May 14, 2008

An afternoon in Lafayette

Lamorinda Pétanque in Lafayette, California (just east of San Francisco) has been around for 16 years, but in 2007 they moved to a brand new location on St Mary's road in what truly looks like a Mediterranean garden.
Free shaped, surrounded by plants and trees, and bordered by large rocks. Large open spaces, but also cozy shady corners, always wide enough for one game. A dream, to play, and just to be.
I got there early, but surprise guests Ken, Christine, Ellen & Roberto of La Pétanque Marinière drove in from San Rafael to keep me company -- with lunch!
Then came a group of students of St Mary's college with language professor - and pétanque coach - Claude. "You sound just like the guy who sold me my boules!" he said. "What are you doing here??". Small world!!
We all started to play, more club members arrived, and we ended the afternoon with a delicious potluck dinner. The after dinner game got cut short due to chilly temperatures, but the ambiance was as warm as ever.

Slideshow (with music) - 2:00 min

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