As the train for not leave until the afternoon took a ride around the city and environs secure in that the gps would take me to the station from most anywhere.

The trains are all running late due to the heat and worth on the tracks.

Great warning on the indication board: due to the heat throughout France it is advised you take water and a spray mister on the train with you. Had to look up brumisateur just to be sure.

A tally of stage one, the Loire. 435 km on my gps. Six riding days,three tourist days,four travel and setup days.

The street names, monuments, signs explaining the route have been dominated by the revolution. That and a mixture of the world wars. Except for the son et luminere and the cathedrals little of the middle ages were evident.

Culturally many Africans, few Asians, few Hispanics. Not too surprising considering the history of France.

The train ride was unpleasant. The place for the bike was far away from the seat, and the bike hard to load. The a/c not working so it was hotter inside that out. The other riders were appropriately fussing to no avail.

Tomorrow will be a tourist day in Toulouse, the red city so called because of the red brick in main buildings.

For dinner, late after the train ride, Piperade!! Back at the edge of Basque country. Tomorrow the cassoulet, perhaps. Will have to skip lunch. Hopefully a small sacrifice.

Piperade is still one of my all time favorites.

Might also try La Suze on Bob's recommendation. The spelling is per le menu.

It is now after 22:00 hours and the streets and restaurants are full. No surprise but a nice change from the early night Loire.

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