I just got back from the fair city of Toulouse France for business (and perhaps a little pleasure). There were plenty of long days at the office so the weekend was all mine. I took a bus ride with friends to a city called Roquefort, Millau (for the Viaduc) and Peyre. A fairly long drive and a big thanks to John for letting me tag along. The viaduc has the tallest pillar and is the longest bridge of its type in the world. the tallest pillar is higher then the Eiffel tower, very impressive.
Me at the pull out for a nice view of the Viaduc above Millau.
Cheese aging a natural cave.
Roquefort is famous for the cheese they produce and age in caves for a minimum of 6months. Only cheese aged in these caves can be called Roquefort, about 7km long by 300yards wide. I tried some and it is quite good but extremely strong.
Bryan holding up the Viaduc, thankfully he was there or the whole thing may have come down.
Bryan holding up the Viaduc, thankfully he was there or the whole thing may have come down.
A Troglodyte church in Peyre.
Peyre is a small city near Millau that is built into a cliff. A very picturesque city though there was very little activity so not sure how many people actually live in this city anymore. Great view of the Viaduc from here. The city is on a list of "most beautiful cities of France" but very few people (in Toulouse anyway) knew of the city.
Pont Neuf bridge in Toulouse.
On Sunday I walked around town after a very long night of sleep. The Pont Neuf bridge (new bridge) is actually the oldest bridge in Toulouse. There was a art show going on down by the river so it was nice to walk along the water and view the French art.
Matthieu and Marie at L'anciene Belgique
A goal of mine during the trip was to visit some good beer bars in Toulouse. I visited a couple and the best was the L'ancienne Belgique (Belgian) bar. The bar was quite hot so we drank outside with my colleague Matthieu and his wife (thanks for the company). We had a laugh because a drunk guy got in some trouble with the people and there was a bit of fisticuffs. I was sure to let them know that I did not feel safe in this dangerous city (not true of course but funny).
And on my last day I snapped a picture of the hotel I stayed at in Toulouse and Rogelio whom I work with in Tempe. He is still having fun in Tls while I try to get rid of the jetlag. I do not like seeing 4am, nothing good happens at 4am.All in all, a great trip. I got to visit with friends and co-workers and even eat at some homes of very gracious people. Thanks to all those in France for the great time and thanks to Jen for watching the boys while I got a week and a half of no kids and all the good food I could eat (on someone else's dime no less).
