Comments on: Carcassonne, Languedoc, France. 2009

By: Turkish Prawn

Turkish Prawn — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:38:53 +0000

From what I’ve seen, a pox generally does come and the payback is almost universally, a bitch. Part of the, “bigger they are, the harder they fall” rule. It’s not often that a true benevolent despot ever burps to the surface, and when they do, it rarely lasts. The lesson that I’ve tried to keep in mind when doing research is that history is written by the winners. Trying to remember that what we learn has been fired through the personal spectrum of whatever power dictated it does make one a more suspicious person, I believe, but I think it’s vitally important to anyone who wants to try and piece together a more accurate picture of those whom came before us.

-TP

By: razzbuffnik

razzbuffnik — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:37:29 +0000

Turkish

Thanks. One of the strange things about “history” is how aristocrats are portrayed as somehow better that the normal person when in fact they were just thugs with the biggest gang who made everyone around them miserable. A pox on their houses!

By: Turkish Prawn

Turkish Prawn — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:21:02 +0000

Beautiful shots and good writing, Raz. I too was rather dumbfounded by the tomb of “good ole’ Simon.” They guy was a butcher and a mercenary, but then again, that wasn’t anything out of the ordinary in that region back then. Some just took their work more seriously. The history that surrounds these odious figures somehow does not seem to strip them of their burial finery. Strange, isn’t it?

For al the tourists and such, just like you, I loved Carcassonne. It is unlike anything else in the world. I think I could live as a lock keeper on the Canal du Midi with no problems at all… except for the whole “not being able to speak French” part.

-TP

By: razzbuffnik

razzbuffnik — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:18:52 +0000

Ross

I wouldn’t want to live in a castle either. Way too cold and far too many stairs.

Epic

“Carcassonne’s public conveniences?”

Dark, smelly, filthy and old fashioned.

By: Epicurienne

Epicurienne — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:53:15 +0000

Religion certainly has a lot to answer for if you look at both historical and present day issues. But I’m more intrigued by your mention of medieval sensory experiences in Carcassonne’s public conveniences. Smelly, perchance?
As for your cassoulet experience, what a shame. Wouldn’t it be wiser for people to serve things they can taste and therefore critique? You see? Forget wars; religion has even had a negative impact on your gastronomic experiences. That’s FAR more important (I would do a smiley face here but I fear you and Pat might kill me.)

By: planetross

planetross — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:23:53 +0000

I like castles … because I don’t live in one … unless we are talking about the sky.

Your posts have too much meat to chew on. They always leave me thinking … and possibly chewing. I’m envious.

note: when I visited Komoda Island in Indonesia there was an Italian group there who said they came there every year for fishing. I think lost all my travelling illusions/allusions there.

By: razzbuffnik

razzbuffnik — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:30:58 +0000

Donald

Thanks and yes, we as a civilisation seem to be slow learners.

Pat

Not holding a camera straight is just one more way of breaking the rules, or should I say, smashing icons?

Jane

Thanks for dropping by and I’m glad you enjoyed the post.

By: Jane Burton

Jane Burton — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:05:00 +0000

I began researching Carcassonne because we are studying the short stories of Willima Faulkner at Wash. U. in St. Louis. One of his stories is named “Carcassone.” What a marvelous treat to find this site and your terrific pictures! The story is about death and letting go and how man leaves part of himself on earth. Thank you. Jane in St. Louis, MO

By: Pat Coakley

Pat Coakley — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:43:33 +0000

Jaded pieces of iconoclastic meat do not often know how to work a wide angle lens, however. The combo is unique.

By: Donald Diddams

Donald Diddams — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:50:47 +0000

Some stunning photos in this post. But more important are your reflections on the many atrocities that have been committed in the name of religion. And how religious beliefs are twisted to justify those atrocities as being good and godly. That practice is clearly not just historical, and it’s application today is truly mind-bending.