I did an extra load of laundry today so that I would have clean clothes for my jaunt to meet Tom and Marion in Italy. I think I have mentioned before that I have a very limited wardrobe for my stays in Toulouse. Basically, I have seven days of clothes. Some of it does not need washing weekly as it is merino wool, but I wanted to make sure everything was clean so did a laundry. I, unfortunately, will have to do another tomorrow. The underwear issue comes into play as I usually do my standard wash on Monday and since I will be gone, I have to make sure I have enough clean for the trip and the first day when I get back.

After doing the housekeeping duties, I headed out for my usual lunch at Terra Tolosa. It was a lovely day to walk. I was even happier with the day when I realized that the tables on the terrace were set up and I could eat outside. The last week or so has been colder and drearier than normal and you really did not want to sit out to eat. I am guessing we are getting closer to the final days where you can sit out without a heater in the umbrellas to keep you warm.

Lunch as usual was good and creative. I had the salmon rillettes which were excellent. I had never really known what a rillettes was before coming to Toulouse. Basically they are any cooked meet that is pulled and then compressed with some spices and possibly other ingredients. They are very good. You can buy tinned rillettes and I might need to buy some before I head back. The main course was Merlu (Hake), a nice white fish. It was served with perfectly cooked broccoli – which was a first for that vegetable. It, also, had mushrooms and spinach sauce. The dessert was Entermet – a cake with fruit and cream. The fruit for this one was figs – they are in season so are used a lot now.

On the way back to the apartment, I did a little shopping. I needed milk and tea for my breakfasts. Also, I needed some shampoo. I do not bring my own when I come and had used up all that was provided by the Airbnb hosts.

In my attempt to keep my legs fresh, I just relaxed in the afternoon until time to go to the Run in Toulouse Run.

The run was supposed to be the Halloween run but since that is not really a thing here in France, there were not many people in costumes. I think the leaders are trying to make it more of a thing as a number of them were in costume. I met another English speaker. John heard Elliot and I speaking in English and started talking to us. He is here doing a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. Not sure why he chose Toulouse but he seems to like it. He was surprised Elliot was French because his English is impeccable and he has a slight English accent when he speaks English. I had the same thought when I first met Elliot. We ran with the slower group as I wanted to be rested. The weather was perfect for the run so it was a nice time.

All in all a good day!