Carcassonne Adventure: Late Autumn Morning

I was up early this morning in spite of a restless night. Maybe there is some truth to the old adage about a full moon disturbing one's sleep patterns. The moon was playing hide and seek among the clouds. It looked so small, but very bright. After my morning routine and a cup of coffee, I set out for the day.

I stopped in at a free exhibit that explains the history of Carcassonne, and places the developments here along a timeline that shows other notable events of the time elsewhere in France. I was struck by how often this place has been fought over...and the winners often burned the place to the ground. What a waste. The historical record goes back hundreds of years, which is interesting enough, but the stories of the people who lived here are what really pique my curiosity---who they were, how they dressed, what a typical day was like. What made them happy? What was it like to be a woman then? Oh won't someone please hurry and invent that time travel machine?

What stories could these ancient stones tell?

Spent the morning along the Canal du Midi, near the train station, walking along the graveled path, in the shade. It's a beautiful day here: sunny and mild. The Canal is so small. It must have seemed immense to the men who had to dig it, and to the people who once used it. The Place is getting ready for the Fete--the vendors were setting up their tents in preparation for the crowds. One vendor was already busy, roasting chestnuts.

I found a quiet spot in the park and spent several hours writing. I suddenly realized I was hungry and made my way back home. Today I realized that the Bastide, where I live, is actually rather compact. It's walkable from one end to the other in probably 10 minutes, if one doesn't stop to "lick the windows." (window shop) The Jardin Andre Chenier has a definite turn of the season feel to it--you know, that sort of dry brittleness that comes at the end of summer. It has a smell all its own. They are forecasting storms for Sunday, so those trees may lose more of their leaves.

A boat of one of the companies that offer cruises on the Canal. There is a lock on the other side of the bridge.

I watched some man take his bicycle off this barge and pedal off, probably to go get groceries. I saw lots of people simply sitting on deck, reading and having what I presume was coffee.