Lots of sporting excitement this weekend! On Sunday Europe's biggest horse race - Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe - is run at Hippodrome de Longchamp. And Saturday night France plays New Zealand at Cardiff, Wales in quarterfinals of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. For both teams, a win is crucial to remain in the competition. I admire the All Blacks, but allez les bleus!
Last year I was in Seville, Spain and missed the Arc. On Sunday, I'll be wearing a hat to cheer on Frankie Dettori riding Authorized in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. After all, the venue is across the street from our apartment! Authorized won the Juddmonte International stakes in York, England in August. The horse is the punters' favourite in Sunday's big event, although certainly not without strong competition from Irish Derby winner Soldier of Fortune and Zambezi Sun.
Frankie Dettori and Authorized claim victory at the Juddmonte International stakes in York, England.
Proceeds from the latest book by famed French photographer Yann Arthus Bertrand go to Reporters sans frontieres pour la liberte de la presse (for press freedom). The profits will help imprisoned journalists and their families, as well as media outlets in difficulty. The book contains more than 100 colour photos of the earth as seen from the air.
The petite red leather opera glasses were a delightful find at the 75th Foire Nationale aux Antiquities, a la Brocante et aux Jambons at Ile de Chatou. The brocante continues through Sunday, Oct. 7th. I will be posting more photos of recent brocante finds.
This tree in the courtyard of our apartment complex normally isn't particularly beautiful. But I think its flame colour prior to shedding its fall leaves is exceptional.
Thanks for the heads-up on the RSF book- hadn't seen it.
I haven't been to a race track since I was a child. And haven't had any desire to. But, if I could go and see it the way you see it, I would. You have an enviable eye!
Posted by: ren.kat | 08 October 2007 at 15:16
A beautiful horse, a book with a good idea, and a lovely little tree who's doing its best to shine - thanks for sharing them all with us, Tara.~xo
Posted by: tinker | 06 October 2007 at 23:53
Look at that beautiful horse! I love it. I know I have said that here before, but I just think they are the loveliest of creatures on the earth.
:)
Posted by: Amber | 06 October 2007 at 21:15
I would love to see a post on different hats!...even in India, horse race is associated with chic hats (even though hats are not really an Indian accessory!)
And, I noticed the beautiful 'kalamkari' cloth (table cover?) on which the book is kept in the pic above :)
Posted by: Bhavna | 06 October 2007 at 20:27
Thanks for visiting Tara!!! I love the book, I must look for it on Amazon or Abe Books, they both make a fortune out of me... Vida x
Posted by: Vida | 06 October 2007 at 07:58
Ah the horsey set and their glorious hats. I adore those hats. Sigh...
And that flaming tree is indeed spectacular. What a show!
xo
Blue
Posted by: Gillian @ Indigo Blue | 06 October 2007 at 05:09
breathtaking images of bertrand!! and i would love to see you wearing a hat on sunday on the hippodrome at longchamps!
i also would love to have a piece of your sweet patatoe pie!! heard of it in the past but never had the chance to taste it for real!
Posted by: marita | 05 October 2007 at 23:25
I am not a betting person, but I think the races does sound like fun!
And is your London trip sorted? I am finally getting this contract under control, so should be able to commit a bit more in terms of getting together.
Posted by: lacithecat | 05 October 2007 at 22:40
Go France in the Rugby cup! What a game that will be!
Arthus amazes me with his shots from overhead. He is one incredible photographer. I would love to be in the plane with him and watch him work.
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 05 October 2007 at 21:04
I love the visual art when I am here...makes me feel enriched! Enjoy the races, check out the hats and thanks for sharing your piece of autumn with us!
Posted by: Cherie | 05 October 2007 at 20:55
Oh and to you I send, Besos y besos y besos
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 05 October 2007 at 20:53
Any reason to wear a hat is how I would look at it?? Also, the proceeds of Yann's book going to help "imprisoned journalists and their families, as well as media outlets in difficulty," is amazing. really amazing.
And that flaming red tree!!! Love him.. what a fall filled guy.
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 05 October 2007 at 20:53
Thanks for stopping by BEYOND Understanding, Tara! It's always so nice to hear from you. Just read your last two posts; horror and beauty; two facets of our existence that seem to battle each other on a regular basis. I'm thinking Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera, the contrast of so many beloved holy men imprisoned, a stunning land ruled by such a vicious regime, another country built on a foundation of freedom left battered and bruised by a monarchical president. Somber thoughts for a Friday, I'm afraid! Enjoy your fun weekend!
Posted by: Karen DeGroot Carter | 05 October 2007 at 19:30
The tree is beautiful! You can walk to a horse race in Paris? Wow, never remember seeing that place when I was there.
Posted by: martina | 05 October 2007 at 17:01
I LOVE seeing an ugly little tree with beautiful, red leaves. Have fun this weekend!!
Posted by: bella | 05 October 2007 at 14:04
Have fun betting on the horses. You can bet?
Rose
xo
Tara responds:
No, I don't bet on the horses, but I do like to watch the races and admire the unusual hats on the spectators. In general, there's a wonderful ambience at the Arc.
Posted by: Rose Dewy Knickers | 05 October 2007 at 13:39
Have a great day at the races!
The proceeds for that book are going to an excellent cause.
The red opera glasses and the red tree make me happy!
Bon weekend Tara!
xox
Cosntance
Posted by: rochambeau | 05 October 2007 at 13:32