My Daily Photo Walk: Toulouse Day 4(Click any photo to enlarge; hover mouse over photo for caption.)  19 - Toulouse 6Pont Neuf
 19 - Toulouse 1
Today was bridge day. Norma and I got up this morning and headed first to the street market nearby to choose items for tonight's dinner. We bought zucchini, new potatoes, fresh tomatoes, a shallot, and a rotisserie chicken. We also purchased a couple of almond pastries for breakfast. Buying fresh off the streets every day is a wonderful convenience that we are happy to take advantage of.After our breakfast, we took off first to find a bank so that I could break my 50 Euro notes into something smaller. At two different banks they told me that they were not allowed to do that -- only at the Bank of France, which is closed until Monday. We found it very hard to believe that it was "forbidden," as one teller told us. When we looked shocked and amazed, she said threw up her hands and said, "Well, it's just so very French!" We all laughed at that, and I decided that Monday I will find the Bank of France. Hopefully they will give me 20's and 10's for my 50's. After all, it's Euros for Euros, not dollars for Euros. Go figure.
 19 - Toulouse 2
 19 - Toulouse 4
We continued on our walk, following our map, but we got sidetracked into the Cathedrale St.-Etienne. This gothic style cathedral was built between the 13th and 17th centuries, and its age was obvious inside. It was rich with carvings, color, stained glass windows, chandeliers, and vestments. Just as we stepped in the door, a funeral was leaving, with pall-bearers carrying a wood coffin. We waited for the mourners to leave, then explored the church interior. A man was busy tidying up the altar, removing the candles, and returning the church to public use.  19 - Toulouse 3Pigeons hole up in the spaces between the bricks on the Pont Neuf.
After leaving the cathedral, we walked until we reached the Pont Neuf. This "New Bridge" started construction in 1544, but was not finished until 100 years later. It crosses the Garonne River, to the "left bank." On this side of the river are a large hospital that dates back to the Middle Ages, a museum of medicine, and a water tower that dates from the 1800's.  19 - Toulouse 5Water tower with "Neptune fork" fencing.
The water tower was transformed in1974 to a photography gallery that specializes in both emerging and established photographers. Because it is a Saturday, we discovered that all of the museums have free admission. Inside the water tower, there are two floors with exhibits, both encircling the center core of the old tower. The first floor had an exhibit of photos that were all taken at night. There was actually very little to see in those dark images. The basement gallery was all photographs of empty swimming pools. Neither Norma nor I was very impressed with the photos we saw today -- maybe we're not sophisticated -- or French -- enough?  19 - Toulouse 7
 19 - Toulouse 8Graffiti is a problem everywhere.
We left the gallery and found a little cafe, where we had coffee and crepes with sugar. The coffee was French pressed and the crepes were tender and delicious. We continued our walk, crossing back over the river via the St. Pierre bridge. From there, it was not far back to our apartment. We bought a bottle of wine on the way and decided a little rest was in order. All in all, a good day.All photos in “My Daily Photo Walk" are for sale upon request.
Comments
Janney(non-registered)
How beautiful. Nice to be sort of French for a while!
Gary McGinnis(non-registered)
So empty swimming pools "are so French". I don't get it either. I'll be on the coast in an hour and after that no light house will be safe from my camera.
No comments posted.
Loading...
|
© Cam's Camera Shots