The already stunningly deep blue sky seems to me to be even brighter this morning. I woke up feeling lighter, a weight had been lifted off of my chest that I hadn’t realized was there. I am really happy–no, I am really, really, really happy that François Hollande was elected the French president yesterday.
Five years ago, I listened to Nicolas Sarkozy’s promises and was thrilled to see that a record number of people turned out to vote. And yet, with the passing of time, I was increasingly disappointed by the “divide and rule” tactics and fear-mongering that ensued. As someone who works in the press, I saw first-hand how he muzzled the editors of some of France’s most important magazines in the name of self-interest. As a foreigner, I felt more and more unwelcome as he chased after the vote of the extreme-right Front National Party, whose ideology is based upon limiting the arrival of immigrants such as myself. Sarkozy dared to say to a fellow citizen “Casse-toi, pauv’con!” (roughly “get out of my way, you poor jerk”) and his ministers could make ‘jokes’ about France’s Arabic population without being reprimanded. The economy worsened without solutions for those in the middle and lower classes while caps on tax hikes were put in place for the wealthiest. The jobless rate continued a steady climb. There hasn’t been much in the way of hope in the air for quite some time now.
So goodbye to all of that.
Today is a day to celebrate!
I’ll leave you with some photos of one of my favorite corners of the Alpilles, just beyond St. Remy. My honey has long been attracted to this tiny chapel and has photographed it many times. I never tire to accompany him as there is always something new in the land, in the light to try and capture…
…including a heart shaped rock, surrounded by stone in the middle of that ancient wall. What a beautiful discovery and it seems somehow very appropriate for how I am feeling today.
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Karin! You are so funny. But since Hollande is taking a pay CUT for himself, I think that he will be different. (Do you remember how much Sarkozy raised not only his paycheck but the budget for receptions at L'Elysée? Scandalous)
And yep Liza, somebody has got to do it!
Unfortunately – most of the French presidents behaved like Roi's! Except De Gaulle, Giscard d'Estaing and Choupin ? (don't really remember how to spell his name, does anybody remember him ???)
As soon as they move into the Elysee Palace…..they feel like being the king and "little" Napoleons. OOHHPPS!
amicalement, karin
have to read all again, so pleased that, finally, somebody is talking about……