I left Toulouse and the Hotel Terrible this rainy morning, and arrived in warmer Carcassonne and a fabulous place to stay. The owner is an art collector, and art is everywhere (including a huge Bansky-ish wall hanging in my room). There is also excellent wifi. Not only that, I can hear church bells ring, one of the reasons I love Europe.

After the train, I cruised the the fortified city/castle, and for some reason entry was free today. Baboom! My luck has changed.

Here are some photos. Horses wear lacy hats here. New art and new uses are mixed up with the old fortress. Those snow-capped mountains are the Pyrenees. The handsome smiling man sold me a delightful bottle of Boutenac, wine from a nearby region. The place I’m staying has a unique lemon juicer.