Coffee, Croissants, CAI

This morning I spent in France at the Concours d'Attelage International [CAI] at Samurs, JOI [Joy of Internet] enjoying cafe au lait and omlette aux fine herbes [which is what I normally eat for breakfast *I know: pretentious*].  I am writing here to tell vous: it was incroyable!  The video & link will allow you to magically visit the show in France, too.  Be sure to click on both tabs: Samedi [that's Saturday to non-francophiles] and Dimanche [Sunday] to get the full flavor of the event.

http://live.datanaute.com/

For those who are unfamiliar with the CAI format, to host a show of this nature there are requirements to fulfill, which I will summarize.  You have to have at least three of the following:

1.] Monarchy on the payroll, OR a history involving deposing or beheading monarchy OR exhibitors with titles OR heirs to vast commercial fortunes

2.] A venue sporting castles, grand estates, vineyards or breath taking natural beauty and of rich historical significance- a place where people dream of visiting [IE: not Cedar Rapids, Iowa]

3.] International cuisine that features, but is not limited to, the following: croissants, chocolate, champagne

4.] Shiploads of money

5.] You must be able to pronounce and effectively use in a sentence the following: chef d'equipe, and be able to ascertain the difference between a CAI-A, CAI-B, CAI-A-2, CAI-P-B-1/2/4, and finally, you must be able to turn a dressage score in the low 80's into a score in the high 30's, without detracting from its awesomeness.

Chateau at Samur: see #2- grand estates

The event in Samur fits the description.  Home of Coco Chanel, for a brief time the Marquis de Sade [well, he was in jail there, but see #2 above- rich historical significance].  Despite the rain, there is a considerable number of spectators, no doubt there for the croissants and coffee: see #3 above, but perhaps also to see world class horses and drivers compete in a grand setting: see #2 above.  Note the sponsors: see #4 above.

Highlights for me: after watching the singles in cones, seeing the four in hands.  On. The. Same. Course.  Watching behind the scenes footage in the stable yard, where everyone is tranquil and relaxed, speaking softly the dulcet French language saying things like- and I will translate for those of you unfortunate not speak French  as badly as do I- "Mar-i-on, fetch a bucket of water for ze horse, if you very kindly will for to be most appreciated."  The S-A-M-U-R hazard on the marathon course.

C'est Magnifique! [Translation by Blackler: It is big, very fineness!]  With that, I'm off to find some pain du campagne, chevre and a glass of Cab Franc.  Enjoy the trip!

A Bientot and Kind Regards,
Michelle Blackler
Serendipity
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