Since it is Monday, I did my usual of laundry and cleaning the apartment. I did two loads of laundry as the machine is small and has limited capacity. I did figure out that using the fan in the apartment would help dry the clothes somewhat faster.

I got a message from Laurence (the Airbnb host) asking how things were going and telling me he had taken the mop cloth home to wash and had forgotten to return and did I want it. I thought it was nice but amusing as I had already gone to Midica (a Target type store) and gotten a new mop cloth. The mop is somewhat like a Swifter. When looking for a new mop cloth, I had to do some research as there were different size and type clothes and I had to figure out the one that fit the apparatus I had. I made the right choice so have been able to mop the floor. I explained that I had already gotten one. Sometimes I am not sure what Laurence thinks about me.

After lunch, I headed out for a walk as the weather had improved and it was a nice afternoon. I ended up at the Port Daurade and had a Bière des Pêcheurs at the bar/cafe by the river. I like it as it is good people watching as locals and tourists frequent it. It is a great place to read as it is somewhat shaded and is right next to the river. I am amused as the number of people (especially young people) who sit at cafes and play cards and different games. There were two men playing chess. No one seems to care that they take up tables for considerable time. I think as long as they buy drinks no one cares.

The surprise was that I ran into Marc when I was walking home. Marc is one of my friends I met through Run in Toulouse. I had not seen him since I have been back as he has not come to the runs. I had never seen him in my neighborhood before.

Unfortunately, he lost his job in August. He told me he was out walking after having had a technical interview as he needed to relieve some tension. He seems confident that he will find a new job which is good. I am assuming that he has some good unemployment benefits as the requirements in this area are stronger than in the U.S. It was nice to see him. I hope he comes back to the runs soon.

For dinner, I broiled some sardines – one of the things I cannot get regularly in Alexandria that I try to get as much as I can here. I grilled eggplant with it and added a salad. It was very nice.