Inside...

... the walls of a hot air balloon at today's balloon festival. It was an interesting concept to lay down a balloon and allow people (after they took their shoes off) to walk into it while fans kept the balloon inflated: great for providing a sense of perspective about just how big these things are. 

The rest of the festival was a bit disappointing. I watched one balloon being inflated (that's quite the operation -- see extra) and lift off, while tethered, but strong gusts of wind laid that plan balloon to rest quickly. So we left as it was getting a bit toasty to my taste. I felt bad for the folks on the other side of the road attempting to get into the festival: a 5-mile bumper-to-bumper back up... whew!

Bastille Day (as Anglos call it) today and perhaps another big celebration after tomorrow’s match! Fingers crossed. Allez les Bleus!