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Got back from Carcassonne yesterday, and I was glad I went (for the reasons in the photo) but I don't think I'd go again.
This was the first trip I took from the farm where I was totally isolated from anyone who spoke english, and that was exhausting but very very good for my understanding spoken french. But when I met an irish guy at the hostel, I was very very relieved. The difference is, I could actually say something intelligent and reasoned, rather then "where's the bathroom?" or "the soup is too hot". I mean, those are very important things, but damn it felt good.
It turns out that european citizens get into the castle for free (otherwise, it would have cost something like 8.50 euros) so I went ahead and did that, and that's just about the only thing you have to do in carcassonne. There has been some form of fort or settlement there since 500 BC, and the walls, castle and town have been changed continually. There are several distinct building practices visible and some of the brick is still roman. The castle was significantly rebuilt in the 1880-1910 period after it fell to ruin, however, so much of the stone is new.
There's all kinds of cool history about the catalon, cathars and kings of the period, so historically it's a cool place. There is in fact a comic book series called the last Cathar set in and around the area, and yes, there is a board game too. And the Walt Disney castle is based off of the town. That's all that's good about the place.
The problem is now that it's a massive tourist trap. The period from about 11 am to 7 pm is a press of tourists, and most of the town is full of expensive gift shops and bars. The period after that, it's a ghost town. While I appreciated being able to see the place without the constant press of people, or people trying to sell me things, it was a bit spooky, and there was nothing really to do near the hostel so I ended up reading most of a book I brought with me.
On the whole, I think Carcassonne would be fine as a day trip but I don't think I'll go back anytime soon.
One thing I didn't do was eat Cassoulet, which is the sort of medievel dish native to the area (or at least the most famous), a dish of beans, duck, fois de gras and porc sausage. That's out because I'm veggie. So if you do go, make sure you eat some so you can tell me what it tastes like.
Working on the farm has been getting a little tedious, so whatever the case I was glad to get away for a bit. A new person will be arriving tomorrow, I'll be glad to have someone else doing the dishes. Fun bit of drama: a girl had dated one of Namua's sons for a bit last year, and then was going to bring her current boyfriend... well, that didn't happen, but it was a fun conversation to watch.
Cheers all!
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