I have had numerous (and thanks) messages regarding the news that is coming out of France about the student protests and much of the vandalism and violence caused by these protests.

The interesting part is that daily life goes on in Toulouse much as if nothing has or is happening. The only evidence I have seen regarding the protest was last week when I walked by some riot police with shields standing not far from a high school. I know yesterday there was a large march and demonstration here in Toulouse but the only evidence I saw of it was an increased police presence, backed up traffic and two people later in the day walking with signs. According to news reports, 10,000 people participated in the march. I had expected to see more evidence of the march when I went out right before lunch but again I did not see anything.

People walked around the city as if nothing was happening, the runners were out running – I ran with Run in Toulouse in the evening. It was just another day as far as I could tell. The schools have been closed for most of the week both high schools and universities.

The reports of the violence is true in many of the cities especially Paris. There have been 4 incidents of violence and vandalism here in Toulouse at 3 high schools. One is close to the center and that is where I saw the riot police. The other 3 incidents are further from the center of the city but not that far. I hope the violence and vandalism stops but people are able to air their grievances peacefully. Most of the anger is related to lack of funding for schools, decaying buildings, crowded classrooms, lack of teachers and other reasonable issues.

It is just interesting and, I think a sign of the times, that news organizations go for the most dramatic of events and create a picture that is not really reality. The violence is real but limited in scope. France has not come to a halt or become an unsafe place. Daily life, except for the students affected, goes on.

Back to my reality, I had a lovely lunch at La Mare aux Canards – this is a small restaurant that specializes in duck dishes. Duck is very popular and traditional in Toulouse. I had onion soup as a started and then confit de cuisse for my main dish. I must be getting old as I did not think that I had had the same main dish at Chez Lilly last week. I can say that La Mare aux Canard did it much better than Chez Lilly. I had Pear Charlotte for dessert. It was a very good meal. The only thing I found amusing was that I was back to standard fall/winter vegetables of roasted potatoes and carrots. All in all it was a good meal.

After lunch I walked over to the Patisserie Conte for some small pastries. While walking over, I took a street I do not usually walk on and found a little gem of a chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It originally was a chapel for a Dominican order – Grey Friars. The order was disbanded after the revolution and then restarted in the mid-1800s. Eventually, the order became too small and the chapel was ceded to the Diocese of Toulouse. Now it is a chapel that holds the Latin Mass. This is fairly unique amongst all Catholic Churches are regions.

Walking back from the patisserie, I ran into Enzo. It still throws me off when I run into people I know when I am out walking around. It really makes me feel part of Toulouse. Having had it happen two days in a row was even more amazing.

I ran with Run in Toulouse in the evening which is always fun and good. As it is getting darker earlier, the city is beautiful to run in at night when the city is lit up.

The discussions in this post show many of the reasons I love being in Toulouse.