Today we woke up in Toulouse. We were able to sleep in a little because nothing opens before 10 am. It was great to be able to slow down a bit. We have been doing all that is humanly possible each day! After breakfast, we brought our bags down to the lobby and had time to go explore the city again. Greg, Brett, Ryan, Kristen, Ali and Melissa rented bikes and explored a little farther than the city center.

Ali and Melissa were very excited to be able to visit the Jardin de Plantes.

The rest of us walked all over, admiring the beautiful architecture and doing some last minute souvenir shopping for our families. Being close to the Spanish border and the Mediterranean, Toulouse is an eclectic collection of styles. It’s also a center for ironworks, so no two balconies or staircases are alike.
We ordered up taxis from the hotel to get us to the airport. To everyone’s credit, everyone was back at the hotel early and ready to go. The students have been great like that for the whole trip! We were dropped off at the Toulouse airport and easily made our flight.
We arrived in Dublin around 7:00 pm. The hotel shuttles had stopped running so we took taxis to our hotel. It turns out the neighborhood our hotel was in has gone a little downhill since last year. Our taxi drivers gave us great safety tips and good recommendations for places to go.
We ended up at O’Neill’s tavern and restaurant near the Temple Bar area, on Kevin’s recommendation. It was a beautiful 3-story restaurant with a buffet of traditional Irish food and live music. The food was fantastic. I had Irish stew and others had Shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash or fish and chips. Everyone sang along with the music and there was even some dancing. They had a few Irish dancers there to encourage people to get up and try some traditional steps.

The bars all close at 11:30 pm, so we were tossed out and returned happy, but tired to our hotel for the night. It was a great way to celebrate the end of our travels.

-Elaine Asma and Rachel Fish

It was a sad morning leaving the Chateau at 7:00am! We needed to get back to Toulouse early in order to give people time to explore the city. From the airport, we took a tram to the city center. To our surprise, the connection included a ride on the subway. That was the first time several members of our group had taken a subway. It was very crowded and the doors shut pretty quickly (Paris flashbacks for some!) After a few attempts, we all got on the same car and got ourselves to Place du Capitole, in the city center.
We walked to our hotel, dropped our bags and went back to the Capitole Square. Some of us decided to try out our sidewalk café skills and others wanted to walk around and discover what was open on a Sunday- not much!

Later, after we had checked in to our hotel, we learned that there was an organ recital at Basilique St-Sernin, a 12th century Roman church and UNESCO site. We heard an eclectic range of music from Aaron Copeland to Bach. It was truly a physical experience when the organ boomed through the church at high intensity volume. It was great and we were lucky to be there at the right time.

After the concert, everyone went on the hunt for dinner. We went to an outdoor café called Le Gallus and had some extremely delicious regional food. It was a beautiful evening and we took a lot of pictures while just walking around after dinner.

It was rewarding to see the students discover a city with so much history and unique architecture. They really appreciated having that opportunity.

-Elaine Asma and John Mizer

The morning began with Croissants and Café. There was excitement in the air. Our hosts, being part of the British Empire, were readying for the Royal Wedding. The kitchen was strung with British bunting and a television was set up for viewing the ceremony. The Horticulture team, after finally receiving the plants that were ordered for the project, began their work on the terrace cut-flower garden. I have been with the Chateau de Gudanes Cultural Enrichment project for two years and this year’s horticulture team was just as stellar as the previous year’s. There are many challenges to working in a remote area in the Pyrenees’ Mountains, e.g. logistics, working with local vendors, trouble-shooting, having limited access to tools, etc. but this team of people made it happen. Our plants, having been ordered three weeks prior to arriving in the France, did not show up until May 18th. We were concerned with the time-frame we had to finish the project, one and a half days, but it’s finished and will be exactly what the owners desired. This specific cut-flower bed will be used for floral displays and events hosted at the Chateau. Collectively we planted hundreds of plants including delphiniums, dahlias, salvias, ranunculus, scabeosa, peonies, and many other lovely varieties.

In the meanwhile, the designers of our group started out their day in Mirpoix with Karina exploring a few local brocants (antique markets). Karina has filled the chateau with many historical treasures from these shops. Items can date back many centuries. This group returned to the Chateau just in time for lunch and the Royal Wedding.

During lunch, everyone gathered in the kitchen to watch the royal wedding while eating some grilled Toulousian sausage and baguette sandwiches. After lunch part of the group headed out of town to go horseback riding. This area of the Pyrenees is known for the Merene Horses, the black prince of the Pyrenees.These horses are Native to the Ariege region and their images can be found painted in the Cave of Niaux, dating back 12,000 years. Our horticulture team finished the garden just in time for a rainstorm. The rain came at a perfect time and was much needed. We only had a half filled rain barrel on the terrace where we were working, to fill a watering can, because during the early spring, the upper terrace wall collapsed and took with it the fire hydrant used for irrigation.
Our last dinner together was spent at La Cube de la Maison. The family that owns and operates La Cube has lived in the Ariege region of France for centuries. They own and operate not only the restaurant, but raise and butcher the beef, pork, and duck the restaurant serves. The owners work with 40 local vendors to source everything within the region and nothing there is from outside of the country. From Carpaccio, thinly sliced raw beef in olive oil, to Le coup La Cube, raspberry sorbet covered in eau de vie (water of life) topped with vanilla bean whipped cream, the food se magnifique! Karina, the owner of the Chateau, her daughter Jasmine, and Anine, the event coordinator for the Chateau, gifted each of us with a little token to remember our time in the Ariege. After a beautiful dinner and a long day of work, we were all ready to turn in for our early morning departure to Toulouse.

– Ali Schultz & Melissa Daughenbaugh

This morning, once again, began with treats from the Boulangerie. We then traveled to Foix and explored the Chateau De Foix. This castle was said to have been built at the beginning of the 15th Century. The walk to the Castle was entirely uphill. It was a strenuous hike up a winding cobblestone path. Once we arrived at the top of the castle, there were over one hundred spiral stair steps from the doorway to the top of the tallest turret, which measures 32 meters. This round tower has no blind spots for tactical advantage. Needless to say, the view from the top was remarkable. After our self-guided tour, we split into two groups and explored various shops on our way down to the village market. Everyone agreed it was a great experience to explore Foix and enjoy the atmosphere with townspeople passing through. We spotted many off leash dogs basking in the sun beneath their owner’s chairs in the local cafes.

We returned to the Chateau de Gudanes and began various work projects including restoration, gardening, interior design, and baking with Chef Thomas. Elaine taught Kristen how to uncover the frescos which had been painted over back when the Chateau had been a summer school. It is slow, careful work using a solvent and a small sharp blade.

Chef Thomas came in the afternoon, and we made chocolate éclairs that were filled with luscious chocolate cream, topped with a decadent piece of dark chocolate. And if that wasn’t enough chocolate, it was topped with another layer of chocolate cream swirled back and forth. It was finished off with chocolate pieces decoratively placed on an angle, and edible flowers. It was a beautiful work of art that John, Rachel and Lisa participated in, working alongside Thomas, who is an Executive Pastry Chef in Toulouse. It was a great experience, and we are very fortunate to have been able to work in the kitchen here at the Chateau this entire week.

We wrapped up working in time for dinner in Les Cabannes town square. We had pizza at La Cabanna. There were many combinations to choose from and everyone had their fill.

– Kristen Cajka & Lisa Smerchek

Wednesday started off with everyone carrying on with their projects. The garden was designed, the terraces were weeded, the Chateau addition was planned and wood was chopped for the wood burning stove in the kitchen. After a quick lunch, we all packed into the vans for a thirty minute drive to the village of Niaux. In Niaux, we toured the caves known as the Grotte de Niaux. Inside the Grotte de Niaux caves, we saw cave paintings of horses, buffalo and other animals from the Cro-Magnon era. The cave paintings were breathtaking and the inside of the cave looked like something out of this world.

The entire team walked to a neighboring town called Aston, where we had dinner at Auberge d`Aston. Daniel, the owner of the restaurant, gave us a memorable experience. We were served cassoulet, which is a traditional dish of the region. The dish consists of duck, local sausage and white beans. During dinner we sang French songs which we had practiced in our French class before coming to France. Daniel brought out a guitar that we passed around and we sang our favorite songs.

– Brett Eisch

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We started the day with delicious coffee and croissants. The group split up and began to work on their projects. Some members were outside and others were inside. Everyone had a chance to express their imagination and creativity. After about two hours of work, the group had a quick bite to eat and then headed to Grotte de Niaux, an important prehistoric cave system for a tour. Being at the Grotte de Niaux was incredible. The caves had so much history. There was also graffiti on the walls that was drawn in the 17th century. It really was incredible how carefully the symbols were drawn. We finished the tour just as the sun breached the clouds. The view was intoxicating and seemed to be a relief for everyone considering we were experiencing cold and rainy weather for the past two days. The group then headed for a church and graveyard for more beautiful scenery. We walked around and could not put our cameras down. As American tourists with no knowledge of the next time we’ll return, or even if we’ll return, we wanted to capture every moment. And who could blame us? France is beautiful! After the group soaked up the beauty, we went back to the Chateau for a special celebration! The Chateau owner, Karina had a birthday today! We gathered in the kitchen and sang to her. Karina was surprised and the cake tasted delicious. After we finished and conversed a little bit, the group went back to work. Everyone is, and has been, enjoying themselves today, but the fun was just getting started.

The group had a special night planned at a local restaurant, owned by Daniel. I’d heard many stories of how welcoming it was, and could hardly contain my excitement. The group ate, laughed and sang late into the night. After we finished, we thanked Daniel for his songs and food and went back to the Chateau. The walk home was a perfect way to wind down, and everyone made it home exhausted but happy.
– Ryan Bouck

The weather remained cool and wet with periods of heavy to light rain through most of the day. Breakfast was bread and pastry from the local bakery. For lunch we had fresh baguettes with tuna, ham, turkey or cheese. Dinner was a highlight for everyone at Manoir d’ Agnes in Tarascon sur Ariege, a local restaurant. With 5-7 course meals for all.

Today was a work day around the Chateau for nearly everyone. The horticulture students continued the work started last year with soil preparation and planting. The graphic design and marketing students continued with photo documentation and worked with Karina on her book project. I participated as part of the architectural engineering group with Kevin Paap and Ryan Bouck. The task for the week is to design an addition to the chateau that will contain public restrooms, private restrooms for future overnight guests and employee bedrooms. The planned area for the addition actually had been built out at one point as shown in historic pictures and postcards. Most of the day was spent on measuring and preliminary design. We will continue our task through the week including more measuring, floor plans and possibly 3D modeling. The responsibility that we were given with this task is enormous and the fact that Karina trusts us to help with it is an honor.

One of the other highlights of the day was a mini-graduation ceremony for Kevin, Brett and Kristin. These Gateway students missing their official ceremony by being on this trip. Before dinner, we celebrated their accomplishments with a toast and delicious treats made by the culinary students and Thomas, a local chef who came in to help with a baking lesson. Congratulations again to all three of them.

We had a wonderful guest, Thomas, who came to visit us today at the Chateau. He is an Executive Pastry chef at the Plaza du Capitole. Together, we made a lemon meringue tart and strawberry gateau. Thomas walked us through the steps, and we each had a different job to do. They were time consuming to make, but it was oh so worth it! It was a wonderful experience for all of us that were in the kitchen. Besides myself, Greg, Rachel, Kristen, Brett and John helped out. For me, it was a dream come true to be able to come to a place such as this to be alongside an experienced chef as Thomas. The setting couldn’t have been any better. I am looking forward to working with him again in the kitchen when he comes on Thursday.

– Lisa Smerchek & Bob Kaebisch

Today, we visited Mirepoix on market day. We got to see beautiful artisan cheeses, breads and locally grown fruits and vegetables. They reflected the organic beauty of Southern France. We were also able to visit the town square, which not only had local crafts and Toulousian clothing but the classic medieval architecture of the buildings. We had the real French experience here, being able to use French for purchases because hardly anyone speaks English. It was challenging, yet so exciting!

On our way to Carcassonne, we stopped at Chateau de Pennautier winery. Karina Waters, the owner of Chateau de Gudanes, came along with us. The grounds were designed by Andre de Notre, the same person who designed the gardens at Versailles. We had the option of veal or salmon and chocolate cake or mandarin orange mousse for dessert. This allowed us again to practice our French manners and language while experiencing amazing authentic French cuisine.

Through the rain, wind and cold, we persevered through our exploration of Carcassonne, the medieval walled city. It has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is mostly known for the 1209 attack on the city by the Roman Catholic Church to eradicate the Cathar “heretics”. Hundreds were either driven from the city or burned alive. On a lighter note, today we were able to see the modern art installation on the castle walls by Swiss artist, Felice Varini who added yellow stripes to the castle walls. It’s controversial because many French people feel it is defacing the walled city.

We finished the day by cooking a meal of Toulousian sausage and salad while listening to disco music and watching Lisa channel the ‘80’s with her dance moves. It was a great day!

-Rachel Fish and Melissa Daughenbaugh

 

Gateway students will work with historic preservation craftsmen and builders to help restore a French Historic Monument in Château de Gudanes, France.

Gateway Programs involved in the project: Graphic Communications,              Interior Design, Architectural-Structural Technician, Culinary Arts, and Horticulture

We arrived in Dublin, travel weary after a six and half hour plane ride, our energy low, but our morale high. We spent our three hour layover conversing with Irish chocolates and coffee. We boarded our plane by an exterior staircase, like we were boarding our private jet to our French adventure. There was a small hiccup. Due to a shift change, we had to wait for the next available employee to bring us into position to take off. Toulouse was only an hour plane ride away. The excitement was building! When we arrived in Toulouse, the weather was rainy, but nothing could squelch the excitement of being so close to the Chateau.

Through the city into the countryside, the Pyrenees Mountains began to appear in the distance. The mountains this year remained snowcapped and mystical. As we entered Les Cabbannes, the back of the Chateau came into view through the cloudy sky. We entered the village square and climbed the well-traveled, Tour-de-France route that leads to the most magical place in the midi-Pyrenes, Chateau de Gudanes. For those who have been here before, it was a return to a familiar and nostalgic place. Since, some of us are already a part of the Chateau’s history, it was with great excitement to watch the newcomers experience their first glance at creating their historic imprint on the Chateau.

Karina and her family, welcomed us with open arms, and immediately we became part of the Chateau family. After viewing our fabulous accommodations and dropping our baggage, we left the chill of the cavernous Chateau for the warmth of the cozy kitchen. With a fire burning in the wood stove, we enjoyed a candlelit dinner of paella that was cooked by a village local whose mother used to be the cook at the Chateau. Fresh bread, regional bread, cheese, and wine contributed to the energy and comradery around the table. It was the perfect ending to a long day of travel. Although weary from the days travel, we took the time to sit and share our time together and talk about the anticipation of the week to come.

– Ali Schultz & Kevin Paap