Foix
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 53: Foix, the overcast clouds are loomier than my Uncle Grumble’s eyebrows. It’s a crisp 11.53°C out here, or as we gnomes say, “nose tip nippin’ cold!” The wind is barely a whisper at 1.34 m/s, but enough to ruffle my pointy hat! The humidity is at 87%, stickier than a toffee pudding. But hey, a little moisture never hurt a gnome’s complexion. On we march, my friends, through the land of the wet and the home of the brave!
Gnome-crossing Borders!
Today marks day 50 of our grand adventure, and what a journey it has been! Les Escaldes, Andorra to Foix, France, a trek of 50.7 kilometers that seemed like a dream.
Les Escaldes was a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition, and as we headed out, the warmth of the thermal springs seemed to follow us, bidding us a fond farewell. The journey was a dance of landscapes, from towering mountains to lush green meadows, a visual treat for a gnome like me!
We crossed the border into France, and the language around me transformed from Catalan to French. Oh, the music of languages! It’s like listening to a symphony of human connection.
The most captivating part of the journey, however, was when we reached an old bridge, Pont de la Cabanette, which spans the Ariège River. This bridge has seen centuries of travelers like me, and if you listen closely, it whispers stories of old. As the French poet, Paul Valéry once said, “A poem is never finished, only abandoned.” This bridge was a poem, etched in stone and left for us to interpret.
Foix, with its towering castle, welcomed us like a scene from a fairy tale. It felt like stepping into a storybook, and I was ready to write my own chapter here.
Including this journey, we’ve covered 1432.6 kilometers over the past 53 days. From the thermal springs of Ax-les-Thermes and the mountain peaks of Andorra la Vella to the bustling streets of Les Escaldes and now the medieval charm of Foix, every city has a piece of my gnome heart.
A la prochaine! (Until next time!)
-Oliver the Gnome
Wandering Foix’s Streets
Gnome’s Quaint Canvas Capers
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Foix.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Foix, the Fortress of Finesse!
Second, Foix is the capital of the Ariege department, known for its vibrant arts scene. Marcel Pagnol, a renowned French playwright, once mused, “Le plus grand secret du bonheur, c’est d’être bien avec soi” (The greatest secret of happiness is to be good with oneself). And Foix, with its charming streets, encourages just that – a communion with oneself and art.
I’d say, Foix is a must-visit for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike. À bientôt! (See you soon!)
Foix-Focused Phrases & Gnome Greetings
Bonjour, fellow travelers! As I waddle through the charming city of Foix, France, I can’t help but appreciate the beauty of their language. So, let me share a few handy French phrases with you:
1. Bonjour (bon-zhoor) – “Hello”. Always greet with a Bonjour here, it’s seen as polite and respectful.
2. Merci (mehr-see) – “Thank you”. French people appreciate gratitude.
3. Où sont les toilettes? (oo son lay twa-let) – “Where is the bathroom?”. Trust me, a gnome’s gotta go when a gnome’s gotta go.The local dialect here in Foix is Occitan. It’s a romance language akin to Catalan, with a lilting, musical quality. You might hear “Adiu” (ah-dee-oo) for “Hello” and “Mercés” (mehr-sehs) for “Thank you”.
There you have it, a little language lesson from your favorite globetrotting gnome! À bientôt! (ah bee-en-toe, “See you soon!”)
Gnome’s Guide: Foix Fancies
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 