So I briefly went surfing around the blog-o-sphere today to see how Matt in France stacks up against other blogs. They might have cooler layouts, profound messages and correct grammar, but I have a photo of a cow wearing a beret. (I also have others of things Im talking about in the blog, but for those you have to check the last post and go to Picasa)
As alluded to, we went to Carcassonne on Saturday. It was really really cool. The gloomy, overcast sky as we approached the walls of this Medieval city made us (or at least me) feel like a perfect day to besiege a city. Our train dropped us off in the "New" city (its only like 400 years old) and we had to walk up to the old walled city. I couldn't help but imagining being back in the day, on a horse, with armor on, and someone yelling attack. Seeing as the city is on top of a very steep hill, in encompassed by a 15 foot wall, and Im just generally a nancy-boy, that order would quickly be followed by "Run Away!!!!" Just upon getting in the city we churched it up. Not really my thing, but it was a cool church and there was a Russian vocal quintet that was quite good.
Next we lunched. Dr. Bell told us she knew a good restaurant, and if there's one thing I learned on this trip, it's listen to DB when she talks about food. I took extensive notes on the meal and even tried my hand at being a food critic; unfortunately, the only piece of paper I had was the back of my homework i had to turn in today. Ill be sure to post it when I get that back. All I'll say now is: "BON"
After the 2hr lunch, we decided to take the Museum of Torture. About as pleasant as it sounds. Sometimes I find the atrocities against humanity incomprehensible, and this museum was truly a testament to the damages of hate and intolerance.
We left Carcassonne after some light meandering.
Enough of the heavy stuff, and time for a new "In France" feature: How to ________ like a Frenchman.
Every post, Im going to pick something I've learned how to do like a Frenchman and explain it.
How to Strike Like a Frenchman
The short answer would be prolifically. The tramway workers strike every weekend, but its not a "Everyone get your picket signs, we're going to hold this city at it knees by denying it tram service", its more of a "half of us will strike from our houses while the trams operate but less frequently." When I tried to explain to my host Mom that their annual wage-loss exceeds what they are demanding out of the strike.... well lets just say it got lost in translation. Annick herself is striking tomorrow because the retirement age was raised from 60 to 62. She doesnt know where the assemblance will be, but she already has an plans to go out with her friends. Even the French soccer team went on strike (my original idea was "How to be a fair weather soccer fan like a Frenchman") from practicing DURING THE WORLD CUP. Still angry.
Sunday we went to Saint-Guilhem le Desert. I think this wins coolest experience in France (so far). As we walked into this beautiful small town, I noticed there was not to much to do, but by hazard, I noticed some ruins on the top of the mountain. The man at the Tourism office said it would take 1.5 hours each way. I had 2 hours until the bus left. Bring it. I start at breakneck speed up this mountain. With a little help from other hikers, I found the little path that led there. (This is where Dr. Bell and anyone associated with UGA insurance should stop reading) and the sign that said it was closed. About 5 minutes down that path, the shrubs start to get a little more dense, but I endure. (This is where Mom should probably stop reading). Then the path stopped, so I dropped my pack and kept on going. After a few minutes of bushwacking, I decided to turn back, found my pack, took out my waterbottle for a drink. Behold the ruin, about 20 feet from where I had set my pack. It was spectacular from the top, the pictures dont come close to doing it justice.
Next we went to this cool cave. It was Way too touristy for my taste, however the lightshow (especially the music) was AWESOME (sarcastically, check out the video on Picasa) Yazz and I were super-disappointed that DB didnt let us go back through a second time.
Yesterday was the Montpellier Music Festival. It occurs in every French city on the summer solstice. It was really really cool. Bands everywhere; literally everywhere. I was a little bummed that it was on a Monday (class the next day) but it was really culturally relieving that such a huge event (the streets were packed) could happen on a Monday.
I hope you enjoyed my manifesto,
A bientot
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