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Le Ponts des Arts, the most romantic bridge in Paris. There are close to 2000 different "love locks" from all over the world attached to the bridge. Lovers fastened their lock to the bridge and throw the key in the Seine. *sigh*
I'll be spending Valentine's Day with les chats, but it could be much worse. I could be alone in Paris on the most romantic day of the year. Can you imagine? No matter. Here in Austin, I shall dine on various chocolates, heart-shaped candies, and red & pink pastries. What do you have planned?
Speaking of chocolat, my professeur de française brought treats to class last night in honor of Valentine's Day. Both chocolate bars originated in France, but one was made with beans from Venezuela and the other from Madagascar. Très bonne! Don't you agree that dark chocolate is the best? It was a fun class - we started a new dossier on les animaux!
Let's review the history of Saint Valentine while we're here.
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
I almost forgot! These are also on my list of things to eat on this most caloric of holidays. There is a quaint patisserie right around the corner from me and I've yet to try it. I'm heading over there Monday at lunch to treat myself to les macarons Valentin.
The Mayor's office thinks the "love locks" are an eyesore. Absurdité!
I'll be spending Valentine's Day with les chats, but it could be much worse. I could be alone in Paris on the most romantic day of the year. Can you imagine? No matter. Here in Austin, I shall dine on various chocolates, heart-shaped candies, and red & pink pastries. What do you have planned?
Speaking of chocolat, my professeur de française brought treats to class last night in honor of Valentine's Day. Both chocolate bars originated in France, but one was made with beans from Venezuela and the other from Madagascar. Très bonne! Don't you agree that dark chocolate is the best? It was a fun class - we started a new dossier on les animaux!
Let's review the history of Saint Valentine while we're here.
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl--possibly his jailer's daughter--who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and--most importantly--romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.
I suppose we'll never know the true history of this romantic priest.
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| La Patisserie |
I almost forgot! These are also on my list of things to eat on this most caloric of holidays. There is a quaint patisserie right around the corner from me and I've yet to try it. I'm heading over there Monday at lunch to treat myself to les macarons Valentin.
J'aime Parisians; they are romantic, and their displays of public affection do not offend, but are rather heart warming and sweet. Hmmm - just like Valentine's Day.
yum macaroons!!
ReplyDeletethanks for you comment about my paris post! Whats funny is i didn't even know about this lock bridge when i was there. I wish i had known! guess i'm going to have to go back lol!
xoxo
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