I headed to the St. Aubin’s market to buy olive oil. The olive purveyor sells their own olive oil and I wanted to buy some to take home with me. I had done this on the last trip and the olive oil lasted me for my time in Alexandria.

I, also, picked up some crafts for presents. I try to buy things that are someone unique and would reflex my time in Toulouse. No point in giving gifts that are generic.

IO went to the first Sunday of Advent at St. Sernin. I was hoping for a rendition of O Come O Come Emmanuel which is one of my favorite hymns but was disappointed but not surprised that it was not played. I think it is traditionally an Anglican and British hymn.

The priest who I have never thought as possessing a sense of humor or being funny surprised me this morning. In his Advent sermon, he was discussing the theme of waiting and time. He through in a statement of the reliability of the SCNF (French Railroad). He basically said that SCNF being on time is a miracle and no one should be waiting on that miracle. He was using an example of how sometimes having to wait is a good thing. He discussed a trip where the train was incredibly late and they had to wait for hours on the train between stations and he had used it to catch up on his emails and was all caught up by the train made it to the station. He felt it was good that he had to wait and had the time.

I went to La Braiserie for dinner, it is one of the few good restaurants that is open on Sunday night. I really never go out on Sunday night and did not realize how slow the city is at that time. Most nights when I walk back from dinner, the city is very alive and there are lots of people out and about. Sunday night is not the same way. The city was very quiet and only a few cafes were open. It seems like fast casual and fast food are the only types of restaurants that are open.

I had my last serving of foie gras for dinner. It is so good but not really good for you. I will miss it but it will be better not to have it when I am in Alexandria. The foie gras is restaurant made which makes it even better.

I had streak with morello sauce for my main course. They serve roasted potatoes and salad with the steak. The size of the bowls that came to my table were so large, I could never have finished either by myself. It might be that all the bowls are family size so you get them no matter the size of your table.

I am amazed that I have not gained weight while here as I eat a great deal more here than I do normally. I guess it is the quality of the ingredients and that I walk everywhere.

One more day and then on my way back to Alexandria.