Venetian Carnival in Remiremont

(Peter and I at the Venetian carnival, Remiremont)

Great news! After returning to Gerardmer from Morocco, I received a CouchSurfing message from a guy who just moved into town. Realizing that making friends might be difficult in such a small town he contacted me (as I am the only profile on CS to be in Gerardmer) and we've started hanging out. Mathieu has really fit into our group of friends and it's great to have a frenchman amongst us- and someone who is OUR AGE! Although, we do speak more English than French because Mathieu spent a year working in New Hampshire, so his English is good. Charlene had us over for pierogis and we all helped out to make them- delicious!

(Olivia, Mathieu, Charlene with our pierogi dinner)

Last weekend Peter came down for a visit to Gerardmer. The weekend was jam packed: we went to a concert at the Grattoir to see the guitarist of the Pogues play with his new band.

(Charlene, Sylve, Olivia, Mathias, at the Grattoir for the concert)

The next day we went to a nearby town, Remiremont, to see the Venetian carnival. We were warned that it wouldn't be the crazy, loud carnival that comes through other cities in Europe, but this was eerily quiet. The parade took place in almost total silence, there was music playing in the background from speakers set up on buildings, but the crowd was for the most part quiet and the people in the parade did not make a peep once! This made for great concentration on the costumes, which were quite incredible! So intricately crafted and full of imagination. Luckily it was a cool day because I can't imagine carrying the heavy costumes in smoldering hot weather!

(Olivia, Mathieu, Elizabete, Charlene, Peter taking a break in Remiremont)

A visit to Gerardmer wouldn't be complete without a hike in the nearby mountains, so as tired and sleepless as we were, we took the hike up to the Mirelle tower. It was quite a stormy day, but fairly warm and pleasant for walking. The daffodils are taking over all open spaces! What sweet smells and striking pops of color to make you smile. We are a bit worried that the daffodils have come too early- the Fete des Jonquilles (Daffodil festival) is mid-April, so we need them to hold out at least until then!

(Peter and I on the route around the lake, Gerardmer)

(Les jonquilles- daffodils)