Christmas is coming…….
We arrived in Nancy on the afternoon of November 2nd about 1600 hours. Our immediate plan was to get to know the area, check out the shopping, supermarkets, boulangeries (bread shops) and the like. We then took in the sights hoping for a variety of places and activities so that we could entertain our Christmas visitors. The weather was cooling rapidly and it rained more often than not, so we cycled where we could but used public transport when necessary.
Our visitors started to arrive. Jane was first. Marg, having a bit of business with the Australian Consulate in Paris, met her there and they spent a few days “doing” the town.
They were soon back in Nancy followed by Peter and Elizabeth. We hoped for a White Christmas and there was snow in the air and on the ground as they arrived. Sadly it did not last and our wish was not fulfilled. Ali and John arrived on the 21st completing the party. Liz and Jane stayed with us on Matilda while Peter, Ali and John took rooms in a local hotel.
We all took quick tours of the City and its attractions. Most notable were Place Stanislas and the old town.
For the History oriented, King Stanislas of Poland was exiled and came to Nancy after the war of Polish Succession in 1737. His real name was, Stanislaw Leszczynsky. (Stan for short.) He completely re-designed the town for its then present and future development and this square with the buildings and avenues around it were the centre of his design. The square has been a UNESCO World heritage site since 1983.
These buildings, all in the same basic style include the Opera House, the Hotel de Ville, a large private hotel and others occupied by smaller businesses and restaurants.
The Opera House by night in the foreground.
The Arc de Triomphe gives access to the square from the Palace du Gouvernement at the end of the Place de la Carriere
Nancy is well known for being the centre of the Art Nouveau movement and there are many fine examples of buildings in the style throughout the town. An area to the south west of the centre of town has a number of examples.
Another dramatic product Nancy has always been famous for is artistic glass. The Art Nouveau artists developed techniques for making beautiful stained glass in windows and other panels while sculptors worked glass for all manner of products. Drinking glasses, vases, decanters and pure pieces of art. The skills still survive with amazing articles still being produced.
It was Christmas Eve and a tree had appeared in Stanislas Square.
But, no snow.
Christmas day and we all gathered at Peter’s apartment in his hotel (120 metres across the canal from Matilda) for a croissant breakfast at a civilised hour. We all managed to contact our various families via the ‘net.
Later in the morning we returned to Matilda and the traditional giving of gifts.
Our Christmas Dinner followed which was French – with a touch of Oz. The entrée was Salade au Chevre Chaud (Salad with hot goat’s cheese) with yabbies from Horsham (bought over by Liz), the combination was delicious. This was followed by Duck a l’Orange and finishing with Crème Brulee
An absolutely wonderful meal and everyone was unanimous in their thanks to Marg for its production in Matilda’s galley. As the meal was completed, the moment came for the handing on of the Christmas Champion’s baton. Liz accepted it and the next “Miller” Christmas will be at Jalumba, her home in Victoria in 2013
The evening was quiet and we all relaxed and retired early. There was a lot more we were to do – but more of that later.
Till then, keep in touch.
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