HEMAC Dijon comes and goes like the tides, passing it’s twentieth event milestone some years ago, and not even counting the dark days of COVID. This year, as every year, saw me make my pilgrimage toward that promised city, for almost a week of workshops, lectures and catch-ups.
Whilst not taking notes from some of the finest minds in the HEMAverse, I was busy exploring the museums and medieval alleys of the city. Dijon, as the capital of Burgundy, brings together some of the best features of a diverse and far-reaching European culture to create something unique and quite its own.
One of the best things about this venerable meeting is that it brings many stately dinosaurs out of retirement, to discuss what a dreadful mess young people have made of [insert subject]. Few things beat sitting at a cobbled, outdoor wine bar, in the heart of the ancient Ducal seat of power, to glower and gripe over a second or third glass of quite excellent whinge.
Congratulations to Dr. Fabrice Julien Cognot and the team from de Taille et de Estoc for once again making such a success of this grandfather of HEMA events, and for inviting me to teach once again in the magnificent setting of Dijon.