It was our first proper dinner party since moving to Paris. The party was a pretty good success, with Anne Laure and Neil imported from the UK for the evening. Despite having been in Paris for nearly five months, it was the first chance I’d gotten to catch up with Alain and Faouzia.

It was only a matter of time before Neil pointed out that I hadn’t pulled out the camera all night. Like red to a bull, I grabbed the camera (and embarrassingly large flash) to shoot a few shots of the evening.

Faouzia doesn’t seem too happy about having her picture taken…

I can’t see what all the fuss is about, actually…

The gang on the couch after dinner. Anne Laure is helping Neil with his impression of actually having some hair.

A quick swap of photographers so Matt can get into the picture

 

Back in the UK for a few days, and well rested after a week of wrapping-up the last of my Singapore project. Friday night was Aude’s Christmas party, and the first chance I really had to get into the Christmas spirit. Unlike last year (at the university dining hall, with catering to match), this year’s party was held at a local golf club and they did a really good job – good food, nice sized group, and a pretty good evening overall.

Somewhere out there is an elf without a hat, as Aude’s stolen it for the Christmas party…

Even Matt mananged to don a hat for the occasion. Which explains why he doesn’t normally wear a hat…

Aude has her caricature captured by the roving artist…

The (very patient) caricature artist, who managed to sketch pictures of most of the people at our table.

Aude, Thomas and Caroline

King Jiri. Short of Mugabe, I’ve never seen a man so happy about a paper crown.

Aude and Gino dance the night away…

Aude and Matt get into the Christmas spirit

The basis for the relationship between Aude and Matt suddenly becomes apparent to the entire world… Girls like this don’t come along very often!

Gino, burning up the dance floor!

Aude persuades Jiri to follow her onto the dance floor. Though he’s (finally) taken off his crown, please notice that it’s safely tucked away in his breast pocket for later…