The festival got underway in ernest today with many activities around town- music, street entertainers, craft demonstrations and a marketplace. I've encouraged the kids to go out exploring on their own. Enmgamer and Det55 went out independently of each other to do reconnaissance. I was very proud of them for venturing out on their own. Det55 even bought herself a pastry in the shop near the apartment.
We spent quite a bit of time walking around the marketplace. The kids want to buy swords to take home. They actually are very nice and a really good price but I don't know how to mail them home. Ltmgamer bought a small wooden crossbow with suction cup tipped arrows. I think I can take it apart to fit it in his suitcase. Det55 bought a tiara, Enmgamer bought a dagger necklace and I bought a scarf.
There are many school groups going to the festival on field trips. Many of the kids are dressed in costume as are their teachers. There is a lot of pint-size cuteness around town.
The night ended with attending a 1 hour skit. It was all in French so we couldn't understand what was being said but the gist of the storyline was- Princess damsel in distress needed to be rescued from the red baron and his sidekick. Two good guy knights on horseback came to the rescue. Jousting, sword fighting and feats of skill ensued. Things were looking bad for the good guys when the prince arrived in a nick of time. More jousting, sword fighting and broadaxes. Good triumphed in the end and the prince and princess rode off. Songs from several movies (Star Wars, Princess Bride and Pirates of the Caribbean) were played though out for dramatic effect. A good time was had by all and we all enjoyed it even though we couldn't understand any of the dialog. Det55 had renamed all the horses and actors after her favorite movie characters.
Here'a a common view from our balcony day and evening.