Only Laurent and Pacou could not because they already had obligations for these dates. I had just touched a word, long before, that these dates corresponded to my birthday, saying that it would make me very happy that we all get together, as we did when we were younger.

On this date of March 11, we all left by car for a visit to the Douro Valley. A short stop on the road to refuel the rental car and do some shopping for a picnic lunch. Arriving at the bastide of Sandman for a visit and a tasting of port wine, we put down our shopping bags for this improvised lunch overlooking the Douro. A river, so calm and under a bright sun, that the water became a mirror, a reflection of life on earth.

A small salad, sausage, crisps and a piece of cheese. I was expecting fruit for dessert, but no, my friends surprised me with a cake, a strawberry roll. And of course, the candles that went with it, ie 56. Of course, not 56 candles but numbered candles. Candles that I had to blow out several times because the team's professional photographer, Alain, was not fast enough.

A great emotion, a great joy to celebrate this birthday surrounded by all my childhood friends and above all, in such a magnificent place. The party continued in the evening with a presentation of gifts... Celebrating my birthday with almost all my childhood friends was a memorable moment that will remain etched in my mind for many years.