Posted by in culture, music, occitanie, Uncategorized When you travel do you wonder what it’s like to be from the place you’re visiting? Are you the kind of traveller who takes everything in as a spectator, or someone who really lets a place into your heart? Discovering local music and local musicians is a great way to dig deep into the soul…Read more »
Posted by in Haute Garonne, occitanie, Toulouse, Uncategorized The ski station of Superbagnères overlooks the valley of Bagnères de Luchon, known simply as Luchon. As I have mentioned in other posts the resort is attractive in all seasons but winter is simply the best! I am suffering with the flu although, hallelujah, I think I am finally getting the better of it. I…Read more »
Posted by in culture, occitanie, Uncategorized The city of Gaillac is located in the Tarn department, formerly of the region of Midi Pyrenees. When Midi Pyrenees joined Languedoc Roussillon, becoming Occitanie, it also became the region of France which produces the most wine. Gaillac is known as one of the oldest vineyards of France (4th century BC). The area produces a…Read more »
Posted by in Haute Garonne, Toulouse, voyage For millions of years, Space was beyond the limits of exploration and understanding for earth dwellers. In 1957, the Soviet Union sent the world’s first man-made satellite into orbit. The race for space was a very exciting era. I remember hearing the sentence “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind“ again and…Read more »
Posted by in culture, occitanie, Toulouse, Uncategorized Much of the growth and vibrancy in the city of Toulouse is to do with the aerospace industry. In and around the former region of Midi Pyrenees around 80,000 people, including me, make a living from the aviation industry. Toulouse is home to a number of important aerospace related companies, including Airbus and the European Space…Read more »
For just over a month at the end of each year there is a Xmas Market in Toulouse, with artisanal gifts to buy and delicious seasonal treats to try. There are even a few friendly Quebecois kicking around selling poutine and queue de castor as well as maple syrup and ‘tartinade d’erable’, or maple spread…Read more »
Posted by in culture, Toulouse, travel, Uncategorized Have you ever found yourself in a foreign place, shame faced and wondering what the **** is going on? Have you ever been totally sober, entered a bar in Thailand and had a smiling Thai woman (actually maybe it was a dude?!) throw water all over you and run away? You iron your hair,…Read more »
Posted by in Haute Garonne, occitanie, travel A cure for the winter blahs! Do you feel tired and worn out this time of year? Are you wondering how you will get everything done before the holidays? Do you eagerly anticipate Christmas or does it lurk in the distance like a dark cloud of impending doom. With the approach of a long cold…Read more »
Posted by in culture, Toulouse, Uncategorized Chasing Monsters in Toulouse That’s what we did this weekend. Were you there? The people of Toulouse and their suburban neighbours and others from far and wide came to watch the most spectacular street art imaginable. The Guardian of the Temple – An Urban Street Opera I wanted to share this with you so that…Read more »
Out of the black and into the blue… Toulouse saw a period of great prosperity after the black years of the plague. In the 15th century Toulouse began to enjoy a ‘golden age’. The ‘blue gold’ of the pastel plant created great wealth in the city. La Fleurée de Pastel Isatis tinctoria: woad in English and…Read more »
