I did my usual Sunday activities. I went to St. Aubin’s for the farmers market. I bought fruit, vegetables, cheese and olives. It getting to be a routine and enjoyable. I am getting to know the vendors who sell the products and am becoming a regular.

I am still amazed at the costs of things at the market. I bought grapefruit, mandarin oranges, cherry tomatoes, white potatoes, and an eggplant and the whole thing cost about $12. I cannot do a side by side comparison but I think that is cheaper than what I would be able to buy in the US. Also, all but the grapefruit are raised locally.

I bought pork chops from the vendor in the Victor Hugo Marché. I did the transaction in French was impressed that the young man did not immediately speak to me in English but he did ask what language I spoke which I guess is a step up in my speaking French as he did not immediately think I was an English speaker.

I had a similar experience on the run on Thursday. I chatted with one of the runners but explained that I did not speak French well and he asked if I was German, when I said know, he then asked me if I was Russian. I do not know if that was caused by my looks or my accent.

I bought some local wine. I tried a new wine shop that seemed a little more local and modern than the one I usually shop in. Again, I was able to get what I wanted in French. The clerk did explain the grape composition in English but the rest was done fully in French.

After shopping, I went to Saint Sernin for church. The priest announced that they were celebrating the consecration of the basilica on Thursday. Not sure why it is Thursday but the basilica was consecrated on May 24, 1096. Granted the church building is not that old but it is amazing to be worshipping in a church that is over 1000 years old. The church was started then and completed over time. It obviously has had major changes made to it over the years.

The following week, they are dedicating a new rose window that is being completed this Tuesday. They are having various services over the next week some of which should be very interesting. There are going to be a couple of Gregorian Matins and Vespers. The Music School is going to give a concert. It should all be very interesting.

I thought this would be the first weekend when something was not going on in Toulouse as I had not found any fun activities. I was guessing it was because everything is being done to prepare for the Christmas market that is being set up in the main square. It looks like it is pretty large. It opens on Saturday. I did find an Italian food and craft market just off the main square so I was wrong about nothing going on.