La Une in English: November 2006

’Tis the Season This month, the Thanksgiving holiday reminds students of their family and their country that they miss. Who would ever want to go to class on the infamous turkey day? It is important to remember, though, that holidays can also help us forget any signs of homesickness. The Christmas decorations appearing on rue de Metz as well as in numerous other locations in Toulouse are certainly reasons to be happy, including the decorated store windows and the song “Jingle Bells” playing on our iPods. I couldn’t be happier thanks to all the wonders of the season that everyone waits for throughout the year. I am currently making my bicultural preparations: my White Christmas DVD but this time with some spiced mulled wine. Regardless of religious preference, it is impossible to resist happiness upon hearing Bing Crosby or Mel Tormé’s voice as they sing the Christmas classics. So, for this season, which officially begins in the US at Thanksgiving, I wish you all luck and good cheer for your holiday plans. --Anna Cumbie, editor Birthdays in December 13 : Jamie

Péchabou’s “Marché au Gras” (Market where you can buy meats specially prepared for entrées like foie gras) A group of three Dickinson students went to Péchabou’s Marché au Gras on Saturday the 18th of November. Situated at the summit of a hill in Péchabou village, 20 minutes south (by car) of Toulouse, the festival catered numerous local products. At the market we found products pertaining to “gras” recipes (oie gras, canard gras, and foie gras), a farm market (vegetables; plants; cassoulets: Toulouse sausage, white beans and confit; and meats), tasting of Gaillac and Gaillac Doux wines, a book market, as well as works of local artists. The music, flocks of geese encircled by dogs added to the charm of the festival. The Péchabou mayor, Monsieur Karsenti, personally hosted Dickinson reps, and offered a lunch meal composed of two types of foie gras, cheese, and raw ham. Dickinson students brought American desserts that they had prepared in order to share their culture with Péchabou inhabitants. Specialties sold at the Dickinson stand were: banana bread, cheese cake, lemon poppy seed cake, and apple bread. Each treat was appreciated by villagers who in turn shared their food while conversing with Dickinsonians. Le Marché au Gras gave American students the opportunity to meet friendly people from a small village, and to experience another aspect of life in the south of France. --Jamie Wolf Cliquez ici pour retourner à la version française.