Carnaval

I've had a very busy past two weeks, one because of school, and the following because of vacation. In making satisfactory use of my time did I travel and visit during my week of Carnaval break.
On Friday after school I headed up to Dordrecht for a ringing weekend with visiting Bedfordshire ringers. The ringing proved quite good, and I scored both a peal of Cambridge Major and a quarter of London Major. This made me very happy. The weekend was spent in pleasant company of ringers and I very much enjoyed myself. On Sunday before heading back to Belgium I go to visit Kinderdijk again on a little ringers' outing. Pictures can be hereunder found:

The next leg of my trip was to Carnaval de Binche after a quick pause in Sirault. It was much of what I had expected it to be: a jovial fest for literally 24 hours with lots of food and drink. There was marching, parading, drums, drink, confetti, and celebration from Monday night when I arrived till 3 o'clock Ash Wednesday morning. It was probably my most memorable Mardi Gras to date. 

These are the "Gilles" who have wooden clogs, bells, and this elaborate costume stuffed with hay. They are really interesting and Belgians will talk you ear off about them if you let them. 

Gilles parading in Binche's Grand' Place

And like I said, we in the sidelines had our fair share of fun. The Gilles threw oranges in the afternoon, which we all caught and ate. Or smashed. We also threw confetti everywhere and marched with the Gilles' crowd. It was wonderful. 

A third part of my trip came, but I shan't overload you with stories and photos, so wait for more later on Franconia!

Bon Carnaval!