Sept. 8, 2010; rain, drizzle, sun, not too hot
Still wheezing, but less than last week; clean socks!

Shout out to greve general! Yesterday there was a national strike, including Post Office (Monday was a “fermeture exceptionnel,” presumably to conserve energy for the strike) to protest the plan to raise retirement age from 60 to 62. Second strike since we’ve been here and still a couple weeks to go. Awesome.

Yesterday (to Lauzerte) was a pouring rain and mud slog. Boots not quite as waterproof as advertised. Paths were basically up and downhill streams. Disgusted all round. Lauzerte is another perfect medieval town perched on a very high hill. Since the hotel was a dump smelling poignantly of local farms at the base of the hill, I missed the town due to fatigue. On the other hand, after dinner (sucked) we observed what appeared to be a philosophical version of rugby. We stood and watched for a while, waiting for action, but the coach (or whoever) seemed to be instructing in a loud voice and moving people around. At no time was there any team action. I assume after a while everyone went home since it was getting late.

Today, did not want to miss Moissac, so took a bus/van, which cost Euro5.30. There were two passengers including me. While riding, pondered extreme free range chickens of France (one was dashing like track athlete through stubbled field). If chicken “accidentally” becomes roadkill, does driver claim chicken or does farmer rush out and grab deceased for soup? Does driver have to pay?

Moissac has a famous medieval abbey church and cloister (“le plus beau du monde”). Includes many interesting wood/polychrome figures and hand-painted walls and arches, including the ceiling (see photos). Moissac not perched on a hill and has a canal for the Tarn and Garonne running through.

Cloister (not pronounceable in French) has many decorative column capitals, is beautifully proportioned with pigeons (see photos). Tourist Office has stranglehold on visiting rights and charges to see the cloister (we received pilgrim discount).

Tea at a Salon de The. Oddly, there was no strong black tea other than Earl Grey; enjoyed a large cafe creme. When arrived in UK, will spend several hours at Bob’s slurping PG Tips or Barry’s, whatever they have.

Watched meat delivery truck double park. Truck was width of entire narrow street. When the rear door was open it nearly decapitated someone on the sidewalk. Driver began hauling out huge sides of meat. Cars piling up behind.

Tomorrow, Auvillar. Supposed to be a flat canal path walk. Auvillar is perched on a hill, of course.