My promise was to get out and do things, and I have, even though I've neglected blogging about it so much. To sum up last weekend I spent a morning with K., her husband (who was doing carpentry in some other part of the house) and darling little N. To my surprise, within five minutes of me being in the door, N. tugged my hand till I had positioned myself on the sofa, then she crawled up onto my lap and demanded I read to her.
I'm certainly not hearing any biological clock, but I do hope to be a mother someday, and there's just something about a little child curling up in my arms that makes my heart glow.
There we were, N. and I, both eating miniature chocolate cookies, me sipping my hot tea in-between books while privileging N. to spoonfuls every now and then, she reading in French while I summarized in English... and I couldn't stop thinking how cool she was, how wonderfully trusting and carefree kids are in general at the age of 3.
They don't care if you have a zit on your face or there is a hole in your tights. They don't care that you just took a bite of the cookie you are now offering to them. Of course they will throw tantrums because you held their special barbie or skipped a page in the story, but overall, for the stuff that the rest of the world insists on, kids couldn't care less.
After story time, N., K., and I all played make believe for awhile...when the plot involved one of the tiny hand held people reading to another N insisted on a second story time for herself. After the last story, the Three Little Pigs, K and I rushed out of the house to go see Of Gods and Men (in French).
I was surprised that I kept up entirely during the movie, but then again, it's easier for me to understand french when the lips match the sounds...dubbed over American films completely lose me. Then, it was home for me and some schoolwork following my full morning with the french family.
This weekend...well I guess it might seem that I'm neglecting my promise since I plan on going nowhere. However, I need SOME time in my apartment to prepare for Martha's visit on Thursday and to get some schoolwork done. Besides, just the other night I saw Black Swan with my friend Aurore, and yesterday had lunch with my friend Laeticia. So, it's not as if I've not gotten out this week at all.
~ Tam in Toulouse
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Dinner, Prayer, & an American
Friday, after my morning classes and lunch, I met up with K. at her house to hang out for a bit before N. was finished with preschool. We set another meeting for this upcoming weekend then visited the mall that I didn't know existed to check out the soldes (sales). I really like hanging out with K. Not only does she correct my French, but I learn a lot about French culture from her. She's older than I am, but she's still a young woman, and so I feel like she has become my big sister here in Toulouse.
N. was a bit wary of me again when her mom and I picked her up from preschool, but by the time her father arrived home from work we were back to being best friends. She learned "thumb" "here" "yes" "under" "on" "horse" and (while playing hide and seek with her toys) "hide" & "I found you!". The family was gracious enough to allow me to stay for dinner which consisted of salad, bread, sausage, cabbage, cheeses, wine, and dessert. I was introduced to a cheese that tasted like a cross between Camembert and Bleu named Saint Agur. It was wonderful! During dinner, K. explained the racial histories of Gaudeloupe and Martinique. It was really interesting to hear about slavery in another country outside of America and learn more about the French islands in general. When K. dropped me off at my apartment I was full and tired from my long day, but so so happy for the time spent with such a kind family.
Last night, I attended a contemporary Catholic mass with my French friend from Le Mirail, Laeticia. Knowing that I am Protestant, she assured me that it would be very laid back and less 'Catholic' than regular mass. She was right. The mass was a mix of contemporary french worship songs, a short lesson from Matthew, 20 mins. of quite alone prayer time, and then the Lord's supper. It was great to be in church again!!! I did feel a bit sad because I couldn't take Eucharist, and a bit awkward because I didn't know all the things to repeat back to the Priest, but I really enjoyed worshipping with others and singing the songs.
After the service finished, three people appeared before me asking if I was 'Anglais' (english/British).
(I'd read the 2nd Reading in the microphone during the service and they'd picked up on my accent)
I always forget that they mean British when they say 'Anglais' because the word means English and I associate it with speaking English. Anyway, we figured out right away that I was from Mississippi and the girl speaking to me was from Pennsylvania. I embarrassingly launched myself into her arms for a big American hug. Her (french) boyfriend and their (french) friend Sam invited me to a Taize worship service on Thursday. We all entered a side chapel of the church where snacks and cider awaited us, all the while talking in a mix of French and English about why she and I were in Toulouse. Again like everyone else, she commented on how strange it was for me to be in Toulouse outside of an exchange program. She, herself, is here as an English assistant in a middle-school. After a long time talking, and becoming friends I hope, Sam graciously drove me home.
It was really nice to find another American here in Toulouse. I'm really glad she, her boyfriend, and their friend Sam introduced themselves, and I'm excited to attend taize on Thursday! It's ridiculous how everything has fallen into place this semester. French friends from Le Mirail to hang out with and sit by in class, more plans with my french family, new places to worship, and now, hopefully, an American friend. It slightly irks me that all these wonderful things happen now, when I only have 3 1/2 months left here, but perhaps that's the great thing too. There's that idea that one should leave the party during the peak, thus leaving on a high note. Cheers to finding the high note here in Toulouse!
~Tam in Toulouse
N. was a bit wary of me again when her mom and I picked her up from preschool, but by the time her father arrived home from work we were back to being best friends. She learned "thumb" "here" "yes" "under" "on" "horse" and (while playing hide and seek with her toys) "hide" & "I found you!". The family was gracious enough to allow me to stay for dinner which consisted of salad, bread, sausage, cabbage, cheeses, wine, and dessert. I was introduced to a cheese that tasted like a cross between Camembert and Bleu named Saint Agur. It was wonderful! During dinner, K. explained the racial histories of Gaudeloupe and Martinique. It was really interesting to hear about slavery in another country outside of America and learn more about the French islands in general. When K. dropped me off at my apartment I was full and tired from my long day, but so so happy for the time spent with such a kind family.
Last night, I attended a contemporary Catholic mass with my French friend from Le Mirail, Laeticia. Knowing that I am Protestant, she assured me that it would be very laid back and less 'Catholic' than regular mass. She was right. The mass was a mix of contemporary french worship songs, a short lesson from Matthew, 20 mins. of quite alone prayer time, and then the Lord's supper. It was great to be in church again!!! I did feel a bit sad because I couldn't take Eucharist, and a bit awkward because I didn't know all the things to repeat back to the Priest, but I really enjoyed worshipping with others and singing the songs.
After the service finished, three people appeared before me asking if I was 'Anglais' (english/British).
(I'd read the 2nd Reading in the microphone during the service and they'd picked up on my accent)
I always forget that they mean British when they say 'Anglais' because the word means English and I associate it with speaking English. Anyway, we figured out right away that I was from Mississippi and the girl speaking to me was from Pennsylvania. I embarrassingly launched myself into her arms for a big American hug. Her (french) boyfriend and their (french) friend Sam invited me to a Taize worship service on Thursday. We all entered a side chapel of the church where snacks and cider awaited us, all the while talking in a mix of French and English about why she and I were in Toulouse. Again like everyone else, she commented on how strange it was for me to be in Toulouse outside of an exchange program. She, herself, is here as an English assistant in a middle-school. After a long time talking, and becoming friends I hope, Sam graciously drove me home.
It was really nice to find another American here in Toulouse. I'm really glad she, her boyfriend, and their friend Sam introduced themselves, and I'm excited to attend taize on Thursday! It's ridiculous how everything has fallen into place this semester. French friends from Le Mirail to hang out with and sit by in class, more plans with my french family, new places to worship, and now, hopefully, an American friend. It slightly irks me that all these wonderful things happen now, when I only have 3 1/2 months left here, but perhaps that's the great thing too. There's that idea that one should leave the party during the peak, thus leaving on a high note. Cheers to finding the high note here in Toulouse!
~Tam in Toulouse
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Crepes, Barbies, and Make-Believe
Recipe for a fabulous day? 1 cup sunshine, 1 cup English language, a single 3 year old French girl, and a pinch of make-believe.
I visited K's house today in order to spend some time with her daughter N.
K speaks English fluently (her husband speaks it a pretty well also) but she still has the normal French accent absent of the 'th' sound, 'h' sound, full of liaisons between words ending and beginning in vowels, etc. My role is half babysitter/half English teacher for her 3 year old little girl. This morning was the first attempt for all three of us see how the idea would work out, whether N. would catch on to speaking English with me, or whether her 3 year old self would get fed up with the non-French speaking stranger in her house.
During the first thirty minutes of the morning N. gazed at me non-stop. Then, while her mother was dressing her for the day, as if she'd made up her little mind about me, N thrust a socked foot in my lap, pointed and said, "Voyez les petits coeurs la?" (See the little hearts there?). "Yes I do see the little hearts. They are pink. They are pretty." From that moment on N. and I were friends. I'm sure it helped our meeting when I threw her up into the air a few times and tickled her tiny feet a bit. We played with her doll house and the little plastic family that came with it. Many make-believe adventures were had! Over the course of the morning she picked up, "Again please." "I'm here." "Where are you?" and "Take." She repeated tons of other things and even showed off the numbers (1-5) in English and the primary colors.
For lunch, K. taught me how to make crepes without measurements (flour, eggs, skim milk, butter (if you want it), (a bit of sugar or vanilla also if you want) - then mix and mix - if consistency isn't thin and soupy add more milk till it is). N. and I split a regular crepe and one with Nutella. For the actual meal K. served up plates of ham & cheese crepes with green beans and bacon on the side. It was scrumptious!
After lunch N., K., and I played with Barbies, blocks, and a 'My Little Pony' horse, but soon it was time for me to be at University for the day. We made plans for me to come back on Friday for the afternoon and dinner. Then it was off to four hours of class to complete my long, but amazing day.
I thank the Lord that He has blessed me with good classes and professors this semester, french friends, and this French family that seems to be taking me under its wing. I can see now that I will be sad to go in May.
~Tam in Toulouse
I visited K's house today in order to spend some time with her daughter N.
K speaks English fluently (her husband speaks it a pretty well also) but she still has the normal French accent absent of the 'th' sound, 'h' sound, full of liaisons between words ending and beginning in vowels, etc. My role is half babysitter/half English teacher for her 3 year old little girl. This morning was the first attempt for all three of us see how the idea would work out, whether N. would catch on to speaking English with me, or whether her 3 year old self would get fed up with the non-French speaking stranger in her house.
During the first thirty minutes of the morning N. gazed at me non-stop. Then, while her mother was dressing her for the day, as if she'd made up her little mind about me, N thrust a socked foot in my lap, pointed and said, "Voyez les petits coeurs la?" (See the little hearts there?). "Yes I do see the little hearts. They are pink. They are pretty." From that moment on N. and I were friends. I'm sure it helped our meeting when I threw her up into the air a few times and tickled her tiny feet a bit. We played with her doll house and the little plastic family that came with it. Many make-believe adventures were had! Over the course of the morning she picked up, "Again please." "I'm here." "Where are you?" and "Take." She repeated tons of other things and even showed off the numbers (1-5) in English and the primary colors.
For lunch, K. taught me how to make crepes without measurements (flour, eggs, skim milk, butter (if you want it), (a bit of sugar or vanilla also if you want) - then mix and mix - if consistency isn't thin and soupy add more milk till it is). N. and I split a regular crepe and one with Nutella. For the actual meal K. served up plates of ham & cheese crepes with green beans and bacon on the side. It was scrumptious!
After lunch N., K., and I played with Barbies, blocks, and a 'My Little Pony' horse, but soon it was time for me to be at University for the day. We made plans for me to come back on Friday for the afternoon and dinner. Then it was off to four hours of class to complete my long, but amazing day.
I thank the Lord that He has blessed me with good classes and professors this semester, french friends, and this French family that seems to be taking me under its wing. I can see now that I will be sad to go in May.
~Tam in Toulouse
Monday, February 7, 2011
Culinary Expo
Yesterday, I woke up before the sun had risen in order to get ready for my day at the Culinary Expo here in Toulouse. I'd been asked to go by a young woman whose child I will be teaching English to regularly. I wasn't sure what to expect, and I did NOT want to be awake so early, but we were going to talk in French the whole day, sample foods and wines, and watch master chefs at work. Instead of recounting the whole day I have provided pictures below with little anecdotes or explanations. The expo was SO FUN, and I really appreciated K.'s willingness to correct my French and spent the day with me!!! The French are all about their food for good reason, they excel at anything related to it!!!
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| This, the chocolate stall, was one of probably over 100 stalls at the expo. There were stalls for buying artisan baked goods and candies. There were stalls devoted to new kitchen utensils, machines, and cookware. Anything that had to do with cooking or eating had a stall. K & I passed by the orange bread stall and the brownie stall twice to 'sample' the goods. |
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| K. graciously took a picture of me trying to crack my egg shell top. A chef was teaching watchers how to prepare eggs in their shells by removing a circle of shell at the top and floating the egg in boiling water. Once the egg was cooked, he either added cream and cinnamon or fois gras. I tried K's fois gras and she tried my whipped creme and cinnamon. Both were delicious, but I could never eat fois gras in an actual meal. |
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| This chef taught the audience how to prepare tuna in a few different ways. All of his creations looked wonderful and delicious. |
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| A creation by the chef teaching tuna. |
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| Francois the wine merchant! K. used to work with him elsewhere in France, and had no idea he'd be at the expo. When we came upon his wine stall we had the best time! He is Italian despite his French name. He speaks French, Italian, English and who knows what else. He was so charming and knowledgeable. Francois introduced me to a black cherry red wine and a strawberry red wine. Just enough fruit flavor to overcome the bitter tannins of normal red wine. Unfortunately I had no cash on me at the expo. Thankfully for me, Francois has a website and should I need some of his Italian wine back in the USA, he ships internationally! |
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After watching Chef Mael make Italian Macarons the audience got to sample some. Macarons may have taken my loyalty away from Crepes as my chosen French dessert. The are delicious tiny little cookie pastry halves with filling in between. The perfect macaron should have a little resistance when you bit into it, but the halves should be a little sticky/doughy still on the inside. K. tells me it's a hard balance to achieve between the slightly hard outer shell and the perfect sticky, but cooked, inner of the pastry halves. |
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Toulouse take 2
Today, I got out of my apartment and did something. I did something wonderfully entertaining which I will blog about in the morning after some sleep.
Right now, I want to take a moment to make a promise to myself and to anyone who reads this blog: I promise to make the most of my remaining time here.
I suppose that February to May sounds like plenty of time. Yet, when one counts the three weekends in March that I shall be traveling, the two weeks in April that I will be visiting the states, and the fact that my flight home leaves on the 26th of May...well really, aside from school during the week, I ONLY HAVE 10 FULL WEEKENDS here in Toulouse to get in as much as I can.
So, from now until I leave, EVERY weekend I will do something new and exciting either here in Toulouse or close by. This will completely mess up my budget, which I'll also have to re-do in the morning, BUT I know that it will make me happy and create lots of fun memories of my second semester here. And it will give me new blog material!
~ Tam (excited for what next weekend will bring) in Toulouse !
Right now, I want to take a moment to make a promise to myself and to anyone who reads this blog: I promise to make the most of my remaining time here.
I suppose that February to May sounds like plenty of time. Yet, when one counts the three weekends in March that I shall be traveling, the two weeks in April that I will be visiting the states, and the fact that my flight home leaves on the 26th of May...well really, aside from school during the week, I ONLY HAVE 10 FULL WEEKENDS here in Toulouse to get in as much as I can.
So, from now until I leave, EVERY weekend I will do something new and exciting either here in Toulouse or close by. This will completely mess up my budget, which I'll also have to re-do in the morning, BUT I know that it will make me happy and create lots of fun memories of my second semester here. And it will give me new blog material!
~ Tam (excited for what next weekend will bring) in Toulouse !
Friday, February 4, 2011
Dream Vacation days 10, 11, & 12
I wanted to give every detail of having Ross here in Toulouse after we visited Italy, but between my awful memory, exams, and his busy schedule we never quite figured out how all the time was spent. So here are the highlights that I can remember apart from being in class or studying for exams.
Tuesday, after classes, I showed Ross around a few of the major Toulouse tourist spots. Churches, places, etc. before it got to dark to sight see. That night we wanted to dine at the Point d'Ogre based off of rave reviews on the Internet. Unfortunately, since ALL OF EUROPE SEEMS TO SHUT DOWN FROM BEFORE CHRISTMAS TILL THE 15TH OF JANUARY (so so frustrating!!!!) the restaurant was closed. Up the street, back toward the metro, we found a yummy Italian menu set outside of what seemed to be a closed art gallery. With curiosity and caution, and a good bit of hunger, Ross and I entered the gallery. I called, but no one appeared. After we'd waited for a minute or two we decided to try the stairs to our right leading down into the basement. Voila we entered the restaurant Sazio (an Italian restaurant in Toulouse) just by descending the stairs. We were led into an old brick arched cave and seated. The cave only held maybe 100 people so it was small, but the ambiance was elegant and relaxed. Ross and I figured out the menu enough to order, and we enjoyed our pasta (he has a spicier dish while I opted for a thick four cheese casserole) . To top off the night, and the lovely meal we'd had at Sazio, we opted for delicious, decadent crepes from place Capitol.
Wednesday I finally let Ross introduce me to Kebabs for lunch at place Capitol. I'm not sure what I expected, but what a real Turkish Kebab looks like a hamburger with roast beef instead of a hamburger patty. Two buns, lettuce, cheese, tomato and meat. The meet is lamb or veal or...whatever the restaurant owners want it to be, but it's always tasty. I'm sure I was very rude when devouring my double cheese kebab sandwich with less than my usual amount of grace as Ross and I perched on a park bench in the sun. In my defense it was DELICIOUS! After classes were done for the day, we did more sight seeing. I think Ross really got to see the whole of Toulouse between going out for lunch and dinners, sight seeing, and general walking about to get to different places. For dinner, we decided on Entrecote. The menu was fixed on fries and steak at 25 euros. Reservations weren't taken and standing in line was inevitable. Some lauded it online while others called it Toulouse fast food. I just didn't know what we'd be getting, but we decided to take a risk. When we arrived at the restaurant it was completely full and we saw a line of people outside almost reaching the curb. We hopped in line and crossed our fingers. After quite a while we finally ended up inside and seated elbow to elbow with the other patrons. Taking our order wasn' t necessary since the menu was fixed. Our job was simply to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. It didn't take long to get our food. Ross and I each took a bite.....IT WAS THE BEST FOOD I'VE HAD IN TOULOUSE!!!! The steak was perfectly cooked and covered in a mysterious brownish green thick sauce that tasted like heaven. The fries were thin, admittedly just a bit greasy, but all the better for it. We gobbled up our food, exclaiming over and over in between mouthfuls how amazing it was and wondering what spices were in the fantastic sauce. They offered us more fries, but Ross and I weren't interested. We both wanted more steak! Full from our steak, french fries, and chocolate-something or other-powdered sugar-ice cream dessert we stepped back out into the cold. ENTRECOTE was AMAZING!!! We walked along the Barcelona Canal for a long time after dinner, chatting and talking about different things, my mittened hand in Ross'. The night was perfect.
Thursday was Ross' last day in Toulouse. I wanted to rebel somehow. I seriously considered not attending any of my classes. Then again, I only had one 8 am class. The downside was forcing myself out of bed at the crack of dawn. The upside was knowing I could return to my apartment and nap until a more reasonable hour afterward. That's just what I did too. Class then more sleep. One I was awake for the day Ross and I went to Delices de Toulouse. We picked up a few goodies for his Mom and some for ourselves as well. From there we walked toward place Capitol for smoothies down rue Taur. It was that awkward few hours between lunch and dinner but we needed something to tide us over till a real meal later. Smoothies, wonderful smoothies make from fresh ingredients, in hand I dragged Ross into a gourmet chocolate shop back up Taur toward Capitol. After looking at absolutely everything I settled on a small baggie of individual hand made chocolates filled with caramel, coffee, cherry, and anything else that sounded heavenly. Back to the apartment to drop of my chocolates and for me to grab a warmer jacket, then it was out for the last dinner in Toulouse. I had to get Ross to try the dish of Toulouse, or at least of south-western France, Cassoulet.
We found 'the' cassoulet restaurant of Toulouse, Le Colombier (which honestly looked a bit overpriced and stuffy to me) but boasted fantastic reviews and awards for their cassoulet. Ross and I both ordered, then waited impatiently but nervously for our dishes. I knew that cassoulet was a meat and bean stew. Ross, wanted to know specifically what it was, which unfortunately I couldn't precisely say since I didn't know either. The actual stew surpassed anything we were expecting. It was full of white beans and full of various meats. Ross and I agreed that we both had pork, fish, and a small leg of something. So what if we couldn't exactly say what we were eating, it was the perfect amount of heartiness, spiciness, and plain yumminess. I don't know if either of us would say it trumped Entrecote, but that's our American palate preference for steak and fries, but I think we both agreed it was our second best meal in Toulouse. From our late dinner it was time for the early to bed, obscenely early to rise routine because I was accompanying Ross to the airport the next morning to see him off.
The time in Toulouse was....perfection.
Tuesday, after classes, I showed Ross around a few of the major Toulouse tourist spots. Churches, places, etc. before it got to dark to sight see. That night we wanted to dine at the Point d'Ogre based off of rave reviews on the Internet. Unfortunately, since ALL OF EUROPE SEEMS TO SHUT DOWN FROM BEFORE CHRISTMAS TILL THE 15TH OF JANUARY (so so frustrating!!!!) the restaurant was closed. Up the street, back toward the metro, we found a yummy Italian menu set outside of what seemed to be a closed art gallery. With curiosity and caution, and a good bit of hunger, Ross and I entered the gallery. I called, but no one appeared. After we'd waited for a minute or two we decided to try the stairs to our right leading down into the basement. Voila we entered the restaurant Sazio (an Italian restaurant in Toulouse) just by descending the stairs. We were led into an old brick arched cave and seated. The cave only held maybe 100 people so it was small, but the ambiance was elegant and relaxed. Ross and I figured out the menu enough to order, and we enjoyed our pasta (he has a spicier dish while I opted for a thick four cheese casserole) . To top off the night, and the lovely meal we'd had at Sazio, we opted for delicious, decadent crepes from place Capitol.
Wednesday I finally let Ross introduce me to Kebabs for lunch at place Capitol. I'm not sure what I expected, but what a real Turkish Kebab looks like a hamburger with roast beef instead of a hamburger patty. Two buns, lettuce, cheese, tomato and meat. The meet is lamb or veal or...whatever the restaurant owners want it to be, but it's always tasty. I'm sure I was very rude when devouring my double cheese kebab sandwich with less than my usual amount of grace as Ross and I perched on a park bench in the sun. In my defense it was DELICIOUS! After classes were done for the day, we did more sight seeing. I think Ross really got to see the whole of Toulouse between going out for lunch and dinners, sight seeing, and general walking about to get to different places. For dinner, we decided on Entrecote. The menu was fixed on fries and steak at 25 euros. Reservations weren't taken and standing in line was inevitable. Some lauded it online while others called it Toulouse fast food. I just didn't know what we'd be getting, but we decided to take a risk. When we arrived at the restaurant it was completely full and we saw a line of people outside almost reaching the curb. We hopped in line and crossed our fingers. After quite a while we finally ended up inside and seated elbow to elbow with the other patrons. Taking our order wasn' t necessary since the menu was fixed. Our job was simply to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. It didn't take long to get our food. Ross and I each took a bite.....IT WAS THE BEST FOOD I'VE HAD IN TOULOUSE!!!! The steak was perfectly cooked and covered in a mysterious brownish green thick sauce that tasted like heaven. The fries were thin, admittedly just a bit greasy, but all the better for it. We gobbled up our food, exclaiming over and over in between mouthfuls how amazing it was and wondering what spices were in the fantastic sauce. They offered us more fries, but Ross and I weren't interested. We both wanted more steak! Full from our steak, french fries, and chocolate-something or other-powdered sugar-ice cream dessert we stepped back out into the cold. ENTRECOTE was AMAZING!!! We walked along the Barcelona Canal for a long time after dinner, chatting and talking about different things, my mittened hand in Ross'. The night was perfect.
Thursday was Ross' last day in Toulouse. I wanted to rebel somehow. I seriously considered not attending any of my classes. Then again, I only had one 8 am class. The downside was forcing myself out of bed at the crack of dawn. The upside was knowing I could return to my apartment and nap until a more reasonable hour afterward. That's just what I did too. Class then more sleep. One I was awake for the day Ross and I went to Delices de Toulouse. We picked up a few goodies for his Mom and some for ourselves as well. From there we walked toward place Capitol for smoothies down rue Taur. It was that awkward few hours between lunch and dinner but we needed something to tide us over till a real meal later. Smoothies, wonderful smoothies make from fresh ingredients, in hand I dragged Ross into a gourmet chocolate shop back up Taur toward Capitol. After looking at absolutely everything I settled on a small baggie of individual hand made chocolates filled with caramel, coffee, cherry, and anything else that sounded heavenly. Back to the apartment to drop of my chocolates and for me to grab a warmer jacket, then it was out for the last dinner in Toulouse. I had to get Ross to try the dish of Toulouse, or at least of south-western France, Cassoulet.
We found 'the' cassoulet restaurant of Toulouse, Le Colombier (which honestly looked a bit overpriced and stuffy to me) but boasted fantastic reviews and awards for their cassoulet. Ross and I both ordered, then waited impatiently but nervously for our dishes. I knew that cassoulet was a meat and bean stew. Ross, wanted to know specifically what it was, which unfortunately I couldn't precisely say since I didn't know either. The actual stew surpassed anything we were expecting. It was full of white beans and full of various meats. Ross and I agreed that we both had pork, fish, and a small leg of something. So what if we couldn't exactly say what we were eating, it was the perfect amount of heartiness, spiciness, and plain yumminess. I don't know if either of us would say it trumped Entrecote, but that's our American palate preference for steak and fries, but I think we both agreed it was our second best meal in Toulouse. From our late dinner it was time for the early to bed, obscenely early to rise routine because I was accompanying Ross to the airport the next morning to see him off.
The time in Toulouse was....perfection.
Settled at last
I adore my block. I've said it multiple times. Located on my block is a little supermarket maybe 30 feet by 30 feet that I visit almost daily for groceries and household items. About a month ago my grocer disappeared. His wife, who usually gives me advice on cooking, also disappeared. In their place was another husband/wife duo that kind of looked the same as the original couple but was definitely not the original couple. The new wife didn't tell me how to cook things. The new gentleman didn't flash me a kind smile and automatically know to repeat the total cost twice (I need two times to understand). They were nice enough, but they weren't MY supermarket pair.
Today, I walked into the supermarket and found my original supermarket duo back in their usual places as if they'd never left. When it was my turn at the counter I couldn't contain my relief. "You left me. I mean, you left for a bit." "No. No. It was just a vacation." "So, you aren't leaving again?" "No. We're back now." "You are resting here?" "Yes." With a big grin, au revoir, and bientot I left the supermarket happier than when I'd entered. It dawned on me walking to my apartment that I was so happy to have my supermarket couple back because they know I am foreign, they always speak slowly to me in French, and recognize when I seem bewildered or cannot find something in the store. In a city as big as Toulouse, and because I'm not a native speaker of French, having someone 'know' me in such a way brings unique peace of mind. To have a regular place, even if it is a grocery store, is comforting and makes Toulouse seem like 'home' instead of just a place I'm staying this year. I have 'my' block, 'my' supermarket couple, 'my' bakery...etc. I'm finally settled and happy here. I can say, "I usually do this or go here" or "this is always" because I've been here long enough to know the ropes. Finally, I am ccompletely blissful just existing in Toulouse. The added bonus being that my supermarket duo is back!
Today, I walked into the supermarket and found my original supermarket duo back in their usual places as if they'd never left. When it was my turn at the counter I couldn't contain my relief. "You left me. I mean, you left for a bit." "No. No. It was just a vacation." "So, you aren't leaving again?" "No. We're back now." "You are resting here?" "Yes." With a big grin, au revoir, and bientot I left the supermarket happier than when I'd entered. It dawned on me walking to my apartment that I was so happy to have my supermarket couple back because they know I am foreign, they always speak slowly to me in French, and recognize when I seem bewildered or cannot find something in the store. In a city as big as Toulouse, and because I'm not a native speaker of French, having someone 'know' me in such a way brings unique peace of mind. To have a regular place, even if it is a grocery store, is comforting and makes Toulouse seem like 'home' instead of just a place I'm staying this year. I have 'my' block, 'my' supermarket couple, 'my' bakery...etc. I'm finally settled and happy here. I can say, "I usually do this or go here" or "this is always" because I've been here long enough to know the ropes. Finally, I am ccompletely blissful just existing in Toulouse. The added bonus being that my supermarket duo is back!
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