The weekend before last, there was a “carnaval” in Clermont-Ferrand, which actually means there was a big parade full of scary, scary people. Because Spring has arrived, C-F has gone through quite a transformation. Outdoor cafes are packed, parks are full of lounging couples of groups of people taking in the sun, flowers are in bloom, and trees are actually green! As a welcome to spring, the town had this carnaval. What ensued was an (unorganized, à la the French way of doing things) parade with bands, dancers from different ethnicities, and weird people in costumes. Some of the drum lines were cool, but I found I am very wary of people with painted faces and wearing jester/clown type outfits. I cannot recall ever going to the circus (although my parents say they took me when I was little). It was also interesting to see the people that come out of the woodwork to see the parade. It was similar to an experience at a theme park where you see all kinds of people you didn’t know existed. 
After enduring enough of the carneys and such, Kate and I made our way to one of our oft-visited pubs, Baker Street, to enjoy half-price pints and watch the Clermont rugby team, ASM with some friends. On a side-note, you can drink outside here, and even on the streets. The pub has an outdoor patio in front and we would just take our glass pints out there no big deal. If you have a bottle or a plastic cup, you can just walk throughout town with your drink! Ah, France, lax rules.
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