Sainte Julie

My French friend wished me a happy feast day today! In the Catholic tradition, children celebrate the feast day of their namesake, and today is Sainte Julie day :-)

Sainte Julie in Elne, France

When I first arrived in Sète, I joined clubs - people were often surprised that I was Californian, but had a French name. I say "Mes parents ont prévu" (My parents predicted - or planned) that I would live in France :-)

Does this mean I have to be saintly? All day?!? Mmm - no ;-)

Spring Flowers

Spring Flowers :-) :-)

Escale à Sète - Le Départ

Escale à Sète, the departure :-(

This afternoon, the tallships left Sète (well, most of them did). Because of the weather, they moved the departure time earlier - so were were hanging out in the canals by 2:00. We were being prudent, in part because there were a *lot* of boats out on the water to say goodbye, and partly because the sea was *moche* (very ugly)!

Check out this animation, from 4 pictures I took of a ketch going out past the breakwater

We were out there earlier, and I can tell you, it was exciting! And I'm glad we came back inside after only a short tour!

We saw off the Kruzenshtern

And so did a lot of others

L'Hermione stayed in port

As did El Galeón

The Shtandart sailed off

As did La Grâce

And now to wait 2 more years for the next one...