Saturday, 18 Sept - Clermont-Ferrand

Another busy day - but there are lots of things going on that I don't want to miss.  Fred agreed to make fish for dinner tonight and then suggested stuffed trout.   I went down the street to the veggie store and got the veggies we need for tonight as well as salad fixings and some fresh fruit and (not so fresh) cheese.  Then we both went to the covered market to get the fish.  The first fish vendor had good looking trout, so we are in business for tonight.  I also bought a whole chicken for tomorrow or Monday.

Chickens (and other fowl) are shown in butcher shops with the head and feet still attached so buyers can see what they are getting.  The butcher asked me if I want him to trim it up and if I want the gizzard, liver, etc.  It takes a few minutes for him to get it all ready and in the process, he lit his torch and singed it so it would be free of feathers.


Fred has been telling me we need some back up wine in case we want to have our neighbors or landlords in for an apertif.  We have been keeping nuts and olives on hand for just such times.  So after the market, we went to the supermarket for milk, orange juice, and apertif materials.  I also got a little personal pizza for lunch. 

As soon as I finished lunch, I headed back to Notre Dame du Port, a 12th century church for a guided walking tour.  This weekend is a celebration called Journees du Patrimoine - days of history and culture.  Various tours and programs are available free at locations around town (and the country).   This tour is about sculpture and stained glass in this church and in the main cathedral. 

 The tour is all in French and I am pleasantly surprised to understand most of the tour - when I can hear that is.  Apparently they did not expect 150 people on this tour.  Way too many for one guide, but she appears to be an experienced guide - she does well at being heard and is an interesting guide.

After Notre Dame du Port, we walk to two fountains, the first in Place du Terrail, just outside the old city gat.

Then on to Place de la Victoire and the statue of Pope Urban II with fountain.

After the place, we go into the cathedral for more info on stained glass and architecture.


Two hours later, I head back to Notre Dame du Port where an orchester program is scheduled for the courtyard at 4:00.  Fred has been working, but joins me for the concert, which we both enjoy.  The first number is a bit rocky, but after that, they get better fast. 

It is obvious from the solos that they have some really talented people.   The director explains at the end he can't do an encore because another concert is scheduled shortly in the church.  Fred and I decide to stay to see what happens next. 

The second concert is a three person group doing simple traditional songs of the region.  One fellow sings, accompanied by historic instruments string instruments and drums.  One of the stringed instruments has 30 strings and the player is great.  The singer uses his voice like an instrument and makes maximum use of the acoustics in the old stone church to show his talent.  This photo is of some kids playing in the courtyard after the concert.

When that concert is over, we head home to catch the end of the Kansas State football game.   We are listening now to the last 2 minutes.  Next is dinner and I am hungry - I walked a lot again today.