The Bishop's Ring

It's not often you see a bishop in Gorbio. This is Monseigneur Sankalé, Bishop of the diocese of Nice who was in the village for the gathering of 250 penitent brotherhoods from around the region.

Note his beautiful hands and immaculately manicured nails, unlike the hands of the priest we saw the other day. Does a bishop have a manicurist? And then there is the ring - many people kissed his ring that day.

For the service in the church, he changed from these beautiful robes to those of white and gold and with a gold mitre on his head. These bishops sure know how to dress to impress.

The Unlit Cigarette

He's searching his pockets, looking for a match...which he eventually found.

The Wine Glasses

It always surprises me how many glasses can be held in one hand. This waitress has already placed two on the table and her right hand is still loaded.

Stephane Montalto - Ceramist and Potter

Stéphane Montalto is a well-known Riviera ceramist and potter, originally working in Menton but now at his workshop in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.

And it isn't only beautiful pots that he is famous for. A while back he discovered the archives of Saissi, an important ceramics company of the last century. Saissi was a Menton enterprise with more than 100 employees who created beautiful balustrades, cabochons and bowls using the particularly beautiful pale turquoise we see around Menton and Monaco. Using the traditions of Saissi, Stéphane works restoring many of the Belle Epoque villas of the region. You can see more of Stéphane and his balustrades and large pots in the colour I'm talking about by clicking HERE.

Stéphane's work is installed in many parts of Monaco, including the Japanese Garden and St. Martin's Garden on Le Rocher. His work has been shown in many different exhibitions and he's won many awards. And he's such a nice gentle man. Today's photos were taken at one of Menton's art markets near to Place du Cap.

Early Learning Centre

We are at La Pergola, the restaurant on the beach in Garavan. This Italian baby, like most babies, is fascinated by her father's sunglasses. When she grows up she'll doubtless demand Gucci and Prada and large designer sunglasses.

'What we found was that girls who wear the large, designer sunglasses appear more attractive to members of the opposite sex.' ~ Neil Sedlak

'You've got Mail'

Place du Cap.

'Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true.' ~ Charles Dickens

'I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.' ~ Bill Gates

Seeing Double

Another chance to see yesterday's lady with the fan. Today we are inside the villa of the Serre de la Madone.

The smaller photo is taken as a few people gathered early prior to the exhibition opening. Later, the place was packed out.

A special treat: the medieval village of Gorbio was honoured by a visit from Barbie the other day. To see - click on Barbie of the Day.

The Fan

Before living here I used to think of a fan as something used in a theatre production or perhaps bought in a fairground. In Menton it's quite usual to see women fanning themselves on a warm evening.

This lady is listening to an artist welcoming us to the vernissage of his exhibition at the Serre de la Madone.

I wouldn't mind her cheekbones!

Lady in Pink

Pink dress, crutches (one purple and one green) gold shoes, bright lipstick and eye shadow. I've seen this lady around Menton and despite the obvious difficulty she has in walking she doesn't let it get her down. The bright colours she wears suit her obviously sunny personality.

It's Theme Day in the City Daily Photo community and today's theme is BRIGHT COLOURS. Click on the link to see colour from around the world.

The Three Bulldogs

This guy works at a dress stall opposite the market.

Left to right: Lady, Churchill and Petula. Woof-woof.

The Imaginary Friend

The Place aux Herbes is the perfect place to 'people watch.' Sit on the centuries old stone benches and enjoy the shade of the plane trees. It's incredibly hot and humid in Menton at the moment.

This little girl fascinated me. When she wasn't with her father, she ran about the square, hiding behind one of the trees (see below) and sometimes seemed lost in her own thoughts but of course she was playing with and talking to her 'imaginary friend.'

When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?

The Crash Helmet

'When I grow up I want to be a little boy.'

~ Joseph Heller

Chef's Break

The food is prepared - time for a break before the lunchtime service.

Spring is Here - and Eyelashes Flutter...

The sun is shining, it's getting warmer. Spring is finally here and girls flutter their eyelashes. Life is, thankfully, getting back to normal in Menton...

This pretty girl is a server at the Bar du Cap.

The Cat Show - 'Play it, Sam'

Even cat people have time for a kiss.

"You must remember this, a kiss is just a kiss..."

Remember the song 'As Time Goes By' from that great film Casablanca ... go on, give yourself a treat and hear Sam singing for Elsa...

The Cat Show - the Italian Lady

This Italian lady is waiting to have her cats judged. I get the feeling something has made her cross.

Most of the exhibitors at the show were beautifully dressed - many were Italian and so therefore no surprise with their sense of style - it's in their genes to dress well.

Regardless of nationality though, it seemed to me that exhibitors at a cat show dress far better than those at a dog show. I suppose it's easier - you don't have to deal with a large muddy dog and then get him clean.

Alain Delon and the Young Girl

Copyright 2009 Menton Daily Photo. All rights reserved.

A young Alain Delon on the cover of a book and a pretty young girl lunching at Le Balico in Menton. I love that the patron displays interesting books around the tables.

Note: Since posting this, sadly Le Balico has been sold and is now under new management and with different decor.

Heaven and Earth...

We're back in Menton just in front of the market building. (This was taken 9 days ago -it's a little chillier now)

Lord! when you sell a man a book you don't sell just twelve ounces of paper and ink and glue - you sell him a whole new life. Love and friendship and humour and ships at sea by night - there's all heaven and earth in a book, a real book.

~Christopher Morley

Procession Votive - the Hat

Copyright 2009 Menton Daily Photo. All rights reserved.

A young spectator at the Procession Votive.

"And all your future lies beneath your hat."
~ John Oldham

Midsummer in Menton: The Three Hats

Copyright 2009 Menton Daily Photo. All rights reserved.

A hat just like Mama, but with a baseball cap underneath - and why not?

"Grab your coat, and get your hat,
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Just direct your feet,
To the sunny side of the street."

- Dorothy Fields