International Outings: Mali, Iran, England

Friday, March 28. Today I walk to 43 rue du Chemin Vert (in the 11th but not far north of the Place de la Bastille), looking for the Consulate of Mali, which as it turns out, has moved to the 20th. The building at number 43 looks nothing like what one would expect a consulate building to look like (whatever that is). I finally notice a tiny sign posted on the building indicating the new address. (Yes, there's a story here but too complicated to relate. Basically it involves trying to find out the procedure for getting a visa for travel to Mali on behalf of a friend.)

In the afternoon, I meet Natalie (friend of Vanina's) at Cafe Beaubourg for tea. Her parents are from Iran (she was born there) and immigrated to US where she grew up. She speaks Farci, French and English (and god knows what else!). She is also a lawyer and was working for the Paris office of a major US law firm when she saw the light. She's been living in Paris ever since. Renovated a house in the South of France which she rents out. She is not only a lawyer but a CPA and quite talented at a lot of things. Hopes to set up a consulting business so she can continue to support her modest lifestyle - in Paris, of course! She's tres cool. :)

This evening, Craig (acquaintence of Richard and Jay) and I go to what turns out to be a guided meditation - all in French of course. It's held at a place called the Institut d'Esther near the Place de Bastille. Very New Age but good for my listening comprehension. When I'm not sure what the leader is saying, I just open my eyes a little to see what everyone else is doing! :)

Craig is another lucky dog with dual citizenship: US and British. He's hoping to find a job in Paris which he should be able to do as he is an IT expert as well as a native English speaker. He has been here since January and has rented an apartment not far from mine.