News from the “Jeune fille group” in France
August 12th 2024 – day 1
We began our journey with an early flight from Oporto to Toulouse, departing at 6:30 am. Upon arrival, we were met with surprisingly hot weather, which left us feeling a bit uneasy. However, our excitement for the experience ahead quickly took over.
During our initial exploration of the city, we noticed that Toulouse was a bit dirtier than we had expected, but it didn’t detract from the charm of the “centre ville.” Our first taste of French culture came at a quaint café called “Café Manel.” The name sounded a little Portuguese, sparking fond memories of home. Here, we enjoyed a traditional French “petit-déjeuner,” complete with a delicious croissant and a freshly baked baguette, staples of a French breakfast.
After recharging our energy, we continued our journey toward the heart of the city. As we walked, we saw several lively terraced cafés, where locals gathered, and we couldn’t resist stopping to order some refreshing drinks and crêpes. This was a perfect opportunity for us to practice our French and engage with native speakers, helping us break the ice with the local culture.
In the late afternoon, we strolled through the picturesque streets, admiring the gracious, historic buildings that make Toulouse so unique. The day ended with a relaxing dinner at the train station, Gare de Toulouse Matabiau, where we reflected on our first taste of French life and looked forward to deepening our cultural and linguistic immersion in the days to come.
