At a time when the pension reform raises waves of protest, throwing, retirees and even high school students in the street I will not discuss the project of government . But this timely topic makes me wonder what I will do this free time.

I think retirement is a course and that the cross should calmly prepare and make plans. In my case I would find the way to school but not the school system. The universities of free time , open to all irrespective of age or degree, particularly attract me.

That of Rennes , my city, offers a program could not be more varied and joyously mixed Chinese, English, history and politics, theatrical readings, gymnastics, computer, bridge, Scrabble, but also crafts such as plumbing, electrical, floral art So ... you see we are far from the traditional universities and those that they really come out of the box. They are not reserved for an intellectual elite but open to all who desire to learn in any field whatsoever.

The courses are not punctuated with exams. They focus on trade and take place in a relaxed atmosphere. Those who have been employed rather intellectual sometimes want to learn to do things with their hands and discover the pleasure and pride to achieve great things. This is a good way to reconcile the intellectuals and manuals that are often contrasted as if the two were incompatible.

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Garbage

You know how I love my good city of Rennes but it is clear that some weekends, in the absence of garbage collection, the center looks like a huge garbage dump. HAD hoc containers are clearly insufficient for merchants and residents of the corner boxes and deposit their trash but admit that there are more pleasant than strolling Sunday amid trash bags and other crates stored at their feet . The spectacle is appalling!

I do not mean the pathetic behavior of those who drop out in the street a fridge, an old mattress or a used microwave (or a vacuum as in the photo) rather than surrender to the nearest recycling center. What a lack of civility and consideration for municipal employees who are not the minions of the company.

Garbage

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The Cultural Space of the Champs Libres in Rennes

The Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, former Rennes best known as the Champ de Mars, has a long history behind it. In the 1900s there was an agricultural fair and you could see the boys in sailor suits with their mom walk in robe in the shelter of an umbrella. For the fair of 1906 a provisional farm and a lighthouse had been erected there. The gentlemen wearing boaters admiring the horses, cows .... Finally as in any agricultural fair in fact.

Over time the urban landscape has changed. The former barracks of the Dovecote adjoining the Champ de Mars was razed to make way for construction of a major shopping center and a wide range of high-rises. On the other hand, was built in 1961, the Verizon Center, which as its name suggests was originally dedicated to the sport then this hideous building was renamed Liberty and transformed into a multipurpose room which hosts exhibitions, fairs, sporting or cultural events such as the Travelling festival or the night of the Fallen .
Despite a rather poor acoustics The Liberty hosts major music shows including the famous Transmusicales. The great tower of safety dominates the square of its 16 floors since late 1973.
The clock ticks off the time of year, exit the agricultural fair, the carnival hello to the many attractions and circuses with their huge tent and traditional menagerie that brings a touch of exoticism.

But in recent years this vast place has changed radically and thoroughly modernized with the construction of the Champs Libres futuristic space dedicated to culture, the 4 a space of 1750 m2 young, the renovation of Liberty, the opening in late 2006 to a complex of 13 theaters which I mentioned in a previous post.
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As we enter the period blessed holiday season I will give you a good trick to buy linen of excellent workmanship without breaking the bank. It remains us of course!

One day I was dining with a friend and I made him compliment his tablecloth she confessed that she had bought it used. Not selfish for two pennies she hastened to inform me the address of this treasure trove. This is not fallen into deaf ears, I went to my turn at Initial, specialist commercial clothes new and used, Route de Lorient in Rennes.

In fact the machine used comes from the hotels who regularly renew their entire machine. I was not personally interested in the sheets, pillowcases, towels and other kitchen aprons. However I began frantically to sort into piles of damask tablecloths and napkins to find those that showed no defect that was the case for most.

The color choice is limited it is true and all the tablecloths and matching napkins are united: sky blue, salmon, pale yellow and white. Against by the choice of shapes and sizes is immense: tablecloths round, square, rectangular from the smallest to the largest dimensions for banquet tables. As for the price I could not believe it! The sheets on which are the icing on the cake, were € 1, yes you read that I have not made a typo, just € 1. At that price I did not hesitate for each layer and I bought two of tablecloths.

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In November 2008 Rennes opened the doors of a multiplex cinema in the city center: the Gaumont . I will rather (too) often to the cinema and I just discovered this new equipment (see my previous post).

The imposing building is situated on the esplanade du General de Gaulle in a very contemporary architectural ensemble. First built by the architect Christian de Portzamparc who also directed The Champs Libres equipment dedicated to culture and within close proximity. It offers 13 comfortable cinemas movie fans. The seats are wide and deep and aisles wide enough to extend his legs. Notice I never really encountered a problem on that side with my 1, 57 m!

Upon entering the lobby I was impressed by the modernity of the whole. Gone are the traditional teller, the audience has its kiosks to buy tickets freely. No endless queue because the terminals are numerous and the use of a disarming simplicity. It is still possible to buy the tickets from the hostesses who also sell all kinds of sweets and drinks. Does the length of the counter or the profusion of products, I found it very American, perhaps because of pop corn.

A monumental staircase and an escalator provide access to upstairs rooms. Colorful modern furniture welcomes the august post of those like me who arrived early. The decoration entrusted to Christian Lacroix proudly displays his favorite colors, orange, red, purple, hot pink. The large windows offer a panoramic view of the esplanade. From plush carpets add a touch of warmth and comfort.
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The fratricidal struggle between Rennes and Guingamp has resulted in a final score, 2-1 in favor of Tom Thumb. Statistics that placed the capital of Brittany in favorite position was incorrect and the Goblet of France Football is Armoricaine Coste.

Following a thrilling match at the little remaining in the words of my husband's expert, is the ogre who has been devouring. Bitter disappointment for some, explosive joy for others, this is the game my poor Lucette!

Confounding all predictions, the small town of Guingamp back the trophy in the Cotes d'Armor and let's not be chauvinistic and sore losers, the victory was deserved. Forward Guingamp is their slogan and they actually went for the cup .

It's head down Rennaise the team will join the stage of the road to Lorient and it's not it will bring a smile to the lips of that dear Guy Lacombe.
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The traditional Breton furniture is very typical. Carved wood, it is the work of real artists and even if you do not like you have to admit the foot of these fabulous artisans. It is decorated with rosettes and characters. These are used as a buffet or for amounts as table legs.

The style is heavy and does not fit in our modern homes which makes it fall into disuse. However it will look great in a renovated farmhouse where large pieces bear its massive appearance.

Some furniture such as beds were closed related to living conditions. These beds that were found in most farms were, as their name suggests, completely closed by two sliding doors that allowed its occupants to keep the heat inside. One must imagine that at the time the central heating was a dream and the meager warmth provided by the chimney offered comfort to our grandfathers rather spartan yet less fragile than we. This ingenious system transformed the layer nest where it was good to snuggle with his half.

In addition the firm often possessed of a single room where the family lived while the closed bed preserved some privacy.

The hutch or chest, the large cupboard with two doors, the long table flanked by two benches were the rest of the household furniture. The best pieces are crafted by artisans and their signature amateurs looking in flea markets.
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