Photos

Kate, Cedric and Arno















Front: Kumiko, Lauren, Daniela, Kate, Regina
Middle: Maylen, Monalisa, Naomi, Laurel
Back: Carly, Cedric, Arno















Maylen, Saskia, Monalisa, Kate, Lauren, Naomi

I forgot to mention the little soiree at my apartment last Friday! It was so enjoyable playing hostess to the lovely ladies and 2 gentlemen who came. Obsessive compulsive as I am, I bought 6 types of bottle water, sparkling and regular....and everyone ended up drinking the wine that my guests brought--between the dozen of us, we consumed about 5 bottles of wine and only 1 bottle of water : )

I felt slightly bad for the boys, as there were only 2 French boys and oh lala, so many American girls. But nevertheless, we made quite a lively party--Maylen taught us to dance salsa, and Daniela taught us merengue. I hope my neighbors weren't too upset at our liveliness : )

And goodness, did Cedrid and Arno smoke! Since I wouldn't stand smoking in the living room, they opened the window in the kitchen and smoked there for awhile. Daniela and I joined them there, and we had a pleasant talk, except for the smoke!!! Cedric rolled his own cigarettes and taught Daniela how to properly smoke one...and I must admit here (!) that I was curious, so I took a drag. It was, as I expected, not to my taste.

I really like the girls who came--among the many others in my program (I shan't deign to comment on them), they are the most friendly, down-to-earth and amiable! Also, Monalisa and her sister Saskia, and Monalisa's Japanese friend Kumiko, were all so sweet. And of course, darling Naomi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





Thought

I don't think I could bring myself to seriously date someone who smoked, much less comport myself intimately...smoking is a key turn off for me...which rules out about 99% of the male population in Paris! Helas, c'est triste, mais je retiens mes principes! Ladies, never lower your standards when it comes to men...you'll fall into a one way chute....and hit gritty cement. Ah non, jamais! It's not just a cultural thing--I understand that French men smoke, yes, French women smoke a great deal too. I don't mind having friends who smoke, it's a personal choice that may affect me, but I cannot narrow my friendships by that. But for a relationship with a man, I cannot stomach kisses of smoke, I shan't go back on that!