We left early-ish, around 10.
We had quite a long road ahead of us to Albi, especially because the road winds through the mountains, and the highway would have added another hour to our travelling time.
But we had an impromptu bathroom break where someone had set up camp and sold good coffee and iced tea.
Son#1 slipped on the gravel and fell hard.
Then on, until we came to a picnic area for lunch.
The Tarn is gorgeous.
Not a vineyard in sight, but rolling hills alternating swaying gold with green, verdant fields.
And after that, things just got weird.
This was our first clue that perhaps we were on the Tour de France route.
Something was going on.
The area is obviously loved by many a cyclist.
Finally, we arrived in Albi, cloaked in 34 degrees Celsius.
And what a MAGNIFICENT place it is.
I mean, MAGNIFICENT.
We didn't expect it.
We went inside St. Cecile's church - the largest brick building in the world.
Already 900 years old, the paintings on just about every surface inside the church were completed within 4 months and have never required any restoration whatsoever.
It was built to scare the socks off the poor Cathars.
I don't think I've ever been inside a building like it.
I so wish my camera could take better pictures, because these pictures don't do this place any justice whatsoever.
It is by far, the most beautiful church I've ever seen.
Afterwards, we had beer and cokes and saw a Dutch news team who were setting up.
Son#1 was allowed inside the editing van - lots of screens everywhere.
The boys then stripped down to play in a nearby fountain (we are low-lifes, I know).
Then a walk to the finish line of yesterday's Tour de France.
What an experience!!
Happy for the husband - it was a dream of his to one day see the Tour de France!
Pooped we were.
But happy.
And the very best news of all, is that my dad's chemo seems to be doing the trick!
Go Daddy-O!!
Bliss!
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