I have mentioned that I am running the Urban Trail on Sunday. Morgane, Enzo’s girlfriend, is running it as well. She is doing the 14k not the 24k which I am doing. Morgane texted me on WhatsApp to ask if I wanted to go with her to pick up our bibs. It is very nice that she asked and I am happy to go with her. I do not mind doing things by myself but it is nice to have someone to do it with.

I went to La Reserve for my “apéro”. It is the French expression for a relaxing time with a beverage before dinner. I like La Reserve because it is always busy with good people watching and a lively atmosphere. Also, since I have sort of become a regular, I am recognized and welcomed.

Dinner as usual was at La Panache. The group there definitely makes me feel like part of a community and family. Enzo’s father was there and we chatted in both English and French. I am trying harder to do more conversation in French and am getting a little better and more confident. I did tell Enzo’s father that when he speaks with Enzo I cannot follow as they go too fast.

He told me about their vacations to Villajoyosa, Spain. It is on the Costa Blanca. It is a small town with buildings painted in bright colors and right on the beach. He highly recommended going there and it is only a hour flight from Toulouse. When Dima comes we might have to go there.

Jean Louis told me he is going to Switzerland for 4 months to work. I am going to miss seeing him at La Panache. His grandfather is Swiss and live in Montreux. He said he is going to work at a restaurant in one of the mountain resorts. He will be back after the 4 months. We will both return about the same time in the fall.

The food as usual was excellent. I had monkfish with fregalo which is a past from Sardinia.

Enzo also opened a bottle of wine that was new to the restaurant for use to taste. It was good but rather fruity. We both prefer more acidic and mineral whites so we said it was good for one glass and then we switched to another wine.

We discussed champagne and he showed me a bottle he had. His father said he got it when Enzo opened the restaurant. They discussed how it was very hard to get and you had to be on good terms with the wine seller to possibly get a bottle. I am definitely interested in getting one. Enzo’s father (I have to learn his first name) said he would see if he could get me one. It is rather expensive. I texted Brian (a friend who is a wine buyer and expert on champagne) a picture of the bottle and he told me it was an iconic champagne. He said it was very hard to get also.

I am very glad I have found these friends in Toulouse. It makes me feel that I am part of a family and have a place here.