Yesterday afternoon was Carnaval de La Rochelle, so David and I headed toward the Vieux Port to check it out. We found a great spot near the beginning of the parade and I was able to position myself right at the edge of the road to get the best possible photos and, it turned out, have lots of confetti thrown at me by smiling, mischievous children. How can you not love that!

Carnaval was also sort of beautiful. Loved the stilt-walkers:

This is an annual family affair — as I learned from talking with the woman in a port-side stand who served me a crêpe beurre sucre (yum) — with children, parents and even grandparents dancing along to the drums and other music of the parade. This was my favorite drum group:

And this was my favorite couple caught on film:

A good time was had by all:

I loved all the smiles, certainly those witnessed, but especially those shared. I really believe that’s part of what belonging — wherever you are — is all about. So join a parade if you can. Bang a drum whenever possible. But whatever you do or wherever you go, by all means smile at someone today.