Ste and I were making the rounds last night. Started out by going to see our apartment which is almost done: floors are done, painting is done, all architectural alterations are done (walls broken, bar installed). It looks so beautiful! We are all ready to move in but we have been foiled once again, this time by a box of broken tiles that are delaying the kitchen construction. But we still hope to move in within the month. The housewarming we have been advertising will take place, although it looks so beautiful we don't know if we want our sloppy friends spilling punch all over it.

Next stop was the cinema. Went to see the new Coen bros. film Ladykillers which was enjoyable, if not one of their better films. Sped on over to La Favela Chic, a very cool little Brazilian joint, where we imbibed a damn-good mango caipirinha and said goodbye to our friend Erez, who after a 15-month assignment in Paris is heading back to Istanbul to work with his family. Then we jetted down to the Champ de Mars (the field that extends between the Eiffel Tower and the Ecole Militaire, for those needing a little orientation) to see our friend Joseph (Lord of the Spin) and his followers do some pretty kick ass firespinning while young hippies danced around enjoying the hippy pleasure of refreshing, wholesome alcohol. Photo is actually of a firebreather, who was pretty impressive. I have video of Joseph spinning in front of the Eiffel Tower, but as we are leaving for a weekend of tennis, petanque, vodka, and cake in the country in about 15 minutes, I won't have time to post it today. But look for it soon on Mandounette!