When we first moved to the Lauragais region, it was for a one-year sabbatical. We thought we'd see as many of the sights, soak up as much of the culture, and learn as much of the language as possible in the allotted time before we had to head back to reality. We were perfectly happy to talk to other anglophones -- in point of fact, for the first year or so other anglophones were about the only people we could talk to -- but we didn't search them out. There were plenty of English speakers where we'd come from, and there would be plenty there when we got back.
So, it was a while before we joined Americans in Toulouse. When we did, one of the first organized activities we participated in was a "Tour with Elyse," a walking tour of parts of Toulouse led by an American art professor and tour guide who has been living and teaching in Toulouse for several years.
In a word, it was fascinating. Elyse, who has extensive experience as a tour guide not to mention masters degrees in painting and art history, had selected a theme, meticulously researched it, and then boiled it all down into a three-hour intensive course. On this occasion it was the ancient history of Toulouse, but on other tours she has covered a wide variety of historical, architectural, and artistic topics.
We asked her if she'd be interested in providing custom tours for our gite guests (see lescarries.com), and she would be delighted. If you've booked with us, contact us and we'll put you directly in touch with Elyse. Her rates are very reasonable and she is a very engaging and knowledgeable guide. Her range is not limited to Toulouse: Albi (including its Toulouse-Lautrec museum and old city center), the medieval old city at Carcassonne, and regional wines and foods are also on the menu! Even if you are here for only a week, it will be a half day very well spent.
No comments:
Post a Comment