Sandcastles on the Seine

Happy Assumption Day! In layman's terms, today is the day we celebrate Mary the Virgin Mother's assumption into heaven. In French terms, no work today!

Instead, I headed to the Paris "beaches." The city shuts down part of a highway along the Seine and brings in sand, along with beach chairs, ice cream stands, and a spray area. I received a pamplet today informing me that I could also stop by the tent for treatment for "infections sexuellement transmissibles." It's truly an all-inclusive experience!

In honor of Julia Child's 100th birthday, I started re-reading My Life in France and drank some wine on the beach.



There was a Mary parade for the pious complete with a Mary replica and religious music. Kind of like Mount Pleasant on Good Friday! The sinners watched from the beach and sipped their wine.

There were a ton of families at the beach today. The kids build sandcastles with bottled water. There's also a spout where they can fill their buckets.

 A tour boat came by and took pictures of the beachgoers, so I thought it only fair to take pictures of them.

 It was a blustery day, so at times the "beaches" felt more like "sand storms." All in all though, a great spot to read and people watch. And don't worry, I'll be working Labor Day and Columbus Day.