27 October 2010
26 October 2010
Too Big for the Church
The cross that is too big to go into the church. Inside are all 250 Penitents and their banners but this brotherhood, from Vallecrosia in Italy, have already been blessed by the Bishop and now view the service from outside. As it was they had difficulty getting the cross through the medieval archway leading up to the village and the mind boggles as to how they transported it from their village in Italy to Gorbio. It was quite a sight though and enjoyed by everyone.
Posted by Jilly at 08:01 9 comments
Labels: Churches, Villages near to Menton: Gorbio
25 October 2010
The Cross that is Too Big
We're back in the medieval village of Gorbio today because I want to tell you the story of the cross that may be too big to get into the church.
This is a gathering of 250 Penitents from all around the region. Each order holds a banner except one from Vallecrosia in Italy which has an enormous ornate and heavy cross - but will it go into the church? We'll find out tomorrow.
Posted by Jilly at 07:11 3 comments
Labels: Churches, Villages near to Menton: Gorbio
24 October 2010
False Pepper
We're in a pretty corner of Roquebrune village today. This is a faux poivrier or False Pepper tree - Schinus Molle if you speak Latin. It produces pink peppercorns which can be used in cooking.
Posted by Jilly at 07:42 5 comments
23 October 2010
22 October 2010
Memories
There's something about a scene like this that reminds me of my first visit to Paris. I suppose I was around 17. I fell in love with France then - and forever - adored the cafés and bars and as you see, nothing much has changed!
Posted by Jilly at 08:08 4 comments
Labels: Restaurants and Bars
21 October 2010
20 October 2010
19 October 2010
The Pose
Today we are back on the port for the Newfoundland demonstration that took place a week or so ago. This lovely dog was sitting on the rocks with his owner and a young lady asked if she could have a photograph taken with him. Her husband snapped away...and so did I!
Posted by Jilly at 07:29 14 comments
18 October 2010
17 October 2010
16 October 2010
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.
Posted by Jilly at 06:38 11 comments
Labels: People, Villages near to Menton: Gorbio
15 October 2010
The Chanel Handbag
Penitents come in all colours, white, black, red and occasionally with a Chanel style handbag, as you see in the smaller photo.
Posted by Jilly at 07:26 9 comments
Labels: Fêtes, Villages near to Menton: Gorbio
14 October 2010
The Penitents of Saorge
A couple of weekends ago there was a gathering in Gorbio of 250 Penitents from Nice, Monaco, from the hinterland around here and along the coast. It's only once in every ten years that it comes to Gorbio - so an important day for this medieval village.
It started with a procession through the village followed by a service in the church presided over by no less a personage than the bishop. Later lunch was served in one of the village squares.
In this photo we see the Penitents Blancs of Saorge. Saorge is a beautiful perched village in the Roya valley, way way above Menton.
Posted by Jilly at 07:22 6 comments
Labels: Villages near to Menton: Gorbio
13 October 2010
Black Dog
We're back in Gorbio village - a dog, the church's new facade and, unfortunately, dog poop. Happily more and more people are picking up after their dogs - plastic bags are provided and I believe there is a law if you don't. Someone missed this bit though...
The dog is Dunya - a 7 year old Labrador/German Short-haired Pointer mix. She was re-homed from a Belgian refuge 6 years ago and now lives in Brussels and in Menton. Black dogs are difficult to photograph but I was pleased with the close-up you can find on Riviera Dogs - the light was just right.
Posted by Jilly at 06:10 9 comments
Labels: Churches, Dogs, Villages near to Menton: Gorbio
12 October 2010
11 October 2010
10 October 2010
A Courtyard in Castellar
Castellar is an ancient perched village 6 kilometres above Menton. It sits on a narrow ridge with steep valleys on all sides.
Here's a pretty courtyard on the main street - on the right is the entrance to a small atelier selling pottery.
Posted by Jilly at 07:22 9 comments
09 October 2010
Vincent
~Vincent Van Gogh
Posted by Jilly at 07:34 10 comments
Labels: The Old Town
08 October 2010
Waterlogged
One more day with these amazing Newfoundlands - life-savers of the sea.
Mind you, whilst the dogs can jump into the sea, rescue people, pull boats, do all sorts of wonders, in Menton they all needed help getting out of the sea and onto the rocks. Owners need to be strong - these are very heavy dogs, especially with their coats full of water.
For anyone interested, more photos of Newfies will be on Riviera Dogs for a good few days yet.
Posted by Jilly at 06:48 5 comments
Labels: Dogs, Ports and Yachts