When I returned to my studio after writing a couple of emails and a brief blog, Eerie, the really nice manager of the studio said the patron had telephoned him and said instead of 40,000 Ar about (£14) per night I need only pay 35,000: except that I had agreed with them on Wednesday that I would pay 30,000 (about £10). We had words and I showed Eerie the bundle of notes that I had stuffed into my reading book ready to pay him "et je suis un homme honet" I told him. The bottom line is that the patron told him that would be fine and Eerie has just brought me a signed receipt. I wonder if his name is really Eric? It doesn't sound like it when he pronounces it.

Just eaten one of the most disgusting meals of my life. I needed something to go the spaghetti I had left over so when I saw Gratons de Canard I thought a bit of cooked duck strips in tomato with garlic would be fine. When I got home I tried it: duck scratchings. Cold, greasy duck, rock hard, salty and thoroughly disgusting so I gave up on trying to cook it, went across to the local shop bought a small baguette and ate half of it like that and through the rest away. Fortunately I had made my own vegetable soup which was fine but a bit lumpy as I don't have even a masher so it was pureed with a fork!

First sighting of a cockroach, in my note book.Only a baby, < an inch.

Yeeeehah. Just moved in to new place; will publish address tonight. It's clean, has a decent view, nearer to the Ministry and far more secure being on the 3rd floor with a 'coffre fort' safe, and wi-fi which means I can contact you at sensible times. Happy chap.