Chapter 71: Queen Hinckster At Last

nerd blog post #76

I'm back from Paris. My bicycle wounds are beginning to heal and as the days went on, I told the story less and less. (It had more of an effect when I wore the ripped tights - otherwise, the previdence was a bit lacking.)

As always, Paris was amazing. Since Raffi and Viktor have school and work, I did a bunch on my own and with them. I like that balance.

Thursday night, the three of us ate at the caf and then went to Raffi's for coffee and dessert. Dessert was a galette des rois that I brought from Rennes. In order to ensure I would be crowned Queen this time, I rigged it in my favour. Being a heterosexist tradition, boys have to pick girls to be queen. Being the only girl, either I would get the bean and be queen automatically, or one of the boys would get the bean and have to pick me! I accepted my bean from King Viktor with modesty and (faux) surprise. What a special evening! Raffi was appointed Court Jester and had to perform clown tricks immediately. Good thing he's been training.

Other highlights of the week-end included a good party Saturday night with dancing. They were playing Britney Spears circa 2004 so I was in heaven.

I found two thrift shops and was delighted to root through deep bins and musty racks of old clothes. It's the only shopping I really love, along with grocery. I got a dress and a shirt. Thrift shops in Paris are not cheap, but are much cheaper than trendy stores. Clothes in France, especially Paris, are very cher. I'm thankful I don't mind wearing the same things for years, otherwise I wouldn't be able to travel much.

I also went to L'Arche and asked them if I could volunteer there when I get to Paris. (I'm moving to Paris in April as I finish here on the 9th.) The lady in charge wasn't there but I got her e-mail addy and will set up an appointment for the next time I'm there. I hope we can work something out.

It was great being there for five nights. It always flies, but more so when the nights are less. Go figure. I won't be back there before my break, which starts February 12th. Until then, I'll keep myself nice and busy here in Rennes.

Hope you all had a good week-end.

With love,
Hincks.