serendipity

Ron and I cannot count the number of times we have stumbled upon something wonderful and sometimes inexplicable during our wanderings through Nantes, or through other places in Europe. Like the Saturday that we took the tram into town to meander through the streets of Nantes, for old times sake, revisiting the many streets and squares and gardens that have become so familiar to us. As is my custom, I suggested that we go to a café where Ron could get his customary beer and I could get my customary hot chocolate (and would therefore be entitled to the use of a clean restroom - you have to think about these things when you walk around public places for hours). Anyway, as we sat sipping our drinks on the terrace on this beautiful late September day, we suddenly heard the POUNDING of drums, and watched and listened to an amazing group of drummers passing by. For some reason. We had no idea what reason. Except that it was terrific, fun, entertaining, a real celebration, and a gift from people we didn’t know for some reason we couldn't imagine. A short while later, as we walked through the streets again, we found ourselves in the middle of an energetic, happy parade, led by this amazing and jovial fellow with his wonderful message of “humour, goodness and gaiety”! What it was all about, we had no idea. Later I picked up a pamphlet which described the event as a Fête de l’Agriculture Paysanne. But nobody I’ve asked since seems to know anything about it. I think it was farmers from various places around Nantes, celebrating the harvest. Or something like that.