geeteetravels

Last day here before we hit the road. In retrospect we should have arranged to have the first day’s hotel available when we arrived in the morning, and then left today. Beautiful warm sunny day (25°) and I need sunscreen after neglecting it yesterday. We took another of the self-guided walking tours and hit another museum/gallery. Sat on the bank of the Garonne for lunch and I ate my lovely baguette sandwich while Tara had more yogurt, muesli, and fruit.
We came back to the hotel early so I could get at the bike. I had scored at a big sports store, replacing the CO2 cartridges I had confiscated. I then fixed the flat, inflated the tires, and did a few adjustments. Ready to go I think.

Early coffee in the sun.

The local (almost) free bike system, used heavily by the Toulousians.

Attracted to plants that actually grow.

Catching rays at lunch.

On the bank of the Garonne, a free ride to the Atlantic.

A few 15th century wood frame houses remain.

We slept late due to jetlag and utter exhaustion, it felt great.  For breakfast George had a delicious looking chocolate croissant while I had to settle for the usual cereal and fruit as I am not keen to test out the french health care system. 
Our first stop was the Augustin museum in a 12th century  monastary.  We enjoyed the collection of gargoyles and the more modern paintings/art by Toulouse Latrec, Manet, and others. Next we set off on a walking tour of 16th century Toulousian mansions.  This was a prosperous time for the city due to the pastel dye industry. 
Along the way we also enjoyed various parks and cafes.  No rain today. 
For supper George wanted Cassoulet, famous in this area, so we found a good restaurant with a Cassoulet special and were seated. Unfortunately they were out so the hunt for good Cassoulet continues.
We assembled the bike in the hotel dining room (very accommodating hotelier) and discovered a flat front tire so the search for CO2 cartridges becomes more real.

I love gargoyles.

Depiction of a damsel's nightmare.

Narrow streets and old mansions.

Canal due midi, our bike route starting Wednesday.

We flew into Toulouse in an uneventful manner, at least as uneventful as traveling with a tandem can be. There still was the bit when I had to remove most of the intricately packed bike from the case for a personal inspection because it would not fit through the x-ray scanner even though the case is within normal luggage dimensions. And there was the confiscation of 6 CO2 cartridges (in checked luggage).
No matter! We are here! The Toulouse airport and bus into the city was a breeze, unlike the zoo on the riviera last year. Found the hotel easily, left the luggage at the desk until we could check in 4 hours later and went to look around. It was showering fairly heavily but so what; it is forecast to be much improved tomorrow on. We had some good luck and some bad. First Sunday of each month museum and gallery entrances are free in France (today). But coming a little before tourist season gets fully underway means some attractions are closed for renovations, which was the case for a contemporary gallery we set out for in the rain. Again, no matter, lots to see and drink and eat. We went back, checked in, and had a very sound 2+ hour nap before looking for dinner.  Most restaurants are shut Sundays but that merely cut down the number of choices to something manageable. After a low key crêpe supper we are finally crashed for the night!

Gearing up for the Grand Prix in Montreal

Starting the trip with bubbles.

Plane trees have beautiful coloured bark when wet.

A wee bit damp out

The proper end to a day in Toulouse