Last Saturday was a European Union holiday known as Jour de Patrimoine or "Heritage Day". Basically the people in all the cities in the EU throw a party in different parts of the city and highlight traditional culture of a particular nation. The party in our part of Chambéry was in the park that our aparment looks out over, so we didn't have to travel very far at all. Our part (quartier) nation was Portugal. The party was similar to ones in the states: there were games, face painting, and a concessions stands that sold everything from lollipops and wine (which children can legaly drink but not purchase) to french fries and hotdogs (yes hotdogs). The best part of the time was to visit with our missionary friends here in the city since most of everyone came out to visit. 
Our friends the Fays
Our friend Traci and her youngest, Eli, making paper lanterns.
And of course some traditional Portuguese music and dancing.
We had a wonderful time talking and enjoying a change from the routine. At night, the party changed into a Karaoke time with almost all of the songs being American pop songs from the 60s and 70s. There is nothing quite like a woman singing the beegees in a heavy French accent at 10 o'clock at night (we could hear the music from our balcony, because the park is right beside our apartment building). What a way to celebrate heritage day! But as they say here, "ehh...c'est la vie!"
Oh, I miss you guys so much! Can't wait to see you Sunday!
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