Nous sommes Charlie

Today was the day that France turned out to show their support for freedom of expression and for journalists everywhere. It was the kids' first demonstration (and, it turned out, Mr B's too - having spent his student years as a journalist he was at demos to document rather than participate) so there was much explanation of what it was all about.

I was, I have to say, expecting a few hundred folk. But there were thousands. For those who have been to Lavaur, we started at the Mairie (far end of the market) and walked the whole length of the market. By the time we were at the end of the market (where the chickens are) folk on the march were out of sight in each direction. I would say nearly a kilometre of folk, 10-15 deep. And Lavaur is not a big town.

So we walked and chatted and occasionally rounds of applause would break out. Then back at the Mairie, a very brief speech, singing La Marseillaise, a commitment to "liberté". And then off home for a roast lamb dinner (just us).

I'm impressed, I have to say, by the number of folk who turned out, and especially the number of youngsters engaged in the process.

Je suis, tu es, nous sommes Charlie.