Gang Fight – The Toulesse Way!

And so it goes, from Dijon, Lyon, Toulesse- I stayed a few days in each place as I worked my way back to Madrid where my departure is.

I chose the bus so I could view the majestic peaks of the Pyrenees mountains that bridge Spain and France. These are the mountains you cross if you walk the entire Camino de Santiago. I walked part of it on the Spanish side a few years ago.

When I arrive in Toulese I check into a nice hostel- it sleeps about 120, 5 bunk beds to a room. They had enough bathrooms to accommodate all of us. Also a few nice kitchens, refrigerators, and living rooms to sit and work.

The camaraderie found in hostels is unique, a melting pot of traveler’s tales.  Each of us carrying our world travels with us and exchanging our spirit of adventure and understanding. It is heartwarming to find like-minded people to eat and talk with. We listen and hear each other with a sense of wonder and ahh. Kindred spirits if you will.

I met a woman about my age from the Czeck Republic at the hostel.  My new Czeck friend, was very petite and was traveling with only a backpack, about as large as she was. She had been traveling for a month and did not speak any French, Spanish and very little English.  I have mentioned in the past that as an English speaker I have an advantage as it is fairly easy to find someone who speaks a little English in most countries. We both headed out of the hostel together to find the metro, I told her we could get lost together and we both laughed.  

As we entered the street an unusual spectacle took place. A gang fight more theatrical than threatening broke out right in front of us. There was a lot of screaming, cursing and fist throwing. Then we heard it, no not the sound of gunshots but the snap of umbrellas opening. It was a bizarre dance of stabbing with the pointed end of the umbrellas like a sword and hitting with the handle end like a club.

My new Czek friend and I exchanged glances, half smiled and had a silent agreement to steer clear of the fight.  We walked to the opposite side and noted 3 policeman running toward the “gang fight.”  They promptly confiscated the “weapons”- umbrellas and the  scene dissolved. We continued toward the metro laughing and shaking our heads at the comical sight.

I take the metro to the bus station and upon boarding the bus, I noticed a young man occupying seat 6A, which I had purchased along with seat 6B. Politely, I informed him that he was in my assigned seats and presented him with the confirmation on my phone as evidence. In response, he claimed to have also purchased seat 6A but failed to provide any proof. Due to his limited English I persisted in explaining to him, “No, you don’t understand. I bought this seat and an additional seat and paid for both of them.” However, he continued to assert and repeat, in his poor English “Yes, I pay seat too.”

I gave up and sat down next to him feeling frustrated and tired, I expressed my apologies to the young man who I learned was from Gambia, clarifying that my frustration was not directed towards him but rather towards the bus system. I had this happen twice before, paid for two seats only to find them purchased by someone else.

I inquire about his name, which I struggled to pronounce. As we engage in conversation, we develop a friendship. He shared photos of his family and homeland, Gambia, the smallest country in West Africa situated on the west coast. Gambia spans 300 miles in length and only 30 miles in wideth. Gambia is entirely surrounded by Senegal, with the exception of a small coastal area. We discuss various aspects of Gambian culture, food, traditions, and language. I admit that prior to our encounter, I had never given Gambia a thought but now I am eager to visit.

Two months pass in a blink of the eye. I prepare to return home, where I can converse in English, use dollars, and reunite with loved ones. Throughout my journey, I meet numerous individuals my age who embark on solo travels for extended periods. I hope to inspire others to explore the world on their own. Start small by adding a few days on the end of a planned tour. Embracing solo travel can broaden your horizons, alter your perspective on life, and bring immense joy.

A French Fry sandwich – in France of course. No I did not order it!

Now this is more like it!

Lyon, France

Why are the croissants sooo much better in France!!

Gambia -Possibly my next adventure.

Sorry – no photos of the gang fight – I was afraid I might get stabbed by an umbrella!