Bastille Day!!!

We recently celebrated our first Bastille Day (national holiday) in France. However, much more than a national celebration was taking place July 14.

The European Parliament, which is only a 5 min walk from our apartment, had its first session since electing new deputies who represent regions all over Europe. The big news was not the new parliament session but the Milk Farmers' protest taking place in front. French farmers are held in high regard and seldom does the government interfere in their way of life. However, recent changes in pricing regulations have caused quite a stir.

Here you can see a non-volontary member of the protest eating along the tram tracks in the shadow of the European Parliament:


There were tons of riot police, which is standard. French protestors become very agitated if their protests are not taken seriously and actually consider it an insult if the police do not deem it necessary to be present in their full gear.


The highlight of the protest was not the police or the cow paddies throughout town, but the tractor blockade on the road leading to the parliament.


I think in the US this is called lobbying?



Farmers from Portugal, Spain, Germany, France, Belgium and Luxembourg descended upon Strasbourg to protest the new regulations.

Here you can see the riot squad carefully eyeing this dairy cow, who is clearly up to no good.


The highlight of the protest was a celebrity visit. A famous french farmer named José Bové, now a European deputy, attended the protest to support the farmers. His claim to fame was the "dismantling" of a McDonalds several years ago in his home town in order to protest hormone treated beef.


LATER THAT AFTERNOON...

We attended a military ceremony and parade. Their was a lengthy awards ceremony followed by a pass and review...hum...why does that sound familier?

The most impressive part was the EURO CORPS. The European army, based just south of Strasbourg, is composed of Spanish, French, Welsh, and the largest Germans soldiers I have ever seen. They drawfed everyone else.


The folks here are extremely proud of their troops. Their was continuous cheering and clapping during the pass and review.


Of course, some members of the old guard weren't so excited about standing in formation for an hour and half. Maybe they have done enough of that.


VIPs were on hand as well, including the Le Prefet (similar to our state governor) and the mayor.


We ended this action packed day with a great fireworks show over the Old Town, but the huge crowd made it difficult to take photos.

Tomorrow we are heading to the neighboring town of Colmar for a little "Tour de France" action, so expect some pics of Lance coming soon.