Toulouse is also known as The Rose City because of its red brick buildings. The bricks are long and thin and reminded us of the buildings in Pompeii. I guess the Romans are responsible for this feature. The centre, where we were staying, is dominated by The Capitoleum, a local government building on a large, busy square with cafes along the opposite side and various events staged in the centre. In the short time we were in the city there was a bustling market, a tented protest/artist’s event, anti racism protest, various musical events and an exhibition of Toulouse’s multi-cultural diversity. There is a great mix of ethnicities in the city which is reflected in their music, shops, cafes, restaurants etc. Toulouse is also, of course, a university town so there are many students on bikes and mopeds. We were especially enthralled when, on Saturday afternoon, people began to arrive on the square with sofas and arm chairs. At first I thought it was a street act but as we walked back through the square later in the evening there were groups of young people arranged on the sofas and chairs having a good time with friends, listening to music or even making their own music! What a great way to spend an evening with friends! Like an evening in, but out!
One drawback of having a room overlooking the square was a certain amount of noise from the crowds but they were very good natured, no loud drunkenness and the music and drumming stopped before midnight. In the morning the square was clear and ready for another series of events.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Toulouse tales
I’m not a novice traveller but I still sometimes, inadvertently, behave like one. Leaving passports in airport security is a basic blunder that most but the scattiest travellers can avoid. Unfortunately, on this occasion it is I who will provide the humorous tale to be retold in the security staff’s coffee breaks. Going through security at Aberdeen airport, I laid our passports down in order to put my shoes back on and collect my bag and camera. Sean had gone into the second security queue so when he came through we walked away to check into the lounge. It was only when I was looking for my lounge membership card that I realised I didn’t have the passports!
I ran back to security and as I approached it was obvious that the security staff were ready to have a joke at my expense. Had I changed my mind about travelling today they inquired. Yes, they did have two passports but could I confirm the names before they handed them back!
Oh well, never a dull moment!
Paris CDG is not our favourite airport but it was the cheapest available option for a connection to Toulouse on this trip. One of the major problems we always have in CDG is the short connection times and the distance between arrival and departure gates. This time the pilot decided to land at the northernmost runway and taxi for 15 minutes to the southernmost point before parking up several miles from the terminal so we had to get a bus back to drop us off in the wrong area and then do a sprint across to the right gate!
We made it in time and joined yet another security queue behind the French equivalent of the Bullingdon Club, one of whom was wearing a Dominique Strauss-Kahn mask. Oh what hilarity! His chums were finding all so amusing.
Our flight was boarding as we got through security so at least we didn’t have to wait around at the departure gates. One of the other reasons I dislike CDG is the total lack of decent facilities at departures. The cafes are tiny and crowded and there are no interesting shops for browsing.
Usually on arrival in Toulouse we head straight for the hire car and drive south but this time we had booked a hotel in Toulouse for a couple of nights where Tony and Sue would join us before we went south to their house. Our taxi driver from the airport to the Grand Balcon Hotel was very chatty so my limited school girl French was fully tested! I even managed to check into the hotel without resorting to my usual plea that they speak English!
It is a lovely boutique hotel right in the centre of the city overlooking the main square, known as Le Capitole. There is a general 1930s flight theme and I believe St. Exupery stayed there. The decor is black and white with paintings of monochrome clouds on walls and ceilings. We had the suite on the 2nd floor.
As suites go, it was small but very comfortable. There were a couple of quirky features though, that I will relate here. The en-suite shower room was beautiful, with a large walk in shower and His and Her modern wash hand basins. Nothing unusual there, except that there wasn’t a door on it! Direct, unhindered access from the bedroom!
Over the bed there was a smoked glass picture of clouds in grey and black tones. Or I thought it was a picture! On closer inspection, we discovered it was a window...into the shower! As I said to Sean, after 30+ years together I think we know each other well enough for this not to faze us too much!
I ran back to security and as I approached it was obvious that the security staff were ready to have a joke at my expense. Had I changed my mind about travelling today they inquired. Yes, they did have two passports but could I confirm the names before they handed them back!
Oh well, never a dull moment!
Paris CDG is not our favourite airport but it was the cheapest available option for a connection to Toulouse on this trip. One of the major problems we always have in CDG is the short connection times and the distance between arrival and departure gates. This time the pilot decided to land at the northernmost runway and taxi for 15 minutes to the southernmost point before parking up several miles from the terminal so we had to get a bus back to drop us off in the wrong area and then do a sprint across to the right gate!
We made it in time and joined yet another security queue behind the French equivalent of the Bullingdon Club, one of whom was wearing a Dominique Strauss-Kahn mask. Oh what hilarity! His chums were finding all so amusing.
Our flight was boarding as we got through security so at least we didn’t have to wait around at the departure gates. One of the other reasons I dislike CDG is the total lack of decent facilities at departures. The cafes are tiny and crowded and there are no interesting shops for browsing.
Usually on arrival in Toulouse we head straight for the hire car and drive south but this time we had booked a hotel in Toulouse for a couple of nights where Tony and Sue would join us before we went south to their house. Our taxi driver from the airport to the Grand Balcon Hotel was very chatty so my limited school girl French was fully tested! I even managed to check into the hotel without resorting to my usual plea that they speak English!
It is a lovely boutique hotel right in the centre of the city overlooking the main square, known as Le Capitole. There is a general 1930s flight theme and I believe St. Exupery stayed there. The decor is black and white with paintings of monochrome clouds on walls and ceilings. We had the suite on the 2nd floor.
As suites go, it was small but very comfortable. There were a couple of quirky features though, that I will relate here. The en-suite shower room was beautiful, with a large walk in shower and His and Her modern wash hand basins. Nothing unusual there, except that there wasn’t a door on it! Direct, unhindered access from the bedroom!
Over the bed there was a smoked glass picture of clouds in grey and black tones. Or I thought it was a picture! On closer inspection, we discovered it was a window...into the shower! As I said to Sean, after 30+ years together I think we know each other well enough for this not to faze us too much!
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