Hey, you! 😊
On Saturday, February 10, we took the train to Nancy, France, which is about 40 minutes away from where we live. We were excited to go because this year, our daughter S participated in the dragon dance thanks to her school. I don't know if I mentioned it here, but S has been taking Chinese Mandarin classes since September of last year. She absolutely loves it!
The event took place at the Place Stanislas, one of the oldest examples of an architecturally consistent and monumental public square. It is also known as the most beautiful square in France, if not Europe.
You will find the Hotel de Ville (city hall), several café restaurants, Le Grand Hotel, Musée des Beaux Arts, and the Opera. As soon as we arrived at the square, I stood in awe, something I do each time I am here. There's no denying that it's a beautiful square. 😍😍
As soon as we got there, S went to rehearsal immediately. The Husband and I decided to have breakfast at one of the cafés in Place Stanislas. We were hesitant because someone told me that it was quite pricey there, but in fact I was pleasantly surprised to see that the prices were relatively affordable.
Le Grand Café Foy Restaurant is just a few steps away from the Hotel de Ville. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but the inside is wow. When you look up, there are pink roses on the ceiling, exactly how I love it. Actually, the place is slightly girly in my opinion, but I love it.
It was a bit awkward when we went in. No one talked to us and so we went ahead and sat at a table. It was awkward and normally, it would be the kind of thing I hate, but I was hungry. Lol. A couple came in after us and had the same experience as they stood awkwardly in the middle of the room. They eventually left.
The Husband and I shared a Petit Dejeuneur Complet (9 Euros) - baguette bread, two kinds of mini jam, a hot drink of choice, and a fruit juice. The baguette bread and jam can be replaced by croissants or pain au chocolat. I've always loved strawberry jam, but I found myself a passion for abricot jam now. So so good!
We went back to the Hotel de Ville half an hour before the dragon dance. The city hall is beautiful and the architecture is just magnificent. We took our time to check out the stalls. It was quite interesting to see all the activities available in the region - sports, calligraphy, food, just to name a few. I bought a beautiful handpainted bookmark.
At then at 12noon, it was time for the first dragon dance. The second one was at 3pm. It was wonderful to see our daughter participate in the dance. I am very proud of her.
Funny thing is that I stumbled on a photo I took 11 years ago when we celebrated the Lunar New Year for the first time. She was 4 years old then. Eleven years later, she participated in the dance at 15 years old. How could I not be teary-eyed while watching her? 🥹🥹
Our daughter S was given so opportunities thanks to her school and I'm so glad that she took them. A few years ago, she was a flag bearer for the veterans and now this. I just love her so much.
Since she was a volunteer, she was offered free lunch. The Husband and I decided to have lunch at a restaurant. I'm not a big fan of buffets anymore, but the Husband is and I knew it would make him happy to go to one. In fact, he was talking about it a few weeks ago already. We ended up eating at Sushi Kyo Buffet for the first time. I just checked it out on google and this was the first place that came up and with high ratings.
The food was good, especially the sushi. But it was the typical Asian buffet I'm used to and I don't really enjoy this anymore. The Husband was in food heaven. Good Lord, the amount of food he's able to eat! And he doesn't put on any weight .... ever! Lol How unfair the world is!
By the time we were done with lunch, it was time to go back to the Hotel de Ville for the 3pm dragon dance. We walked from the restaurant, which was about a 15 minute walk. I don't know if I would live in Nancy, probably not, but I can see why it would be attractive to students. By the way, public transportation is free for all on the weekend! And it's free for students and senior citizens during the week. Why isn't that the same case in Metz????
After the 3pm performance, we made our way back to the train station. It was such a wonderful day, but unfortunately it was raining at times, so we did get wet. S was feeling a bit under the weather in the morning, so I was worried she would be sick.
Thankfully, she's fine. And so are we.
How did you celebrate the Lunar New Year? 🏮
xoxo Elodie
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