Frites in the city

Thanks to so many of you for taking a look at these witterings. There have been 139 hits so far and some positive feedback. Merci! I have been away for the last 10 days so this posting is more of a report than the usual pseudo philosophising, but, you never know, some opinion may find a way in! Thanks to all who fed us, bought us drinks and accommodated us. You know who you are!

Colchester eased us in to being back in the UK and a wonderful time was had by all. I love weddings and this one was nothing short of glorious: two wonderful people choosing to commit to each other in front of their friends and family. It was really an honour to be there and to meet with many people who have only been names before. The bride, unbridled by her nuptial celebrations, as selfless as ever ensured that the weekend was one when everyone met the right people and was able to extend their social and professional networks.

Colchester town centre was the place for our drug hit and we stocked up on paracetomol, aspirin, Vitamin C tablets and Dentyl mouthwash, all things that are either not easily or cheaply available in France.

Thence to London! Again it was a treat to be able to meet up with some friends. Apologies that it was not possible to see more of you this time. I noticed a 2-4-1 offer on Eurostar with the Telegraph whilst I was there and would be delighted to share the details with anyone who is interested. London was nicer for not being home.The sun shone out of a clear blue sky and it was enjoyably cold. I dropped the biggest H ever - in Fortnum and Mason actually when I showed Clare W bis my "finished" marketing materials and found that, somehow, I cite 'arrods as one stepping stone in my career. The French accent is obviously coming on in leaps and bounds.

I left London on Thursday with bags full of Cheddar cheese, Marmite, an incredibly good shaving oil spray - only 99p in Asda - and Ugly, the best-selling autobiography of a friend of mine.

Rumaucourt was a whistle-stop on the way to Paris where we were at the weekend to observe the half marathon and to support Tiff. Paris is a very wanderable place and humanly-sized too. Max noted that the frites on the menu at our restaurant on Saturday night were 8€ ie £5.50.

Got back yesterday evening to find Chico is number one: if there were any small doubts about leaving the UK then there is proof we have done the right thing!

For hen groupies, they have laid for the first time since their removal to Hen Hotel, three feathers!