My first morning in France, I went down to breakfast and asked for an omelet. The one they brought was very small. I asked the waiter and he told me they only used one egg. "After all", he said, "in France, one egg is un oeuf (enough)!

Hey -- if you don't like it -- don't repeat it!

I'm back in Berck. The kites, the kite fliers, the weather, and the crowds are all spectacular. The beach is huge, and when the tide goes out, you can almost walk to England.

This is my 19th visit to the ten day festival. I wouldn't miss it! Some kite events are competitions. Some assemble exhibitions from kiters around the world. Some feature art kites. And some spotlight musical demonstrations with maneuverable kites. Berck does all of that. But even more, Berck is the finest assembly of show kites that I've seen at any festival among my travels.

Because the festival covers two weekend, I usually do two Updates. Check back next week for an expose of the enormous and fascinating kites being flown here. Meanwhile, let me present some images of the exquisite art pieces being showcased in the pavilions.

Along the promenade, a large tent introduces the works of Martine Chatel (France), Daniela Zitzmann (Austria), Etienne Veyres (France) and Frances Anderson (UK). Handmade papers, foils, decorative yarns, and dried flowers and leaves have been assembled to create amazing small pieces that each have somthing in common. They are each bridled and each fly! Amazing stuff!

Further down the walkway, another large tent introduces the historical reproductions of Christian Kolz (Germany). These are large kites, each lovingly crafted with original materials and attention to authentic detail.

We also see a collection of appliqued art from Olivier Reymond (Switzerland). Using comics for inspiration, Oliver produces sewn images with stark and emotional graphics.

There is a webcam overlooking the beach. But unfortunately, it points right at the area where kites are anchored and not where they are being flown. And of course, if you are in the States, we start flying at midnight Pacific time, and knock off about 8 in the morning your time....

If you interested of a short video from the first weekend of the festival, click here. (I like the report from the 20th at about the six-and-a-half minute mark.)

Otherwise, check back next week for my second report. Bon