Saint Theodorit was a wonderful discovery in Uzes. Sometimes when you are not looking for anything in particular you come across something that is truly delightful. This old church was a magnet to activity on all sides. Pétanque similar to 'boules' or balls was being played in a gravel area under the large trees to the right. Old men played and were very vocal and money exchanged hands often during the play. The shooters several times hit the jack on the fly as we watched. Old women in black with black scarves sat on a nearby wall. Younger women chatted while children were playing nearby with a soccer ball. To the back of the church a portable dance floor was set up with chairs surrounding the wood floor. Music was coming from a record player that was at the end of a very long extension cord that snaked across the gravel and disappeared through a window into the church. New partners were selected from the fold up seats that surrounded the floor after each song. They were mostly older couples or singles and very talented dancers who seemed to be having a wonderful time. Further behind the church was a steep cliff many stories high which had a number of places to sit as a narrow trail led to the bottom. The cliff was wooded and the seating areas were very elaborately constructed of stone. In several you could see couples embracing. Music playing from portable radios made the scene somewhat romantic. Far below was a green pasture with horses and a stream running through it. At one end there appeared to be a soccer goal. It was an enchanting place. Inside all was quiet, cool and still, smelling of incense. Music: Dreams of Alwyn (Isle of Innisfree) |
Saint Theodorit in UzesThe grounds of the church were an attractive setting The pétanque players were actively betting While the old women in black watched from afar Children practiced to become tomorrow's soccer star Dancers danced passionately on a makeshift floor Just a few of the activities out the church door |
All images contained herein are for viewing only and under the exclusive copyright of the artist. Phil Terry © 1997-2012 |