The trip to Toulouse was no problem. The flights were basically on time, we arrived in Toulouse 10 minutes lates but that was nothing. The flight from Washington to Paris was early and that gave me time to grab a glass of orange juice in the Air France lounge which I needed as I felt dehydrated.

Even though I hate Charles DeGaulle Airport, I have to give it credit this time. The flight from Washington arrived at a gate instead of a remote parking station. After a long walk, I took the tram from terminal E to Terminal F. The signage is somewhat confusing but manageable. I assisted an older woman who was confused and got her to the route to baggage claim. She was grateful and said the airport was very confusing which I had to agree with.

I am still confused about how the new Entry/Exit System works for the EU. I have used it four times since it was fully implemented and have only had the experience twice. My understanding is that you register your finger prints, passport and have your picture taken the first time and then on future trips you just scan your passport. My first time was last spring when I left the EU to come back for Arianna’s wedding. I did the kiosk where I registered my biometrics. I was then sent to a manned border agent where I did my fingerprints again and got my passport stamped. On returning, I was required to register my biometrics a second time even though I explained, I had registered them just four days before. Again, went to a manned border agent and got the passport stamped. When I was leaving this summer, they directed me to a Sky Priority lane as I was a Delta medallion member and flying business class and just scanned my passport and had a picture taken – no border agent. On entry this time, I just had to scan my passport and have a picture taken, again no border agent because I was again in the Sky Priority lane. There were the kiosk to register biometrics but they were not operating. So I am totally confused as to the Entry/Exit system. Other than the second time I registered my biometrics, the entry/exit has taken about 5 minutes. This is compared to the horror stories where it takes hours and people miss flights.

I liked flying into Toulouse as the airport is very small and manageable. Luggage is returned very quickly. The walk to the Navette Aéroport bus stop is quick. Generally, I have had good luck and the bus is departing soon after I get to the stop. The stop where I get off is the first one from the airport so the ride is usually about 10 minutes and then the walk to the apartment is 10 minutes. It is all very efficient and easy.

Coming back to the same apartment for the fourth time is great. It is like coming home in a way. It does weird me out a little to think that I have two “homes” now. Everything was exactly the same with the apartment so that was great.

After unpacking and a shower to feel refreshed, I headed out for a walk around Toulouse so I could get reacquainted with the city. I have a theory that the best way to get over jet lag is to basically try to ignore it. I think if you stay active, get lots of day light and try to go to sleep at your normal bedtime without a nap, you recover easier. The walk was the first step in beating jet lag.

I went and had my first chocolat chaud during the walk. I went to one of the cafes I like after walking for about an hour. It was nice to get back to that routine.

After the cafe stop, I did some grocery shopping so I would have some food for breakfast. My favorite grocery store (Monoprix) is closed for renovations so I had to go to the Intermarché. It is a slightly longer walk but not bad. There are a couple of other grocery stores that I have used in the past and will have to try them out more this trip. The Monoprix was centrally located in the center of the old part of the city so was very convenient as I could shop there on my usual walk routes. I bought milk, orange juice, cereal, tooth paste (did not bring a large tube with me) and mouth wash and it cost $14.00. I am glad to be back here.

After a short break where I read, I headed over to La Reserve for my Aperol Spritz. The manager of the bar was happy to see me back and surprised. It is nice to be remembered after being gone three months. It is like returning home in some ways. As an aside, I saw one of the servers from La Reserve when I was out walking earlier and he acknowledged me as we passed. I am sure he did not remember where he knew me from.

For dinner, as I knew I would, I went to Le Panache to see Enzo and Ervim. I had not made reservations or anything as I always sit at the bar and knew it would not crowded on a Wednesday evening. Enzo was surprised to see me and Ervim said he knew I was coming as he follow me on Instagram and knew I was on my way back to Toulouse from my posts. I was surprised to see Jean Lou as well. He had gone to Switzerland to work for the summer and had left just before I did this summer. He is back working at Le Panache.

It was great to catch up with Ervim and Enzo as it is truly my home away from home in Toulouse. The food was great and other than being tired to was fun.

Toulouse has really become like a second home to me and I love my experiences and the life it offers me. I am excited about getting back into the routine here