My brother and I had gone through a long day. A long couple of days, as a matter of fact.
But on this day, we had done a lot of walking. We were enjoying what probably ranked as the best meal of the trip, with a specialized version of cassoulet, the local speciality of this region, and a Creme Brule a la violet (another Toulouse specialty) for dessert. We both were relaxing and enjoying the ambiance of the city.
It had still been light out when we first sat down to eat. But one of the charms of Europe is that you are expected to take your time and enjoy a meal. Eating outside or enjoying a drink at a sidewalk café is supposed to be enjoyed on multiple levels.
It is part of what the French would call "savoir vivre." And since we are both French, we knew all of this and enjoyed it. It is a real break from the American way of rushing meals, where fifteen minute lunch breaks and rushed eating in the car after waiting on line to order at the drive thru to take your food and go are certainly not unheard of. While there is undeniably something to be said for efficiency and productivity,it sometimes feels like that concept is taken to unhealthy extremes far too frequently in the United States. Indulging in a nice meal with good conversation in a city oozing with atmosphere has always been a refreshing break from that more rushed and less joyful approach more common in the United States.
As we were finishing our meals, it occurred to me that perhaps I was not quite ready to call it a night just yet. However, my brother has been sick and unusually weak throughout the trip. So we agreed that I would give him the hotel key card, while I would go on and stroll through the city while snapping some pictures of the sites at night.
Mostly, I focused on the Capitole, the large and beautiful square that is the most famous landmark of this city. It was nearby, so I started there. Then I made my way to the Basilique Sant-Sernin, a beautiful church located at the site of a fourth century abbey. As I understand it, parts of the original church are now part of the structure. It is a beautiful place, but the floodlights illuminating it at night make this place look and feel dazzling.
Below are some pictures from my night out in Toulouse, the "ville rose, " or pink city (so called because of the pinkish-reddish color of many, if not most, of the buildings located in the centre villle, or the downtown area.
Enjoy.
