Men in Uniforms

Napoleon's 9th Regiment Light Infantry

On my way to the market yesterday morning, I encountered Napoleon's 9th Regiment of Light Infantry.  You never know what or whom you will meet on market day.  

Actually I had read in the paper that they would be at Place Gambetta, going through their drills.  So when I heard the drums beating and the fife playing "Aupres de ma blonde," which I recognized from elementary school music class, I hurried to get my camera.  

Going through their drill

Oh how handsome they all looked in their brilliantly colored uniforms, which would have rendered them unmistakable targets on a battlefield. (Navy outlined in brilliant white, and the gold braid and red and green accents)  I could only begin to imagine the job of keeping these uniforms looking brand new.  I finally understood the swooning of prior generations of women who encountered such martial brilliance.  And so so French they were.  In a land where presentation is all, they put the elegance and detail of French society on full display.  

All the metal gleams

Unexpected variety of colors

They drilled--rifles at the ready.  They fired in unison, they attached bayonets in unison, all obeying the commands issued by the officer with the sword.  All of their movements were choreographed to the most minute detail.  Above all, they were very earnest.  I could almost believe that Napoleon himself was coming to review them.

They made several appearances at the public squares around town, ending of course at la Cite.  The photos in Le Depeche today were brilliant--highlighting the pageantry of the regiment passing through the gates of the medieval city.  Somehow it just looked right.

My friend Marie at the tabac where I get my paper had several soldiers come in and make purchases.  Everyone managed to stay in character, except of course for the photo shoot.

Very early drum line?

They were one of the top stories of the day.  The other was the new coat of ocher paint that the Cite was given by 100 volunteers.  The simple fact is that there is always something going on on market day; a Spanish guitarist at the Carnot market, an accordionist over by the Porte de Jacobins.  I had hoped to get up to watch the painting, or maybe even lift a brush, but there are only so many hours in a day.   

Now THAT'S a shako!

After the encounter with Napoleon's men, running into an interesting Australian (the longest, tallest drink of water I have seen in a long, long time), and visiting my boucherie, where everyone now greets me by name, were icing on the cake.  

Brilliant white accents, gleaming brass

The day ended at the theater for the 10th International Festival of Magic....fantastic show! What an amazing day.