Eh, voila. A wee post of what could have been. For Sunday evening was the absolutely splendiferous celebration of the “closing of the opening weekend ceremony” (yep, I know awkward phrasing) to herald Arles’ participation as part of Marseille-Provence 2013, where France’s second largest city and surrounding region (hence us) are this years European Capital of Culture. Now, if you don’t live in Europe that might not sound like much of a big deal but I can assure you, it is. Many millions of Euros float thither and there to build museums and create projects, enticing architects and des artistes de renom.
I have already written about Groupe F, one of the world’s greatest pyrotechnic companies, who just so happen to be based outside of our little town. Multiple Olympic ceremonies? The celebration of the anniversary for the Eiffel Tower? Turn the world’s tallest building into a sparkling sprinkler?* No problem. These folks (meaning a team with as many experts as the special effects department on an action blockbuster) have it all covered. So, it is probably no surprise that everyone was all a twitter (small t and big) over what they might offer along the banks of the Rhone.
Alas, I have a Golden Retriever. His name is Ben. Like many of his race he is extremely sensitive, most certainly when loud noises are concerned. Doggie Xanax and Bach’s Rescue Remedy are to no avail. And so my poor sweetie is driven to extremes in such a situation. As in hiding under the toilet or the tails of my Ungaro leopard print bath robe, scratching at the tiles after jumping in the shower with whining distress.
So, after *pif* with the first photo, I was in the bathroom with Ben for the next of the 35 minutes, holding him down when I could, consoling and trying to distract when possible. I don’t complain. My dear Ben brings me more happiness than money can buy and of course we take care of our puppers because we love them like family.
As the grand finale faded into silence, I turned to him and whispered, “See? It is over. Over.” He did a double take (I swear) then looked out, listening before finally succumbing to a giant sigh. After hanging out on the bathroom floor for an additional five minutes juuust to be suuure, he treaded carefully out into the dangerous lands of the “unknown” aka our apartment.
Not to worry–as I know you do–he is fine now. The photo is proof. If his expression looks rather, say, exasperated it is simply because I had the nerve to be typing at 7:02pm when Bone Delivery must occur by 7 at the very latest. And we all know that Ben always gets what he wants. He has even written written a helpful guide on that very subject.
Well, there will be other ceremonies. And as it seems that 15,000 spectators turned out to simultaneously ooh and ahh, I am content to have stayed home. There are many special events during 2013, more on which as they approach. Unfortunately, as Arles is on Provence Time (the land where it took five weeks to get the door of our washing machine repaired), some of the most impressive projects will not be ready until the end of the year or, ironically, 2014. But this remains a moment if ever there was one to visit Provence for those who have been considering it–and you know who you are!
Thank you so much to all of you that sent along “get well” wishes. They worked! All better now…hooray!
*Ok, I can’t resist one Groupe F video (not to be watched while at work):
Thank you so much, Helen. It really should bring many thousands of extra visitors and I know that the local shopkeepers for one are counting on it after a very slow 2012.
Thanks d. It truly is so upsetting to see him in such a state. Luckily, he shakes it off pretty quickly but still.
Nooo Loree, five years better. 🙂 And maybe the ECOC status will be the excuse we need to come down to Malte!!!
Poor critter. Personally, I'm a big fan of the more zen-like Burning Schoolhouse. Ah youth… Maybe you can acclimatize Ben for next year's display by putting a sparkler in his dog food. Small steps…
Oh! Poor, sweet Ben. Lila, my mom's dog, felt the same way on new year's eve, without even a smidgen of the fire power going off around us as Ben had to brave. I'm sure he was grateful to have you there to hold his paw. Glad to know he has recovered! We are still planning on August in Provence. Hopefully my parents will both be well and we will be able to travel overseas without worrying too much about them. Keep your fingers crossed! XOXO
oh! BEN!
sending huge waves of sympathy.
fireworks in france are like firecrackers or BANGBANGBANG furious gunshots – we remember them well – but oh! they are utterly glorious and clever and magnifique too.
but we feel for Ben.
waving from a hotel room in los angeles overlooking the sunset strip (quelle glam)!
_tgxx
i love watching fireworks, it lights up the skyline with beautiful colors…
megha
http://meghafashionista.blogspot.com
Hello Heather
I am like Ben when it comes to fireworks. I hate the noise from them – if I could watch them from my ivory tower, without the sound, I would be happy. What a great honour for your city and I hope it brings lots of business to your area
Helen xx
Oh poor Ben, my heart goes out to puppies who are terrified of storms or fireworks. xxx
I am not a fan of fireworks myself. SO I am with Ben on this one. He has to be the world's cutest dog. That's great news that Marseille is the ECoC for this year. Our own Valletta will get to do the honours in 2018 (I can't bear the fact that I will be 5 years older though 🙁 )