It is Good Friday so I decided to follow my general practice with some added additions.

I usually do a semi-fast for the day – light meals, no meat, no sweets and got to church.

I went to the Cathedral Saint Etienne to participate in the Chemin de Croix. The Way of the Cross through the streets of Toulouse. It is a very moving and interesting experience. The faithful follow a process ion through the streets of Toulouse participating in the stations of the cross. A group of people process with the cross with clergy following. Along the way, the procession stops and does the stations of the cross with prayer, reading and chants. This not being an Episcopal tradition, it is new to me but I enjoy participating in it. I did it last year when I was here as well. This year it was better for me as there was a website that had the service so I could follow along with the actual stations of the cross with the prayers, readings and chants. It was, of course, in French but my French has become good enough that I can read it and understand it. So between listening and reading, I was able to fully participate it the stations and the procession. It was a good way to start Easter weekend.

My light fasting worked for breakfast and lunch with no snacks in between but fell apart at dinner. Unbeknownst to me, Enzo had planned a birthday celebration for me at my usual Friday night dinner at Le Panache. I was still able to be meatless but I had birthday dessert and some wine.

Morgane, Enzo’s girlfriend, showed up with a Happy Birthday banner which they put up against the bar.

Enzo’s parents showed up and gave me cheese for a birthday present. When I was here last Enzo’s father had recommended Beaufort d’été cheese and I had looked for it ever since but could not find it. There was some in the gift pack along with Morbier, Gorgonzola Bleu and Rocana Dour. I now have a large selection of cheese to enjoy. It was very nice of them to give me a present and make my birthday feel special.

Willhlm was also there and participated. I had met him at Le Panache the last visit. He speaks English very well and works with a company in Chicago. We had a great discussion about travel and different countries. He is a very good amateur photographer and has just gotten back for a trip to Uganda and safaris. He showed me great pictures of baboons, gorillas, lions and a leopard.

It is amazing to have a place where I feel like family here in Toulouse and where they are so open about embracing me and including me. It was a remarkable night and one I will always cherish.