A Day at the Races

There are several traditional horseracing events in France, one being the Grand Prix de Diane held at the hippodrome in Chantilly. The beautiful green park like setting is snuggled up to the Chateau de Chantilly, a centuries old castle boasting stables on an indescribably grand scale. (note to self: visit the Chateau some weekend) A short 20 minutes by train from Paris, I met my friend at Gare du Nord for the 11:32. The station was alive with daytrippers, their destination obvious by the hats they donned for the occasion. This was a day to see and be seen! We found a seat on the upper deck and sat back to enjoy the ride. It was a hot, sunny afternoon with little breeze to offer relief to racegoers dressed to impress. Handsome tanned mediteranean men dressed in white trousers and linen shirts looked cool as they strolled arm in arm with equally tanned ladies in stilletos and hats. We found a beautiful shade tree to have a picnic lunch and a front row seat to the parade passing by. Tapinade with fresh baguette, salmon and cucumber sandwiches, fresh cherries and tiramisu, Madeleine is the undisputed Queen of Cuisine! Wait......what's that I see? Wow, could it be.....yes.....yes it's definately a guy in drag. And what drag! I am talking full on Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady" when they go to Ascot. Full length white lace dress with train. Huge wig with an even bigger hat on top. Gloves and a parasol, did I mention a train? Absolutely Fabulous! Soon it was time to head to the grandstand for the main event. I was enjoying the peoplewatching so much I almost forgot about the races! We found a place on the lawn in view of the finish line and examined our racing forms. Last year I learned to read them from a friend who used to hustle book (cool huh) but I sure can't pick a horse. I had one winner out of eight races. C'est la vie...... It was a beautiful sunday. Between the heat, the eye candy, and the great food, I went home completely exhausted in that "good tired" kind of way. I showered the dust and sweat off my body and discovered I had a beautiful sunburn that left me looking as if I was wearing a flesh colored tank top. As I fell into bed, the sheets felt cool to my skin and I sighed contentedly. Sometimes I can't believe I really live in Paris! Life is good........