Since the French do not celebrate Thanksgiving there was not much of the traditions that one does on Thanksgiving.

I decided that I would have duck for lunch and went to Le Petit Quai, one of my favorite small restaurants in Toulouse. I had Parmentier of Duck which is basically similar to Shepherds Pie but made with duck. It is pulled duck with mash potatoes on top and then browned in the oven. I had onion soup for the first time as well. Not sure why I have not had it before my last week in France. Lunch was delicious as usual.

Prior to lunch, I walked around the Christmas Market that opened today. It was nice to see all the stalls selling food and gifts. Being during the day, it was not crowded so I could see everything well.

In the evening, I had my last run with the Run in Toulouse group. The group was an important part of my enjoyment and feeling a part of the community in Toulouse. Even though I could not interact with most of the members, it did make me feel like I was included and gave me a social outlet. As time progressed, I did meet more people and they were able to speak English so I even began to feel more included and a part of the group. Being Thanksgiving, I am very grateful to the Run in Toulouse group and helping me to become part of Toulouse and enjoy it. Thanks to Laurent, Timo and, especially Eliott, who made the runs very enjoyable.

After the run, I went back to the Christmas Market to enjoy the feel of it in the evening. It was packed with people and festive cheer. I had a mulled wine and just enjoyed the lights and atmosphere. It inspired me and when I got back to the apartment, I played Christmas music on Spotify while I had dinner.

My one disappointment of the day was that I found out the wine shop could not send wine to Virginia so I cannot ship wine home. I am bringing a bottle in my suitcase but would like to have shipped more home. It is probably for the best as the wine collection waiting at home is still fairly large.

Even though I did not have a traditional Thanksgiving it was a good day!