This weekend, Boyf came to visit. It's the first time I've seen him in six weeks - I know, seems sadistic, doesn't it? He's back in the UK and I'm out here. So it was aces to see him. It's so cool to be able to just turn to the people you love and say what's going through your head without having to reach for your mobile! Showing him round Paris he remarked that I seemed happy to be here. It was good to have someone tell you that.

So, is it lonely? Upping sticks for something abroad? At times, it is. As well as language and cultural barriers, you have to start your social scene from scratch. If you live alone, that leaves a lot of hours to fill. And you might hate the place you've moved to. (To be honest, much as I love Paris, there's only so much art you can stomach in one afternoon).

Having said all that, I wouldn't give this up for the world. I've got the hang of banishing self-pitying thoughts - not something you can rave about on your CV, but very valuable! Plus, almost everyone I have met in Paris has been really friendly. I miss the people at home. But they'll be there when I come back. If not, they'll come out for a weekend of pauses gourmandes!

So if the question is: how lonely is it?
Then the answer is: only as lonely as you feel.