June 22
Dear Lisa,
Now that we are having shorter stays in each city, we are having less of a chance to get to know them well, like we did Lyon. We are seeing the highlights.
And our last day was full of them! Auntie Bridgett and I wanted a real French lunch out, and Chez Mamie looked fun. (Chez Mamie means “Grandma’s Place.”) She must be one of those fun Grandmas!
Chez Mamie is in Place du Trinité, which has this incredible fountain of three caryatids holding a large, flowing basin of water. In the heat, they were the most comfortable imaginary creatures around.
It was a fun, interesting place, and delicious, as well. I had a canard confit, a duck leg cooked until it falls off the bone, and roasted potatoes. Bridgett enjoyed a nice white fish and a yummy peppery cream sauce.
There was also a city wide music festival going on, with all sorts of groups out playing in the streets and main squares. Everyone sounded wonderful, but I didn’t get any good pictures… I was either too far away or looking at everyone’s back.
Around 8:30, Bridgett and I headed down to the Garonne River to see the sunset. (Grandpa Nelson had been done in by the 95F temperature and opted out).
The crowds along the river were big and getting bigger by the minute, folks out to celebrate the Solstice, hear the music, see the sunset, and hang out with friends.
It was lovely. We stood and listened and watched the sparkles on the river as the sun dissolved into a cloud bank.
And then we headed home. Thanks, Toulouse! You were wonderful! Really hot, but wonderful.
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 