Toulouse

When  I was in Guatemala in January I met a French woman. We talked about my planned trip to Spain and she invited me to come to her home in Toulouse when I finished the Camino. Her name is Nadine.

Nadine met my train in Perpignan France just east of the Pyrennes and near the sea. We stayed in that area at a flat she had been renting on the beach the prior week and then visited her sister in the lovely Mediterranean village of Collioure. It’s a former fishing village with winding cobble stone alleyways and picturesque seascapes. Nadine’s sister, Claudie, owns a gallery in Collioure selling the beautiful contemporary oil paintings by her daughter Vali.  Nadine had a group of friends from the U.S. visiting nearby who joined us there for lunch.  One of the nicest parts of traveling is meeting new friends.  It was a lovely day.

We then returned to Nadine’s home in Toulouse where I spent a few days exploring that lovely French city with its canals, churches and city squares lined with cafes. It’s a vibrant city. I enjoyed my time there very much.

I also took a day trip to  Carrcassonne with its midievel walled city and castle; beautiful and interesting! The oldest history of Carcassonne dates back to 3500 BC but it’s more “modern” history dates to Roman occupation in the first century becoming French in 1067.   The original fortress dates back to this very early time and went through various occupations and renovations.  It was restored in the 1800’s; a massive undertaking! It is so fascinating to learn the history and see the transformations that take place in these old palaces, castles, churches and cities as they persevere over hundreds of years, wars, sieges, fires, and the renovations undertaken by the victors. The early influences of North Africa and the Muslim period, the Crusades, and later Protestant and Catholic dominance are apparent as well as the styles over time; beginning as early as pre-Christian and Roman times and moving through the Neolithic, Gothic, Neo-Gothic, and Renaissance periods.  Many of these monuments have parts remaining that span 10 centuries or more. Much also has been destroyed and only present in the narratives of the past.

Nadine was a wonderful hostess and tour guide! I am so appreciate of the time she spent with me and her willingness to share her warm and comfortable home with me.

I’m now in Avignon arriving yesterday  I have a week here with Avignon as home base to explore Provence. I’m very much looking forward to these days!  It looks like toward the end of my stay here I will see rain again for the first time in awhile but for now its forecast to be 90 and I’m spending the day in Arles seeing the world through Van Gogh’s eyes.