Toulouse (France) | A Quick Stop in the Pink City - 11 Jun, 2023

 

My hostel is located west of the Garrone River and the city center. This is the modern part of Toulouse, France, and a part I did not previously visit. I like these new buildings although they are away from the town center. 

Leaving Italy was easy this morning, except the train from Nola to Naples was packed. Even at 730 am, people were already migrating to Naples for the anticipated celebration. At each stop, there were hundreds of young people waiting to board. This is by far the most crowded train I have ever taken in any country, even more so than trains in France!

When I arrived in Toulouse, it felt surreal to be returning to France already. I did not expect to revisit France during my travels this time. However, this is why I love to let the day guide me instead of having a formal plan. I spent about a week in Toulouse last July. I explored several smaller cities from the city, including Carcassone, Albi, and Moissac. I remember that Toulouse was also an inflection point in my travels the last time I was here. The temperature was nearly 40 C (104 F). I lost my purpose for many reasons (Read days 46-47) and struggled with my travels. Fortunately, I could recenter myself, and the important few days I spent here have guided my trips since. 

Toulouse is located in south-central France in the Occitania Region. A place rich with Medieval History.

I look forward to experiencing Toulouse again, this time from the west bank of the Garrone River. This is a part of the city I did not previously explore. My hostel is adjacent to one of the tram stops from the airport. This makes it highly convenient for me and is part of the reason I opted to book this location over more centrally located places. As I leave the airport, a recorded message plays over the loudspeaker on the tram. "Please be advised. Tomorrow is Labor Day. All public transport services will be closed in observance of the Holiday. Please make alternative travel arrangements."

Ah, the French! They never work. They strike so they don't have to work and then create holidays to celebrate not working. 😂 This, unfortunately, is one of the downsides of traveling without a plan. I never know what holidays, strikes, or other things will impact my travels. It is impossible for me to keep up with all the news and facts related to each city, region, and country when I travel without spending too much time doing it. Even then, it would be hard to not overlook something. So, I decided long ago to simply roll with the punches. When I encounter something like this, I look at it as a new challenge to solve. I enjoy this very much and seldom get upset. Patience and flexibility work to my advance. Sometimes, it even works in my favor, like when I overlooked Bastille Day, Independence Day of France, or the International Balloon Festival in Bristol, England.😁

So, before I can wander the city again, I need to book a rideshare for tomorrow to Langon, France. This is the largest city near where Céline lives. Fortunately, I had previously used Blah Blah Car in Albi, France. Blah Blah Car is a rideshare service that works exceptionally well in France. Frequently it is cheaper than the train. Plus, it has an added advantage; It allows me to access cities not serviced by trains. 

The only downside to Blah Blah Car is I can only book rides via Paypal. I had forgotten this and spent too long attempting to use my credit card. I can finally head out after Solenn confirms my request to join her on her way to Bordeaux, France.

One of the first places I intend to visit is the beautiful Basilica Saint Sernin. This Basilica was one of my favorite places I visited in France, and I want to see if it will have the same effect on me this time.

It's already late in the day, and I am surprised to find Saint Sernin still open. The simple Romanesque interior is quite stunning, and I love the serenity. I find a bench, close my eyes, and meditate. I have discovered during my travels that churches are fantastic places to meditate. I love how they smell, the tranquility inside, and the fact that I can sit quietly without anyone disturbing me. Until recently, I always assumed that they were worshiping when I saw someone with their eyes closed. It never occurred to me that there could be others like me who enjoy meditating in churches. 😂😇

Toulouse is often called the Pink City because of the reddish-pink bricks used on most buildings. They give the city a pinkish hue in the evenings. Toulouse lacked access to stone limestone quarries like Paris and Bordeaux. So instead, masons in Toulouse used brick, a more accessible material. 

Toulouse, once the 3rd largest city in France, went through an identity crisis. They attempted to be more like Paris by covering the beautiful brick with white stucco. Most of the plaster is gone, and the buildings have been restored. The city is beloved for its unique brick appearance. As I wander Toulouse, I quickly remember why I loved this city. This is a wonderful city!!

Although my evening in Toulouse is relatively short, I can't help but feel like I would enjoy spending more time here again in the future. I also notice a similar feeling regarding returning to France. I like it here. As I wander the streets, seeing so many restaurants with international cuisine feels strange. Italy has little for international cuisine, and rightly so. Italian cuisine is fantastic! As good as it feels to return here, I am excited about my upcoming retreat at Plum Village in a few days. So I feel good about not having much time in Toulouse this time.