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FIELD NOTES
News of interest from and about folks traveling and living outside the Los Angeles area.
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From Judith Merians in Paris
May 30, 2011
May 29 was a beautiful summer day in Paris. The Jardin du Luxembourg was in full bloom as members of the pétanque club, L'Association Sociale du Jardin du Luxembourg (ASJL), gathered at 9:30 am to prepare for the grand concour du printemps to be played that day. Coffee was offered under the trees and names of teams were called out by the club's officers. I was paired with Ling, one of the best players. The 56 teams chose their pistes and the first of 2 morning games began. I was pointing well and Ling was shooting like a machine. We won the the games 13-1, and 13-2. All players took a break for a sumptuous lunch served to us from canopied banquet tables, loads of homemade food, wine, dessert en pleine aire. I was reluctant to drink wine but lost my reserve and downed a glass of red. The 2 afternoon games were started and Ling and I won 13-1 and 13-6. Next came the semi finals which we won 13-3 to the applause of at least a hundred spectators seated around the piste. We were down to the finals. We faced a very challenging team of experienced players. The game began with our opponents winning 5 points. We won the next 5 points. And so it went neck in neck. Ling and I finally won 13-11 and were awarded our red and gold loving cups from the president of ASJL. I ran off to meet friends at La Cloiserie du Lilas and ordered une coupe de champagne. A great day over all and a first for an American winner of the concour.
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