Life along the Garonne

I spent time Sunday sitting along the Garonne enjoying a spectacular springtime afternoon with the Toulousians. It was a quintessential experience I wanted while in France.

A lot has been said and written about les française and their attitude toward foreigners and Americans in particular. I can only report that I felt among the most respected, kind and gentle people.

The riverfront was filled with people lounging, enjoying time outside on this truly beautiful Sunday afternoon. And, while I was alone, I did not feel alone. I’ve had the experience before of being in a crowd of people and feeling extremely isolated. This experience on the other hand felt accepting and embracing. I was comfortably part of the multicolored, multicultural fabric of ordinary folk sharing an ordinary experience.

Those around me were polite, non-intrusive, but welcoming and comfortably natural. I stumbled through a conversation with a woman sitting behind me and it was truly a pleasure. Otherwise, I got to listen to the sounds of conversations, laughter, music, and the mighty Garonne.

I simply opened my wine, enjoyed it with some bread and cheese, « but of course!« and just melted into the experience. It felt glorious and I can truly recommend it for absolutely everyone!