30/07/2024 09:49 

Sitting on Ligne 8, heading to Ledru-Rolli, I believe.  I had an email at 9 o’clock this morning to head over to the Magic Carpet Café to pick up a package that has been stashed away for me behind a curtain.  This means I’m writing whilst on the Metro using a pen that isn’t an actual fountain pen.  The ink still flows and I remember when Nev bought it for me in Sainsbury’s, Romford.  I’m listening to Oliver Gee’s The Earful Tower podcast as I pull up to Opéra; I’m back here in about 5 hours with Nev and the boys for my little surprise that I’ve arranged for us to do. 

So very much of what I’ve just written down feels like it should be a normal, run-of-the-mill, everyday experience.  Alas, it isn’t.  And I fear it never will be.  Not for a permanent fixture, at least.  Maybe a few times a year over a period of a handful of days.  And that would be great.  It’s been over 8 months since my last visit and at times, I’ve really felt it.  Especially whilst trying to be Paristically creative.  These 6 days now should keep me going for a while until return. 

Which hopefully won’t be another 8 months away.