Monday, Monday

Inside one of the "huts" at Gambetta

Jerry and Diane have set off on their own adventure today, taking the train to the coast. It gladdens my heart to see them making themselves at home here in the Languedoc, which I have come to love so much.  I imagine this is how a parent feels upon sending a child to school for the first time.  They depart for London on Thursday evening, and Bob and Chris are leaving on Friday.  I think I might be a bit lonely when everyone has gone.

The Gambetta carousel

We have so filled the days since their arrival; when I look back upon what we've seen and experienced, I realize why I am exhausted.  Today I am sticking close to home--I will go out for the paper and to take out the recycling and the trash, but otherwise I intend to be home.  A load of dark clothes are in the spin cycle as I write this, and the drying rack is set up and waiting. It's going to be another magnificently sunny day, not too cold and my window seat is begging to be occupied. I have district work to do as well as some writing that came to me at 3:15 this morning.

Pere Noel is not just for kids

 

Frankly, I need some time to process all that I have seen in the past few days:  Pere Noel (a.k.a. Pope Santa);  the torch parade; the two choir concerts; the magic of the Christmas displays, Jerry's playing with the jazz combo...our 1 Euro train trip to Limoux, and our outing to the wilds of the Gorges de Galamus.   I am still vibrating inside from the Soweto concert yesterday.  Carcassonne has only about 50,000 people, but it is a vibrant city; there is always plenty to see and to do.  I am so lucky to be here, and I am grateful every day.

The swoopy, loopy blue lights at Gambetta

Note the penguins at the base of the tree

It's a holiday

Simple and effective

I love this tree

These are like nesting dolls

Lights of the Porte des Jacobins, going into the Bastide

I was here--I finally got Diane to take a photo of me on the Pont Vieux as proof that I really was here.  Sometimes, it's hard to believe.

A windy day on the Pont Vieux