Who Invented the Parachute?

The thing about moving to some place new is you can reinvent yourself totally.

Back where I grew up, everybody and his cousin (but especially my dear friend Garch) thought I had a horrible voice, fit not even for the shower. A sad, sad thing (sob!), especially since when I was around 16 years old I made a list of 100 things to absolutely do, and no. 67 was "Sing in Public."

I did try once. In a jazz bar with my girl friends the singer wanted audience participation and, always game for such things, I went up on stage and started screeching,"Rolling, rolling, rolling down the river!" My friends were mortified, and up until now Maya giggles embarrased-like when reminded of that night.

And now my friends, I have an announcement to make. Are you ready? On Saturday night, thousands of kilometers away from your long-suffering ears, I am going to sing in public!

I'm going to be breaking French eardrums as part of "Expérimental Babote," part of a series of creative events going on in Montpellier this weekend, and collectively known as Quartier Libre. I'm singing with a group, so that should drown out any false notes, don't worry :)

If you're going to be in the area, do come and you'll learn all about how Sébastien Lenormand invented the parachute in Montpellier in 1783. Part of his experiments involved throwing animals attached to his inventions out of the Babote Tower, thus explaining the drawing above. Aside from the singing, there will also be sculptures and paintings to see. Should be interesting, don't you think? Will post photos after the event on Saturday.

Expérimental Babote has a blog here.