Toulouse

Friday 19 December

Everyone was refreshed & ready to explore Toulouse properly. A university town, the streets were teeming with young people - not too many old people around at all. We wandered all around the old town, once again walking miles.

First stop and a real highlight was the Augustine monastery which was turned into a museum in the 1700's shortly after the Louvre was established. Our intended 15 minute quick "look around" took well over an hour as it was a fascinating building with fabulous displays of gargoyles, paintings & sculpture. Next stop was another gallery, this time set out as a furnished property of the 17th & 18th centuries. Some incredible pieces on display. We continued wandering down to the river & through town, visiting the obligatory cathedral's & other huge old buildings, before deciding that the cold & drizzle was enough to send us back to our cosy nest. As Simon's tension was now palpable, Steve & Bron decided to leave the two "little-un's" & ventured out to wander & discover on our own, however even we decided after a while that it was all a bit too miserable.

Dinner for our last night in Toulouse was at a gorgeous little resturant near the end of our street. Bronwen had a regional specialty of cassaulet - hearty, warm & delicious; Simon & Steve demolished the fois gras & charcuterie selection, while Rose (amazingly) consumed a huge salmon steak. It was all very interesting as our french, the staff's english & the menu descriptions still left us wondering what we had actually ordered.

A final highlight of the day was wandering back late to our apartment & passing the huge Basilica St Sernin where a choir was performing with the enormous pipe organ accompanying some stunning music. It was a truly moving & memorable experience.

Back at the apartment tension was running high. Results had been SMS'd to the year 12 students and many back home had already received their's. Simon was incredibly nervous. Eventually we received an SMS requesting his code. Another hour & we finally decided to call it a day & go to bed to wait until morning (by now it was nearly 2am). An early start for our departure - Simon's SMS was waiting. Good news - he got the OP he was hoping for; smiles & happiness all round!!