Today I walked and wrote in the cloister of the Couvent des Jacobins. This is where Dominican Friars lived starting in the early 1200s. Unlike monks, friars could leave the convent to go out to preach. You might be surprised to learn that convents can refer to homes for friars, monks, or nuns.
Friars are mendicants, so they live through begging. These friars eventually got donations from wealthy Toulousians. Some of the elite families hogged the prime burial spots in the convent because a good spot helped you get to heaven quicker.
The Dominican friars stayed super busy each day with attending mass, collecting alms, studying the bible, singing in the choir, copying manuscripts, and completing chores. They couldn't eat meat or fat, so most of their meals consisted of pureed vegetables. Occasionally they would enjoy a fruit or two.
I thought about my dad quite a bit while walking around. He loved to talk history especially where the Catholics are concerned. My newfound interest in the Dominicans would have kept him going for a good long while.
After the convent I checked out the contemporary Art museum which is situated in a former slaughterhouse. Learned about the amazing fashion artist-designer Charles Castelbajac. You can read about him here if you feel like it provided that you know how to speak the French language. Fun fact --- the language of this region was Occitan at one time. Street signs here are in both French and Occitan. Medieval troubadours sang away in Occitan as they troubadoured about.
I've visited a plethora of museums and basilicas here in Toulouse. I've sat in public parks and plazas. Have enjoyed cafe creme next to the River Garonne. Have actually enjoyed everything, to tell you the truth. Basically, I can't complain.
