September 17 – Lyon

Today we decided to spend most of the day working on photos and travel stuff.  We headed out at lunch time to find a battery for Mary’s watch and then wandered over to a nearby plaza with an open-air market. 

Then it was off to get something to eat.  We found an Italian restaurant and split a pizza.   

As we were leaving the restaurant, we heard what sounded like drumming and went to investigate.  There was a “parade” of sorts on the main pedestrian mall nearby.  It turned out to be the Fête des Bannières du Monde (Festival of World Banners). 

This parade featured groups carrying banners and costumes and traditional flags from about thirty associations that represent people from many countries.  We saw groups from 

Switzerland (probably),

India,

several groups that look like they are from Southeast Asia,

some European groups (maybe), 

and several groups that could be Chinese…couldn’t tell from the flags. 

There was a large contingent from the Ukraine.  This group was more somber than many of the others.  It was a very moving experience to see the carrying the large Ukrainian flag. 

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More Banner Festival
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Then it was back to the hotel to do more work and to pack for our flight tomorrow.  Tomorrow we head to Munich, Germany and the October Fest.

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More Lyon
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