Bastille Day!

Joyeux quatorze juillet!

Ok so I know I am about 3 days late on this post because in actuality Bastille Day for the French is on July 14...

Just a little background for those of you not up to speed on your French history.  July 14, 1790 was the day that the French revolution hit its peak.  The rebels stormed "La Bastille" which was a prison in Paris.  The storming of the Bastille was seen as a rallying point for the opposition of the monarchy in France.  It is a symbol of freedom and a reminder for all French people past and present.  The day is celebrated with a parade and fireworks display in Paris.

Surprisingly Bastille Day is also heavily celebrated in the United States and around the world.  In the United States alone over 50 cities hold celebrations including New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Chicago, Baltimore, Orlando, Minneapolis, Seattle, and of course, closest to us, Milwaukee.

Bastille Day holds some exceptionally special memories for me.  On my trip to France in high school, we were in Paris on Bastille.  Although we did not get to experience the parade or many of the activities during the day because we had ventured out of the city to visit the home of Claude Monet, we did get to sit on the grass surrounding the Eiffel Tower and see one of the most exceptional fireworks displays I have ever seen.  That trip holds special memories for me and looking back every July 14 I think of the fun I had with some of my best friends!

So once again I say Joyeux quatorze juillet!

A tout a l'heure!
Rachel