The Rememberance of Things Fast (July to December 2009)

14th July 2009: On this day, of all days, I burn my boats and storm the Bastille. When there's nothing left to burn you have to set yourself on fire so, sans appartement, sans emploi, I am moving to Paris.

14th August 2009: I am dispossessed. My worldly goods are variously at my mother's, with friends, and with strangers, courtesy of Oxfam. I think of Marcus Aurelius, Erasmus and Vladimir Nabokov. I have two suitcases and a wedding in Ireland to attend.

18th August 2009: I am in Paris. Just. I have slept for two hours and have dragged myself and two suitcases to Dublin airport. On the plane I try to die. I succeed. It is 35 degrees and I am sweating champagne. I am in a youth hostel. I am not in Paris. I am in hell.