Carcasonne, France

The rooster didn't do his job well enough this morning.  Once he stopped crowing I went right back to sleep.  It seemed like hours after his calling when I could sense someone or something was looking at me. I forced my eyes open and sure enough, there was a little bird sitting on the balcony railing at my window just chirping away in my direction.  It was like she was saying "Did you not hear the rooster?. You must get up and start your day!  It's such a lovely day and you are here to enjoy every possible minute". Or was she saying "Get up you lazy cow!"  After quite a bit of negotiations with myself I decided getting up was the right thing to do.   I could smell the fresh croissants and coffee.  That seems to be referred to as "French Fuel".  That's all they have to go on until lunch.  But then there is the 3 course, with wine, meal to push them through the rest of the day.

The train to Carcasonne left on time.  I wore my shades on the train so I could watch people and not get caught. I looked like a secret agent. But no, I'm just an American looking for entertainment.  And believe me, the French provide plenty of that.  We had one guy who talked to himself all the way there.  I looked for the phone or the ear plugs, but no, he was just having a nice little conversation with himself.  Then there was the woman with Pink (VERY bright) hair.  I think it glowed when we went into the tunnels. 


No train trip is complete without a couple practically making love in a seat nearby.  I had to put in my ear plugs just to avoid hearing the heavy breathing! Whew!  I was craving a cigarette by the time I got to my destination.  And finally there were the two little old ladies riding quietly and speaking softly to each other while holding hands.  They were either very close or VERY close, if you know what I mean.  Not that there's anything wrong with that. 

The village was your standard gorgeous village with a beautiful castle, tiny cobblestone streets, cafes every 20 feet, great food and loads of history.  I walked, I day dreamed, I ate, and I walked more.  Why is it that I walk, and walk and walk for hours and my legs are very sore, my feet have sore spots but my butt doesn't get any smaller?  Oh wait, maybe it's the 19 Crème Brule's I've eaten since I've been here.  That could have something to do with it.  But don't judge me until you eat the best Crème Brule ever and if you have, you know what I'm talking about.


Tonight I met a student to tutor her in English.  We will have 4 lessons before Friday.  She is a 40ish year old lady looking to improve her English and be able to travel more for work to English speaking countries.  She was very nice and interesting to talk to.  I enjoy making new friends when I travel.


Additional... "You know you are in France when...."
....you greet with a kiss on each cheek
....you greet the storekeeper when you walk in.   "Bonjour!"
....you can get 2 different kinds of fries at McDo's - Regular like we get in the U.S.A and then larger ones like you would cook up at home.
....you see people drinking wine at all times of the day and night
....when the wine is cheaper than a coca-cola

Bonne Nuit!


 

Men's Version:

Old Village. Really big castle. Lots of history.  Loads of battles and bloodshed.  

The End.