We just returned after a nice weekend at FIMU – a music festival held each year in Belfort (France) – and since the different thoughts about the weekend refuse to coalesce into a well-structured form I shall write them down as they are.
Somehow last year seemed more fun (the novelty factor, perhaps) and nothing of what we attended this time created the magic we experienced in 2003.
The Chinese have a strange way of presenting introductions. An extract from the brochure of the Art troupe National Music and Dance of South China Normal University: “The troupe is composed of ….associate professor Ning Yong who is praised as the Chinese Great Master of Ruan, the associate professor of dance Wang Haiying who is praised as the Rising Star in the Educational Circles of South Guang Dong…”
The French simply do-not-know-or-do-not-want to speak English. In other European countries you may encounter a willingness to communicate - through a few words or monosyllables of English the natives may know – but the French, no sir. They are either wholly ignorant of the language or are resolute in their determination not to speak it.
There are few things in this world that can offer as much relaxation as an hour of listening to violins and cellos.
FIMU is not the best of places to listen to western classical music. Since all concerts are free there is always a thoroughfare of people walking in and out of the halls, frequent whispers between people, and even the occasional ringing of mobile phones. When I express this aloud, my wife says:”It adds to the charm of the place. If you want a perfectly silent environment go to the Vienna music festival and pay a handsome price for each ticket.” Hmmm…..
Wife also says that Anu Malik would have a field day at this festival, hopping in and out of concerts, pinching tunes for his forthcoming movies.
Parmanu, your wife sounds cool. How about getting here to write?
Posted by: Shalu | June 01, 2004 at 06:27 AM
It sounds absolutely lovely. And Shalu is right, your wife sounds damn cool.
Posted by: Anita | June 01, 2004 at 06:30 AM
lucky lucky lucky people!!!!!!!
Posted by: Rash | June 01, 2004 at 07:54 AM
Hmm..The typo I made while entering my last comment gave me a sleepless night! It's supposed to read 'How about getting her to write?' Much better.
For those of you who are wondering..The answer is YES! I have nothing better to do right now.
RASH: My sentiments exactly!
Posted by: Shalu | June 01, 2004 at 11:20 AM
About "getting her to write": I've tried several times, and I tried again today. "How about putting down your thoughts, dear?" Pat came the reply: "My thoughts are only for you, dear." I'll keep trying, and so must you.
About "getting here to write": I'd love to - just tell me where 'here' is, Shalu.
About being "lucky lucky people": In the past weeks, I felt you Delhi-people were the lucky ones, getting to be a part of theatre mania. How about swapping places, Rash? (The coffee machines here also offer Cappucino and Hot Chocolate.)
Posted by: Parmanu | June 01, 2004 at 12:23 PM
When the wife is busy making bindi curry for him, where is the time for the poor thing to write?
Posted by: fusemuse | June 01, 2004 at 03:54 PM
Hmm...well it isn't so bad here actually. except for the heat. And in my case, the coffee machine :)
Posted by: Rash | June 02, 2004 at 07:37 AM
'here' is good old Bangalore! ;)
Posted by: Shalu | June 05, 2004 at 12:43 AM
Parmanu - u do realise shalu could also have meant getting "your 'wife' here to write" ? ;P
wonder what 'wife' feels about this salivating husband of hers [ as & when the bhindi curry gets over ! ;P ]
[ to wife : BTW does parmanu go around with a big wooden club over his shoulder around the house when looking for 'wife' ? ;P (people are allowed to imagine lots of grunts & a gravelly voice calling 'WIFEY')! hehhe ! ]
Posted by: loosemuse | June 06, 2004 at 11:18 AM