It seems wrong somehow to spend America's Independence Day in the country it worked so hard to escape from. I met a Brit on common ground, however: aca* met me for lunch at a French patisserie. With France as neutral ground, we negotiated our subsequent post-lunch separation over tasty little sandwiches and decadent desserts. There's much to be said for living a diplomatic lifestyle.

This evening, I dealt with the country's international relationships. I had dinner with Canadian S.S. at a middle-eastern-themed venue. (The Hummus Bros. again) If this meal is indicative of the future of U.S. politics, then I predict fishing treaties, systematic indexing of information, and a countrywide limit of two malabi per person per meal; there will also be free wifi for all.

Appropriately enough, I hosted a Canadian for Canada Day and an American for Independence Day. No, I have no plans to host anyone from France for Bastille Day.

* hairyears! aca said he ran into you en route to meet me.