the adventures, conquests, and mishaps of marc koz.: Samedi dans Metz

Well, much to my surprise, Metz was happening today! To start, my plans fell through to go to Amneville (but that's cool because the weather was pretty shitty to permit the zoo) so I spent the day with Justin and Nataylia (straight from the mother-land Russia!). Nataylia had a loose game plan for the day so we followed along with it. Our first stop was at the Maison de Rabelais, a painter from the 16th century. Following that, we wandered up a narrow street which led us to a beautiful view of the city of Metz. Next, was our "final" destination of the day, Musee Cour d'Or, which had a collection of well preserved Gallo-Roman architecture, paintings, and utensils. There was also some Renaissance and Gothic art posted around the building. Probably one of the more interesting Museums I have visited because; for one it was dark almost throughout, two, it had random staircases and small hallways everywhere, and three there was some sort of poetry reading going on that seemed to me to be pretty intense from the actors standpoint. But, since I can't really speak or understand the language it was pretty hard for me to gather what they were talking about.

After leaving the Museum and getting some cafe, I remembered that there was a summer book fair right near the Cathedral. Turns out, the book fair was a showcase of authors and their recently published works. Very interesting to see all these French authors under one roof, at least 100. Directly following, we heard loud music, horns and people screaming. So, of course we walked to where all the excitement was going on, and stumbled upon the Metz gay pride parade. I must say, this was a blast, so much life and excitement upon everyone parading, that naturally we joined in the parade and walked with them for about 10 minutes until we had our fair share of gays, lesbians, and drag queens. You'll get the jist from the video..

(Music being played during the festival, and Tecktonik!)

Then by miracle again, we stumbled into the Arsenal because Nataylia enjoys ballet, and they just so happen to have a ballet on the 10th. I noticed that there was another Museum upstairs so I wandered up and found a nice little gift shop and a pretty crappy modern art showcase. However, outside were young hip French kids doing the new dance craze here called, Tecktonik. It was cool seeing some kids flailing their arms and feet in the air and dancing in unison. Then, upon walking down from where we were, we saw some older bmx kids jumping up at least 4-5 feet and doing stalls and jumping from ledges.

Afterwards, I convinced Justin and Nataylia to get my favorite French street vendor cuisine, Grecs or Donor Kebabs. Which wasn't my best kebab sandwiches in France, but the frites were good and only 5 euros including a drink. Beginning around the same time of grubbing was the start of the Euro Cup! Swizterland vs. Czech Rep was the first game, then at 8 was Portugal vs. Turkey. We ended up going out to a pub for the 2nd half of the Portugal game, who won 2-0. Had a 1664 during the game and just enjoyed being out in Metz on night. Justin, got a little hunger strike, and unfortunately (but not really) no food is open past 11 besides Kebab places, so he had his 2nd Kebab of the night, and discovered his new fond love for the Grec. After leaving, much to our dismay our group almost got hit by a drunk French driver who was looking for a little brawl. But, having a French native with us, he was able us to get free from the asshole driver.

Now after a long day I'm looking forward to some good napping and a relaxing Sunday in Metz.

Farewell, and as usually pictures..

Supposedly, Metz has the most flowers grown yearly in France..