I have seven days before I head back to the Alexandria. As I have stated before, it is with mixed emotions that I am leaving. I will be very happy to spend time with my friends who I have missed. I have acquaintances here but not really friends. The language barrier is hard to overcome when trying to make friends. I am going to work hard over the summer to change that so when I can come back the barrier will not be as high.

I will miss the lifestyle here in Toulouse. I like the relaxed and easy lifestyle here. I have enjoyed being able to shop at the Victor Hugo market, all the farmers markets that run all year and not just in the summer months. I love the food! I have had some of the best meals I have ever had here in Toulouse. Even though Alexandria and DC have the Potomac, it does not have the same feel as the Garonne. There are not as many places to sit and just enjoy city life along the Potomac and I do not feel that people enjoy it as much. It might be there people do not have personal outdoor spaces in their homes and so embrace the public outdoor space that the river affords.

I will definitely miss the Run in Toulouse group. It has been a main stay in my life here. It has where I have spent the most time. The runners have embraced me and I have enjoyed it. It is fun to be part of the group and join in the running. I have become accepted with the fast kids as I try to keep up with them.

I am really appreciate the restaurants here. The eccentric American has been embraced by them. I went to Terra Tolosa yesterday for lunch. When I sat down that the table near the kitchen, the chef asked me if I wanted him to cook something for me. I said that definitely would be fantastic and he cooked me an off menu lunch. I am not sure all or many Americans would have appreciated the main course as it was sweetbreads but it was fantastic. I really appreciated him offering to cook something special for me. I am going back Thursday and he is already planning what will be my lunch. It is great to make connections like that as I have. I think of Le Panache as well.

Overall it was a fun day. I am embracing my last days here and looking forward to being in Alexandria and then returning to Toulouse in the fall.