I return to Alexandria on Tuesday (tomorrow) after another wonderful stay in Toulouse. The city captivates me. I love walking by the river every day and hearing the water rush over the man made ford from the 1700s. I love the light at sunset and how the city turns pink. The light is just amazing! I like wandering the narrow and winding streets. I am amazed at all the people out on the streets and enjoying the life of the city. Sitting at cafes drinking chocolat chaud and reading. The Spritz at La Reserve at happy hour is another good experience of cafe life.

I cannot say enough about Eliot and Marc and Run in Toulouse. The group and especially Eliot and Marc have made me feel welcome and a part of the group. It has been fun to explore the city while running. I have definitely seen parts of the city that I would never have found without running with the group. Being able to speak English with Marc and Eliot has been a way to feel like a part of something (community) here. Noam and Nordeen have also been very welcoming.

Terra Tolosa and the group there have been another part of my community. I cannot thank Yorcon (chef), Gabor and Jesse (sous chefs), Thomas, Pierre and Remy for the hospitality that they have provided me along with the fantastic meals!

Last but not least and probably first are Evrim and Enzo at Le Panache. It truly has become my home away from home. I cannot imagine living here without my weekly Friday dinner and some lunches there. Evrim is always funny, charming and engaging when I am there. His welcome always makes me happy and I laugh as he jokingly calls me Peter Parker. Spending time with Enzo’s parents, girlfriend (Morgan) and friends makes me feel again like part of something here in Toulouse. This is even as we have some communication barriers with my French and their English.

The running of the semi-marathon with Enzo was definitely a bonding experience and one of the most memorable and enjoyable days I had in Toulouse. It brought a bond with Enzo and his running community. Enzo would tell everyone who had run that day that I had run also. It was fun to have his friends and family out supporting him and by extension me. Enjoying the post race festivities was a bonus.

Reflets became another go to restaurant for me and since it is open on Monday it was my last dinner. As always the food was good.

Jen and Jesse’s visit to Toulouse and Barcelona was another highlight of the trip. Being able to show off the city that I have come to love was great. Visiting Barcelona which I had not been to since I was five was an added bonus.

I am going to miss Toulouse everyday while I am back in Alexandria and will look forward to returning in March. It has become a part of my life now.