Last year, I was not here for the parade (which is the highlight of the three days this event lasts), but this year, with O.K. spending the weekend at my place, we went to join the crowds lining the streets of my home town to watch.
The parade always lasts at least one hour. This year, it took nearly twice as long, with many groups that had never participated before, in addition to the traditional ones we have come to expect. Why? Because this year, not only is Ludwigsburg celebrating its 300th anniversary as a city, but also it was the 250th Horse Market.
We met my parents among the spectators. Aren't they lovely together? I was reminded of what is probably my favourite photo of them, the one I took (also at the Horse Market!) back in 2012 - click here if you wish to re-read that post.
Yesterday was sunny and hot, close to 30 Celsius in the sun. I did not envy the men, women and children (nor the horses) for walking the entire parade of almost 2 km in the blazing sun, in full costume or uniform, some of them playing music, dancing or otherwise performing while walking.
It was a pleasure to watch, a truly festive atmosphere, and we made up for standing in the sun so long by sitting down at an outdoor table at the nearest ice cream parlour for large bowls of delicious ice creams afterwards.
What do I mean by "get ready"? Well, I took 211 pictures - but don't worry, I'll only show you 129 of them, as I have discarded some that were redundant or not as good as I was hoping. I'll not post them all in one go, of course, but you may expect some themed posts over the next days (or weeks!).
Oh, and to fill this post with a few more pictures, here are some reminders of spring - our spring was VERY short this year, we almost went straight into summer! All of these were taken on the 20th of April. The dress was a birthday present from my sister, and the tulips were given to me after I came home from hospital.
The cherry blossoms in front of my kitchen window did not last long - and by now, not a single cherry is left on the tree. Never have I known them to be ripe so early! The few I managed to pick from the window were delicious, sweet and juicy and almost black-red.
Such nice bright jolly photographs.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat!
DeleteSounds like a wonderful time and much to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteNow I know why you are tall and svelte Meike, just look at your beautiful mother and handsome father - a very attractive couple. I looked back at the previous photo you mentioned and again see how good looking they are.
Have a great week - Mary
Thank you, Mary! My Mum will read this and tell my Dad about it, too - they will both be well chuffed :-)
DeleteI think that I prefer this photo of your Mum and Dad. I'm not quite sure why though. I'm glad that I as right about your hair. I think it suits you. You were lucky to get a few nice cherries. I love them but after fresh off the trees in New Zealand the ones in the supermarket here are not pleasant.
ReplyDeleteYes, fruit bought at the supermarket can rarely compare to what we pick directly off the tree. I remember the peaches and melons on Sicily, straight from the tree or the field; you could taste the sun in them.
DeleteYour parents! Such a handsome couple and they look so fit and healthy! I clicked on the link to the photo of them and I remember that photo, with your mother wearing pink!
ReplyDeleteI like the blue dress that your sister gave you, it looks good on you, of course! :-)
Thank you, Kay! My parents are 73 and 76, and of course they have their health issues like most other people, but I think we can generally be grateful for how they are.
DeleteI quite agree that you and your parents are a handsome family! Also, I love the dress and the flats also and your hair length ... In fact I love this whole you! So glad your eye op is behind you and hope you'll see better and better.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jill, you are really sweet!
DeleteAt the moment, there is no improvement with the eye; it may just be the normal process but it may also mean I'll soon need the second operation which I've been told would become necessary in all likelihood at some stage. I'll find out next time I see my doctor.
Well that is disappointing, but you have a grand and positive outlook (no pun intended!) and I'll wager you'll be better ... at least I hope so!
DeleteHow lovely to be able to pick cherries from your window, even if there aren't many! At least you are high enough to get at them. We have a beautiful cherry tree which is also in front of the window but too high to reach. Many of the cherries are too high to pick, even with a ladder. We have, I am sorry to say, any amount of bird poo crammed with cherry stones deposited on the balcony, and the tree is laden with them (the birds) as well as the cherries, so nothing goes to waste anyway! Good to see a photo of your parents - I had missed the earlier one but they are a very smart and good looking couple. Liked the tulip picture too. I'm starting to think that tulips are among my favourite flowers, it's the contrast between the simple shape and colours when they are in bud, and the often flamboyant and colourful effect when they are fully open, so different. I've resolved to plant many more of them next autumn.
ReplyDeleteTulips are great - I love it how they keep growing in the vase, just need to remember to top the vase up regularly.
DeleteThere were many blackbirds and other birds feasting on the cherry tree, too. Two of my co-owners came round with a long ladder and harvested all they could reach without giving anything to me, unlike last year, when they sent their little girl to my flat with a bucket full. This year, they probably thought I wasn't home (which was true most of the time).
Nice to see your parents :) And that blue dress suits you very well. (I like the shoes too, by the way!)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Monica!
DeleteI'm madly trying to catch up after a week without internet - I was on a vacation. I have to tell you how much I love the photo of your parents together. They look like such fabulous and interesting people! I'm hoping to be back at Chautauqua for the July 4th celebrations with all my offspring, and I'm hoping we will go cherry picking as we used to then. Such beautiful cheerful flowers!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kristi - my parents are indeed fabulous and interesting people! (My Mum will be happy to read this, and certainly let my Dad know about it.)
DeleteCherry picking in July? Ours are all gone by now, everything was so early this year after the very warm April and May.
I am looking forward to your post about the July 4th celebrations!