then went and had dinner at Bordeaux, my favorite restaurant in Blacksburg, which serves cajun food. After a lovely meal and a bottle of Malbec, we walked back to mine and spend a few more hours chilling and talking. So overall a really nice day. (And I have a nice tanning going now!)

Last weekend in France

So this was my last full weekend in France. On Friday night, we went to see Cirque de Soliel. After some drama with people being late and then forgetting the ticket (and having to go back to get them), we got in, only missing the first 20 minutes. Still they were amazing. But there are some things the human body should just not be able to do. Like put your bum on your head. And for once, I enjoyed the clowns. Definitely worth all the stress and money. A great evening!
On Saturday I went into town and went to the crafts and antiques markets. They have some great things. I was very tempted by the rings with have cakes on them. But they would make me want cake all the time so I got an amazing necklace (Thanks Dad!) with a 20's French actress holding a pair of pistols.
I then went and sat on the beach for a while. The weather has beautiful and I started my tan. So I sat there and read my book with a snack.

Me and my book on the beach

My seaside snack! So nice!

On the evening I went to Eze Old Town with Gerry and one of his visiting students, Anthony. The Old Town is a medieval fort on a hill. Everything was shut but the lighting gave some spooky photos.

Spooky lighting in Eze old town

Steps up to the top

We then headed briefly into Monte-Carlo. Gerry was very impressed by the car he parked next to.

Gerry and Anthony next to Gerry's car. Guess which one?

Sunday was spent sleeping and working. 

Port, Colline du Chateau and circus

On Sunday morning, we headed to the port to see all the boats. There were some massive boats there this time.

Nice Port

Two huge private yachts

However, my favourite boat...

I also introduce Mom and Dad to Florian, my favourite artisan chocolatiers. Then we head to the hill to Colline du Chateau (also known as Castle Hill) which lies between the port and the old town.

Momument at base of the hill

View across Nice from the base of the hill.

Mom and I took the elevator up (it was automated and felt very James Bond) while Dad walked up. Here are the ruins to a Greek City called Nike. There used to be a Cathedral on the top but it was ordered destroyed.

Archways

Ruins of the Cathedral

However the best bit is the views of Nice from the top.

Me at the top of Castle Hill

View of Nice from the top of Castle Hill

Nice Old Town

View of Nice port from Castle Hill

Mom and Dad having a good time in Nice

And to prove it was cold, the water in one of the fountains had frozen!

Frozen fountain

On the evening, we went with Gerry and Françoise to the Circus. I will admit to crying for the first 10 minutes. They had animal acts and I really did not like it. The first act contained 4 lionesses and 4 tigers. I hated it. They should not be there in those cages, forced to jump through hoops.
There were a number of animal acts, with zebra, ostriches, horses, a camel, and dogs, to name a few. Most just run around the ring. Only the horses and the cow looked a bit mistreated. I really hated watching those and wish I hadn't gone.

Poor caged Tiger

Zebra not looking amused...

The acrobats were good. There was a double bell thing (I have no idea how to explain this so see the picture). The guys doing that were very good. And the woman tight-rope walker was amazing. She did the splits on the tight rope and then walked en pointe along it. That was cool.

Acrobat wheel thingy