Follow Us Two: In Europe and the UK: Day 106 to 112

We arrived in Toulouse on an over-booked train, but before we knew it we were finally in Anthony's car on our way to his apartment. It felt great to be in a car again! While we have loved the simplicity of traveling and the freedom that public transport brings, it was awesome to feel local again and be back on four wheels - without strangers sitting next to you.

When we arrived at Ant's apartment, we were greeted by Angelique and Shorty. Angelique is Anthony's lovely girlfriend, and Shorty is possibly the cutest French cat in the world. Angelique taught herself English with law textbooks and American series, while Ant is fluent in English because he attended school in South Africa with Bruce. Bruce and Ant had not seen each other in over four years, so while they were catching up and reminiscing about the past before we had even sat down; I finally got some girl time with Angel! We also arrived on Bastille Day, which is so lucky because we got to see the festivities in France with tons of Fireworks up on the hill, with a bottle of wine.

Becoming the ultimate tourists surviving in hotel rooms, hostel dormitories, boat cabins, train booths... It was so incredible to finally stay in a homely lived-in apartment with locals. And a cat.

Our five nights in Toulouse were five nights that we will never ever forget, thanks to Ant and Angel. Being the most amazing hosts, one of the main highlights of our time in Toulouse were the delicious home-cooked dinners, with lots of bottles of wine and tons of laughs. It worked out that every night we had a different cultural evening. From French Tapas and frogs legs, to Japenese Sushi, Indian curry, Mexican burritos, Italian pasta and Reunion snacks and beers. We really explored the foods of the world!

When Ant and Angel were at work in the day, Bruce and I caught up on some sleep, and then explored the city by foot. Ant then took leave, and immediately became our tour guide - and the best one we've had yet because he can speak fluent French and South African English. On our first day with Ant, we hired bicycles and cycled around the city. We had so much fun, in fact too much, that we forgot to give the bikes back on time!

The next day with Ant, we drove all the way out to the infamous Castle. The biggest castle we have ever seen! Not only was the drive so exquisite with the beautiful French country side, but the castle is like it's own city inside. We walked around and had lunch, and showed Ant how to be a real tourist with the camera. We promised that one day we would be back, but this time we will be sitting at an expensive high-end restaurant in the castle walls with a bottle of champagne. A big jump from our hot dogs and French fries that we had on the lawn next to the five star restaurants.

When the weekend came, we were excited that Angel could finally join in on the fun. We started our weekend off with a bottle of wine down by the Toulouse River Garonne, and then headed to a braai with some of their friends. We really enjoyed getting involved with the local everyday-activities, so much so that Ant even arranged an indoor football match that Bruce could play in.

On the Saturday we packed a picnic and headed to the river. It was a relaxing day in the sun, except I forgot to pack my costume. I was highly disappointed with myself until I felt the water and I was quiet happy lying on the rocks and nibbling on quiche instead of getting a mild case of hypothermia. Of course, the water temperature didn't stop the boys swimming! We ended off the day with Monopoly.

Thank you so much Ant and Angel for having us, we can't wait to see you guys again soon.