Today is the return date for Toulouse. I am very excited about going back to Toulouse. In some ways, it feels like I am going home. It is becoming a very familiar experience and one that makes me happy.

I am going back to the same apartment for the third time which makes it easy. I know how to navigate from the airport to the apartment. I know how to get into the complex and get to the apartment and am familiar with the neighborhood. I might even stop for a chocolatine and the walk from the bus stop to the apartment. The apartment is becoming a second home.

I have plans to go to La Panache tomorrow night when I arrive. I am very excited to see Ervim and Enzo. The restaurant has become my refuge in Toulouse. I know I am always going to be welcomed and made to feel part of the family. I am really looking forward to reconnecting with them.

I will run Thursday night with Run in Toulouse. It will be fun to be running with the group again and running along the Garonne and the streets of Toulouse. I am hoping there will be one of the spectacular sunsets that I have come to expect and love.

I have reservations for lunch at Terra Tolosa. It will be good to see the group there. I am looking forward to a fantastic meal.

I am traveling a different airline this trip. I am flying Air France which I am excited about. They usually have very good service, food and wine. I am enjoying a glass of champagne in the Air France lounge at the moment.

I left earlier than I normally would as with the government shutdown and the stories about long wait times at TSA, I wanted to make sure to give myself plenty of time so I would not miss the flight. It ended up that the wait time was nonexistent at the West TSA Pre-Check line. The main line was pretty long but a young lady that checkpoint said there was not line at the West security checkpoint so I walked over to it and it literally took five minutes to go through the security scan. This has given me a lot longer in the Air France lounge which is not a bad thing as I can relax, post to the blog, read and just relax.

I tried to be polite and interact with the TSA agents as I know it must be stressful to be working without pay. I said to one thank you and I hope you are having a good day – she said right back that she was not having a good day. She was not rude just matter of fact. She did wish me a good flight. The rest of the agents were very pleasant.

There will be more updates as soon as I get to Toulouse.