It is indeed a lovely village. And my trip is not yet over! On Saturday I head to Pau at the foot of the Pyrenees for a weeklong writing retreat. I couldn’t wish for a richer time away from the insanity at home.
I'm not steady enough on my feet these days to participate in marches and demonstrations, but LOVED the Facebook reports from my friends across the country and here in Richmond, VA. The country appears to be united against Trump! I am grateful to all who demonstrated and proud that I am still a citizen of a democracy, however fragile it has begun to seem.
My ex lives at a retirement facility and many of the showed up in front of their building with their signs and their walkers. It's certainly heartening to see so many out there.
Report on Hotel de France in Toulouse: Nice hotel, teeny room but good price and fantastic location near lots of places to eat, things to see. 14-minute walk from the train station, even with my BAG. Definitely worth a weekend visit.
You BET I participated! In Nashville thousands and thousands (I couldn't even guesstimate!) showed up! It was the best protest YET! My 2 beautiful daughters and I were SO PROUD to be among all the people who collectively want to save our democracy.
Was out in the Manhattan protests in rainy drizzle. No fancy signage. I wrote NO KINGS in yellow duct tape on the front and back of my rain poncho. So glad to be a part of this. Funny I commented the only thing missing from the 1973 anti-war protests ( which certainly made a difference in our history) was the smell of tear gas mixed with weed. Now pot is legal, but out here yesterday seemed very serious. Less smell of weed than on typical day on NYC's streets.
What a lovely trip—even the long day on multiple vehicles will be a great memory. Always tough to leave family and return home, but you’ve got some beautiful pictures!
I even omitted a major screwup in Montpellier because I was unaware there were two train stations, and they were 45 minutes apart, causing me to miss my connection… adding an additional change in Narbonne and two extra hours. Still, so grateful to be able to make this trip at all!
I actually left out one stop that resulted from me not realizing Montpellier had two train stations… so I missed the planned train and made an extra stop and change in Narbonne. The story had gotten too complicated already and I just wanted to get it out!
Great explanation of the train system and your route! I love the trains in France and traveling first class when I can. I'm fascinated by the small town or hamlet Christine lives in. You had prunes on your mind when you were preparing them for your friend. My French friend Marion has a granddaughter named Pruneau! Enjoy and excited to hear more about your travels when you return! Margie
What a lovely village to end your vacation in France....
It is indeed a lovely village. And my trip is not yet over! On Saturday I head to Pau at the foot of the Pyrenees for a weeklong writing retreat. I couldn’t wish for a richer time away from the insanity at home.
I like your sign!!!
It was fun to make. Next demonstration I’m going to host a sign- making party.
I'm not steady enough on my feet these days to participate in marches and demonstrations, but LOVED the Facebook reports from my friends across the country and here in Richmond, VA. The country appears to be united against Trump! I am grateful to all who demonstrated and proud that I am still a citizen of a democracy, however fragile it has begun to seem.
My ex lives at a retirement facility and many of the showed up in front of their building with their signs and their walkers. It's certainly heartening to see so many out there.
Love ❤️ and sharing it . Thanks so much Joy for being so alive and awesome !
Report on Hotel de France in Toulouse: Nice hotel, teeny room but good price and fantastic location near lots of places to eat, things to see. 14-minute walk from the train station, even with my BAG. Definitely worth a weekend visit.
You BET I participated! In Nashville thousands and thousands (I couldn't even guesstimate!) showed up! It was the best protest YET! My 2 beautiful daughters and I were SO PROUD to be among all the people who collectively want to save our democracy.
Yay you! Yay Nashville!
Was out in the Manhattan protests in rainy drizzle. No fancy signage. I wrote NO KINGS in yellow duct tape on the front and back of my rain poncho. So glad to be a part of this. Funny I commented the only thing missing from the 1973 anti-war protests ( which certainly made a difference in our history) was the smell of tear gas mixed with weed. Now pot is legal, but out here yesterday seemed very serious. Less smell of weed than on typical day on NYC's streets.
The NYC protest looked massive! and in the rain too.
Poncho signage--very creative!
Ooh lucky you! A dream trip.
No kidding. It concluded with a writing retreat near Pau, in the foothills of the Pyrenees: https://atelier.clos-mirabel.com/ I hated to leave.
What a fabulous adventure. Your pictures are beautiful.
Thanks, Anne. I’m wringing every ounce of beauty I can find out of this trip. Grateful to still be strong and healthy enough to do it.
What a lovely trip—even the long day on multiple vehicles will be a great memory. Always tough to leave family and return home, but you’ve got some beautiful pictures!
I even omitted a major screwup in Montpellier because I was unaware there were two train stations, and they were 45 minutes apart, causing me to miss my connection… adding an additional change in Narbonne and two extra hours. Still, so grateful to be able to make this trip at all!
I actually left out one stop that resulted from me not realizing Montpellier had two train stations… so I missed the planned train and made an extra stop and change in Narbonne. The story had gotten too complicated already and I just wanted to get it out!
Great explanation of the train system and your route! I love the trains in France and traveling first class when I can. I'm fascinated by the small town or hamlet Christine lives in. You had prunes on your mind when you were preparing them for your friend. My French friend Marion has a granddaughter named Pruneau! Enjoy and excited to hear more about your travels when you return! Margie
The trains are amaaazing. I shouldn’t grumble - Amtrak on its best routes can’t hold a candle.
Thanks again Joy for the feedback and planning to go and spend a few days in Toulouse with Don….hugs.