"I'd rather you DON'T tell me what I'm eating!"

So the younger kids LOVED the fajitas, but it was actually too spicy for them. (in French) "Nick it's TOO good but in fact it's too spicy!"

I stayed up late Wednesday night again, and in the morning I woke up to Emilie (the mom) calling. Lou was sick so I went early to pick her up. I don't know if she was REALLY sick but we all enjoy a sick day or five.. Vic that night got mad at me. He had his dessert like normal, then Lou had hers, except it was somethin else that he "hadn't seen." So he went to have another one. I told him no, one dessert like normal! Then he continued to open it and said "too late." So I said "no it's not" and took it away. Then he cried and cried and said I was sooo mean. Whatever haha. He liked me again after ten minutes or so! I stayed late again because the parents go out with friends sometimes.

I stayed up all night again for NO REASON but had to catch a train Friday morning. I was nervous about making it to the station in time because the metros hadn't yet commenced. So I was waiting, and it said 8 minutes. Ok fine, I'll wait. 8 minutes later, a metro literally rolled through without stopping. Then the sign said 9 minutes until the next one. I ended up walking to where I would've transferred. I made it with time to spare though. 6:10 am train to Toulouse. I got there around 11:30ish. Delphine was waiting for me on the platform, and after initial hellos, we established French as the weekend's language!  We drove to a few stores to get things to eat for the evening then did a walking tour of the city. It's a smaller city for sure, but bigger than Nantes (where I went for Christmas). We saw three cathedrals that were pretty dated. I really liked them though because they are very different from those in Paris and not as well-restored. However, I feel like the lack of restoration adds a lot to the character of the old buildings. We saw administrative buildings, a few educational institutions, and the river that goes along the city. The style is really different too, many things are built with red or pinkish brick. It's really nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of Paris and spending some time in a quieter area of France. Ah and the metro there is new and CLEAN. It doesn't smell like an outhouse..

She and her "permanent boyfriend," Nicolas were happy to have me in their apartment-nice having a spare bed! In France, civil unions, or the PACS, are becoming more and more popular. So yep, they are a 'united' couple with all or most of the benefits of being married without the title. Delphine is a teacher and a couple (in both senses of the word) of her friends came over to have the apertif with us. We started with a drink that is typical of the region. It tasted like liquorish a little bit. After that was a white wine, accompanied by pistachio nuts, chips, and delicious homemade quiche. We talked about everything from the rugby tournament to American television to politics. However, I was finally not the center of the political conversation, as I often find myself due being American! Conversation in France can last for hours, without paying attention to the time or without having something to eat or drink at all moments. After at least an hour and a half, their friends left and let us continue to the dinner. Delphine had prepared a typical dish from the Southwest of France. We had baked potatoes and some duck. It was definitely a good meal. Of course, we had more wine, this time red. After dinner, (it's at least 10pm by now) we started up the Wii to play some Mario Kart and Guitar Hero-with Champagne of course! I was so tired so I eventually went to bed, even though it was well after midnight. I slept until noon because the windows were shut and allowed NO light to enter-and I didn't set my alarm. Oops.

Nicolas and Delphine drove me around the city to see some other sights. We went to the very south of Toulouse and climbed up a big hill with an overview of everything. It was a beautiful day as well. We saw the building where the Airbus planes are constructed. They're huge--with two levels. We continued onto a pleasant little Japanese garden where a lot of people take their wedding pictures. Sure enough, there was a family there snapping away. It was all quiet and pleasant, aside from a park monitor obnoxiously blowing her whistle at anyone stepping on the grass!

After lunch and a little nap, we went back into town to meet another couple (x2) of their friends. We ate well, that's for sure. First they brought out a HUGE selection of dry sausages in a basket, along with foie gras and bread. Everything was made from regional products, so it was all delicious. After that, they brought out cured ham and some other thing that looked like sausage. So I tried it (When in Rome..or Toulouse..). While I was eating it, Nicolas started to explain to me what I was eating. Uhh not while I'm eating! However, the damage was done, he was pointing to his head while referring to a pig. Anyways.. Next up was more foie gras with seasoned apricots. Again, the idea of foie gras is a little unappetizing, but in the end it's quite delicious. Finally it was time for the main course. I ordered "cotes d'agneau," which are lamb ribs. It was one of th emost delicious things I've ever eaten. Trop bon. After la salade et les frites, dinner wasn't over! We ended the meal with ice cream: pistachio and coffee flavored (not mixed). During all this we drank beer and red wine (again, not mixed!). In total, it was a 3.5 hour meal! But time flies, especially because everything is in  a different language.

We got back to the apartment, and what do you know, time for more champagne! My train is at 10 in the morning and is unfortunately 7 hours back to Paris. So that's when I can sleep..

This weekend's been great though. Delphine and Nicolas have been so accommodating and excellent hosts. A lot of people may have the stereotype that the French are rude. While this may be true some of the time, you need to realize that once you know a French person and have an established relationship, they can be some of the most welcoming and generous people. That's definitely what I saw this weekend!

Next destination: Athens.