Rennes, or The Time It Was All Better
Apr. 19th, 2011 02:14 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lesmisloony All better? Or all in my head? lol what am I doing with my life.
Seriously though it's all better. But I'm sticking to the theory that Florent Mothe threatened Patrice Maktav's kneecaps because it just makes sense. And because when I was being all dejected over Maktav not loving on me Floflo was all over me in a tragically non-literal way. He stopped and talked to me like four times in under an hour.
DEAR DA PONTE. It should not be easier to spend time with SALIERI than with you. Quit it.
But seriously though it's all good again and I am sunburned and blistered and SO TIRED but I'm so content that nothing can touch me.
Rennes was really good.
I didn't start work on my third doll for Fabrice (the guy who replaced Jonathan Kerr for a couple months as the swing type and who I chatted with for a bit in Dijon) until Friday afternoon, preferring instead to dance around the empty house to Elisabeth (seriously, the interpretive dance I did to Ich gehör' nur mir in the kitchen was all kinds of inspiring) and take lots of breaks for no reason and basically just do vacationy things. So once I finally began work on the doll it was, uh, rather late. I am a fool. But Joanna arrived and I finally went to sleep and I just brought a bunch of yarn and stuff with me so I could finish the doll on the train. And by the way let me tell you something. The doll came out a little fatter than I wanted him to, so I named him Fat-brice, and he is my new second-favourite doll after Doll Ponte who is irreplaceable in my heart.
Check out Fat-brice!
For reference, here is the costume (being modelled by my love Patrice who occasionally plays this guy but more often than not it's Jonathan Kerr/Fabrice):
I actually worked on him all the way to Rennes in the train, then some more in the bus from Rennes to Bruz, then finished his cravat in our hotel room. I had a really good time waving him around yelling QUEL DOMMAGE QUEL DOMMAGE QUEL DOMMAGE because for some reason I just love that guy who's only in the show for .24601 seconds. Maybe that reason is it's Patrice on the DVD and I just love all the things Patrice does, idk.
Anyway. We were staying out in the countryside of Bruz because it was close to the Troupe's hotel, and since neither of us could afford a ticket to the show this time we were just there for hoteldooring. Our hotel was ADORABLE and SO CHEAP and the lady who worked there was such a sweetheart!
Well, we got installed and then we were ready to try to follow Joanna's hand-drawn map from our hotel to theirs. Unfortunately Bruz doesn't believe in STREET SIGNS and at the very first intersection Joanna had to ask a small urchin boy which direction to go in, but he helped us out and we didn't get lost. I think the walk to the hotel took somewhere between twenty and thirty minutes.
The Troupe was staying in this big golf resort thingy, so the walk was beautifulll. Spring flowers and lakes and rich people houses everywhere. It was JUST LIKE HOME actually, but French. I was delighted. A little nervous that we somehow had the wrong hotel, but overall delighted because I just love all the things.
Here's some of the pretty I was talking about:
And this is actually basically where we were waiting for the Troupe.
I was a little nervous that we were in the wrong place since it's a bit abnormal for the Troupe to be in a big spa resort out in the country, but as we approached I saw fans I know and, more importantly, a bus! And the Mozart van.
I didn't get a chance to get a picture, but there's a new addition to the Mozart van: Salieri has glasses and a cigar now. As soon as I saw it I was like "I guarantee you that that is Florent Mothe's handiwork." and sure enough, a fan told me that Flo did it in Lyon. Hahaha beautiflo.
So I saw Anais who I know from the PDS and Lille and she was with Myriam who I know from Dijon and Lyon and who told me the Troupe's hotel and we were like HEYYYY and they were like Are you and Patrice okay? Haha ohh my life. But the answer was Noooo not yet but I'm gonna figure this out this weekend. And they were like YOU GO GIRL.
A second later Matthias (Colloredo) went by on a bike. Haha okay.
Saw all the familiar faces and met a few new fans as well. It's weird how the fans seem to travel in groups and I usually know at least one person in each group, but the groups never mingle and actually the all seem to hate each other, meanwhile I'm bouncing back and forth like BRB gotta talk to those girls! and Well they're closer to the Troupe so I'm gonna go stand with them now see ya! Honestly I am the only person who goes from group to group. The others just sit back and mutter about each other. BUT WE ALL LOVE THE SAME THING. Do not allow your jealousy to poison the fact that we're all crazy people who stand outside a hotel waiting to get actors' attention!
The hot gossip was that Anais and Myriam and company had DARED to get a room at this very hotel. I mean, usually I'd agree that that's a bit bold, but dude, the nearest hotel was the one Joanna and I had which was a thirty minute walk. I get it. Also apparently I'm going to be splitting a room with Anais and Co in Bordeaux, and if they decide to put us in the Troupe's hotel I'm gonna be sitting in the room like D: because I'd be terrified of running into Maktav at the ice machine or something... anyway. Anyway, at this hotel the girls were next door to JP Asian's room (floll) and they said he had been up playing music and partying till 2 or 3.
Soooo then I saw Fabrice and I creeped over like Heyyyy Fabriiiiiiiiice look what I got you!
Byyye Fat-brice
He's like OMG and also it's my last weekend! and I'm gonna sit him on my bookshelf like this! During the video Laurie went past and greeted me and Fabrice showed her the doll. Then at the end of the video he asks if I'm coming to see the show. It cuts off, but I answered that I can't really afford it, and he started like urgently trying to get me and Joanna tickets. He even asked for my phone number so he could let me know if he got them, which was embarrassing because I'm terrible at French numbers and I managed out a "Quarante... deux?" before Joanna just pulled out her phone and read my number off. Unfortunately though, the show was sold out and there was no more space for us. Ah well! It was adorbs of him to try!
Then I nabbed Bénédicte and hooked her up with a doll:
Bénédicte
I think I'm correct in saying that I have done six million and ten dolls now, and Bénédicte is the first one to switch to English. AND for some reason I find it exciting that that's just further proof that it's common knowledge amongst the Troupe that there's an American who gives out dolls. Like I need further proof.
No actually I do need further proof. Every few minutes I stop believing that my life is real and that I really live it.
While we were waiting glorious things happened. For instance Yamin hijacked some rich guy's golf cart, abducted Ariane, and drove away. A few minutes later he returned without her and an hour later she appeared again just in time to climb into the bus. I have no idea what happened there.
Plus dudes were rolling around on those things... I always forget what they're called. The two-wheeled standing up stupid machines. Noel Fielding called one a yoyo once. The things that Ten and Donna and Lance rode around that secret Torchwood thing on the spider Christmas. Those. Dudes were rolling around on those all over the parking lot. Also there was a puppy that was SO TINY it looked like it was barely alive.
Of course, I was anxious because I needed to see Mister Patrice Maktav. I'd prepared lots of phrases just in case the situation last weekend came up--things like "Elle aurait dû se mêler de ses affaires" and "J'étais fatiguée et sensible, c'est tout" and "Non, je ne t'en veux pas du tout!!" so you know. And eventually I saw him (his hair is SO PRETTY I JUST CAN'T GET OVER IT) buuut he was withhhh that dancer. I did not want to meet her because I'm afraid she'll end up being nicer than Tamara and also because I didn't want to try to reconcile myself with Patrice Maktav in front of perhaps the reason there was a problem in the first place. They walked by and went to the other building where breakfast was happening and didn't look in the fans' direction at all. This is a recurring problem with my love for Maktav, by the way. TURN AROUND BIG EYES or I will FALL APARRRRT. But anyway they went by and literally all the other fans (I think there were less than ten of us) looked at me like WELL? and I was like "...pas devant la danseuse." And they all were like Oh yeah good point.
Also, I saw a familiar denim shirt appear on a balcony for a second and I was like FLO IT'S FLO RIGHT THERE and we were all like OOOH FLOOOO aaand now we know what room you're in mister. Awesome.
So yeah, then the dancer got back on the bus and so did a whole lot of other people and it drove away to the Musikhall. Her being gone made me feel a little bit better, so I was like IT IS TIME.
Unfortunately, it was not. The Mozart van pulled up and Patrice appeared and climbed right into it. I didn't yell his name, but I did try to wave a bit. No use. Pffft. Also when he got into the van his pants were not on enough and everybody saw some extra Maktav. I don't think he realised there was even a problem by the way, because they slammed the door and closed him in, but a few minutes later Mikele appeared and opened the door, meaning Maktav had to scoot over, and the issue was still present. GET A BELT PATRICE. I wasn't very close at that point because some hotel guys had hearded us away, but Anais and Co were.
Anyway, the van with Mikele and Maktav (I don't remember if anyone else was in there, but I don't think so) went rolling past and I was standing right on the curb kinda hoping Maktav would at least see me and maybe know to come talk to me that night. But it was not Maktav who spotted me and got all excited. On the inside of the van I saw Mikele's face do this:
and he started waving frantically at me.
OMG MIKELANGELO LOCONTE HIIII.
REMEMBER WHEN I WAS IN LOVE WITH HIM VIA THE INTERNET BUT NEVER EVER THOUGHT I'D EVER MEET HIM AND DREAMED OF ONE DAY GETTING A PICTURE WITH HIM TO MAKE MY FRIENDS BACK HOME JEALOUS??
And then I gazed after the van as it disappeared and wondered if Mikele was like "Ooh look the American one!" so Maktav could be like Oh yeah her we need to talk or something. Anyway, between sharing the van with Mikele and the fact that I'd given out two dolls I was pretty sure the man was aware of my presence now. COME ON MAKTAV.
A few minutes later Flo came out! He was wearing the denim shirt, a leather jacket, and enormous khaki shorts. NEVER STOP BEING SO PRECIOUS FLORENT MOTHE. Because on one hand if he became a snazzy dresser he would be too hot to exist and the world would melt, but on the other hand the fact that he dresses like a child just makes him even cuter. Also I have an entry from two years ago in which I say something like "Why are Florent's pants so giant?" and I am delighted that that question is still valid and applicable.
Anyway he didn't have time for Flotos and went hurrying past the fans into the lobby building thing, where I'm guessing he told someone to bring him a van because another one arrived. It also collected Yamin. As Flo came back out he saw all of us and went "Bonjour!!" and we were all like Bonjourrr and I was like Heyyyy. At one point his smile was individually for me, though I'm sure he knew some of the other girls too. He was about to climb in--there was an entire van, driven by JP Asian, yet Flo and Yamin both crammed into the front seat--when one of the girls asked if he was coming back between the shows, and Flo said he wasn't. So I went "À CE SOIR!!" and he looked REALLY DELIGHTED by this and said "Á ce soir!" as he was closing the door. lol Flo loves it when I try to French at him, but not as much as I love it when he Englishes at me.
THEN as they were pulling away I just kinda waved, as I enjoy doing, and Flo waved back. THEN HE SAID SOMETHING TO YAMIN, and Yamin leaned forward and they BOTH WAVED AT ME.
FLO FLO FLO ARE YOU SERIOUS WHAT ARE YOU DOING OMG
It's one thing when Maktav tells Laurie to wave at me but Flo? And Yamin? Hahaha it blew my mind.
So everyone was gone (Nuno is slippery and mysterious) and Joanna and I made the walk back to our hotel (me ranting about omg Flo waving at me and Mikele too and MAKTAV COME ON the whole time) and then we took a bus back to Rennes, where we wandered around in search of a pizza place and never found one. Instead we went to this sandwich place thing and I got a NUTELLA PANINI.
A NUTELLA PANINI.
Also I saw THIS.
Rennes Rennes Rennes Rennes you are an amazing city omg.
And this!
That was their mayor's name you guys. For like SIXTY YEARS.
Anyway. I love Rennes.
And then we took the bus back, napped, and finally headed back to the Troupe's hotel.
The bus arrived! Lol at this point every other fan there was rooting for me to get a chance to see Patrice, but when he climbed off the bus he went in the exact opposite direction, right into the bar. Every other person who got off that bus passed us so they could stop by their rooms, but Maktav was not having any of it. I even started worrying that the slightly pissy look on his face had been directed at me and I was like Oh GOD he genuinely CANNOT STAND ME. You don't understand how paranoid I am you guys.
But look who WAS on the bus! Jocelyne!!!
Jocelyne awww
SHE IS SO CUTE. She's basically saying They told me about this, thanks, oh you're the one who does this?, it's so nice, and then we almost get run over by the bus. She gets really excited about the doll's hat, then its underpants, and then the bus comes back to try to kill us again. By the way, that's Anais creeping in the background over there. After the video ends she got even more excited that the doll had a little black cross and sleeve ruffles and she was like totally blown away by it. AW JOCELYNE YOU ARE SO CUTE. She also asked me about the show, so I was like Yeah, I saw it eight times in Paris and now I've seen in five more times on tour, blah blah blah, I only missed Cournon... and then we took a picture.
Look at how PRETTY she is! And yeah I was distracted because the bus was coming back dude. It wanted us to DIE.
Eventually she went on her way and he just kinda chilled. A bunch of the Troupe had gone into this outdoor picnic table-y area and were singing together. I didn't recognise most of the songs, but at one point it was the Louis Louis one. I think the music was being led by Yamin and Solal. They're always doing something ridiculous. I could see Diane over there too, and what I thought was Patrice.
So we went back to waiting. When they left the little bonfire thing, Yamin and Solal kind of boogied across the parking lot. Yamin was doing this weird little chicken-dance-y pimp walk and beatboxing, and he kept it up the whole time. It was precious but also insane, like all the things Yamin does.
Flo arrived and asked us to wait for a second while he went into the main building, and then he came back for pictures. I took one of him and Joanna and then it was my turn, and once his hand was on me I was like "Hey, will you make a Salieri face?"
Exactly like back in the day at the PDS on the night I fell in love with him Flo looked kind of terrified for a second and he went "Uhh... I will try."
SO CUTE OMG. I love pictures like this because we totally look like we're bros.
And so I thanked him and he was being all cute and awkward like "It is hard... without the costume. You know." and I was like "Nnno, you're good at the Salieri face! It's your JOB!" and he went "Oh. Thank you." in his tiny little voice.
HOW CAN YOU BE SO CUTE FLO.
So I retrieved my camera from Joanna and checked the picture and laughed in delight. Flo had finished up with the other fans at that point and was passing again, so I showed it to him. He kind of went =/ when he saw it and I was like "No, it's really good!!" Awww how can you be FLO and also be SO MODEST at the same time? What a sweetheart!!!
About the same time Flo was there, Mikele was putting in an appearance. He was with some friends, though, so he didn't have time for pictures or anything, but being a good person he bisous'd everyone who was out there one at a time and said "Merci d'être venue" very seriously before going inside.
And so I was waiting again.
At some point Flo came out of the main building and went back to his room. Joanna and I were sitting on the curb at that point, and when he passed us Flo smiled and went "Heyyy guyyyys!" and I went "Niiight!" because I assumed he was going to bed. Then Joanna told me that Flo had said "salut" to her earlier, which is apparently the tu to bonjour's vous, so she was excited that that must mean he recognises her. I was like homeslice, this man really ought to know your face by now, I mean really. Flo is good with faces. He's the only one who has recognised me every single time he's seen me since the first time I asked him for a Floto back at the beginning of November. Meanwhile people in the Troupe like Bénédicte, who'd gotten her doll earlier that day, were cruising right past me without a second glance.
Fabrice remembered me though! He said something greeting-y as he went by. Yay Fabrice! Why does he have to leave now, though? JUST when he learned to love me. Oh well. Gotta make sure I conquer Jonathan Kerr's heart in Bordeaux.
Then Flo came back by! When he saw us this time he stopped and went "You know, everybody is going crazy over your puppets." (because French for doll is "poupée" so I guess it's easy to make that mistake--only the second mistake I've ever heard Flo make in English, by the way!!) and I was like Awww and Flo was like "And you know, we are making a movie with them." and I was like OMG YES I HEARD and he was like yeah and I was like yeahh and then he went in and I was like BWAHHHHHHH. WHAT IS THIS MOVIE YOU GUYS. I CANNOT WAIT.
It was VERY late. The only fans left were Anais and Co who wanted to see Mikele. Joanna was ready to go, but I was like Give it a few more minutes?? Maktav?? No? Yes? No? but meanwhile we were FREEZING TO DEATH and exhausted. Gah these weekends. I'm a bit relieved they aren't gonna be anywhere Easter weekend because I am worn. Out. Right now.
So I said I'd give it till 1:45. At 1:43 Mikele came back out, but he was saying goodbye to his friends, and I'm sure he was confused when he saw I was still waiting but then gave up while he was standing there and walked away. Because I love my Mikele but I'm sure his glittery little ego assumed I was waiting for HIM like the other girls were. Anyway I went over to Anais and Co and I was like Okay. If you see Maktav. If you get a chance to speak to him. Tell him I'd like to speak to him. But don't tell him I'm crying or or or sad or like disappointed--well okay I'm a little disappointed but... but not upset. I'm... I mean... and they were like DON'T WORRY WE GOT YOUR BACK. And I was like Aight friends peace! and so Joanna and I trudged away.
The whole walk back I was alternating between HOW CUTE IS FLOOO and LOOK AT THIS GANGSTA FLOTOOOo and What if Maktav hates me? What if he really did give me a dirty look as he was getting off the bus and ran the other way? What if he thinks I'm crazy because of stupid Severine gossipping about me last week? But Joanna distracted me when she complained that Flo always has his hands behind his back when he takes pictures with her, whereas with me he immediately throws an arm over my shoulders. I was like YES JOANNA. I TOLD YOU HE LOVES ME. THAT SHOULD BE CLEAR BY NOW. He is legally obliged to marry me, after all. Haha.
We got back to our hotel and I immediately sent Maktav a message on facebook that was basically just like You're difficult to find! I hope I get a chance to talk to you before I leave tomorrow! and that was it. Then I eventually called it a night.
After hotel breakfast the next morning and the sweet lady behind the desk being impossible to find to the point where we really could have just wandered out without paying instead of searching for her for like fifteen minutes, we went back to the Troupe's hotel. There were considerably more fans there that morning--as the weekend goes on more and more people learn the name of the hotel--and since they were staying till Monday morning the Troupe had time to mingle a bit and no one needed to immediately throw their bag into the bus as is the usual Sunday morning procedure. I saw k-mee333 and her gang, and also Severine with a small group. I was nice to Severine and stuff but she immediately tried to start smacktalking Bérénice and since I swore off of doing that anymore I was like Hmm yeah okay I'mma go ask Anais and Co a question. And like I said earlier, the fan groups don't mingle, so in going to talk to Anais I completely cut off Severine's ability to communicate with me. I am not happy with her.
Anais and Co said that Maktav had come out of the bar with the dancer on one side of him and talking on his cell phone, so they hadn't said anything. Then they were like JUST ASK HIM FOR HIS NUMBER HE GIVES IT OUT and I was like pffffpfppfppf whyyyy what would I do with THATTT and they were like ASK HIM and I was like I'm afraid he HATES me right now.
Hijinks happened.
JP Asian giving Charlotte (one of the dancers) a ride on one of those bikes. After she vacated the spot Yamin took it but he just sat there and they did not move.
Also, see those fancy cars in the background? All the males were crowded around those all excited, and Yamin started trying to use what I think might have been his hotel key to open the door on one of the fancy cars. Then he acted like he was just going to smash the window and steal it. I love Yamin's crazy.
And the bus came and took all the dancers away. ALL OF THEM. Including my love rival. A little while later, Patrice came out with his hair up in its teeny little Da Pontytail and he went loping across the parking lot with his big awkward tall person walk. I got to my feet and all the other fans--literally ALL OF THEM, even though the groups don't mingle--were like Do ittttt but I didn't want to yell for him? I kind of chickened out. I also was standing right in the middle of a group and didn't want to talk in front of everybody because I was afraid of what might have to happen. So he went right past us and tried to open this back door to the main building. I did not stop him. All the other fans were disappointed in me but I was like I AM SO NERVOUS RIGHT NOW GUYS YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND.
And then the door was locked and he had to come out and back around, and STILL I said nothing. My confidence was SOOO SHATTERED after Lyon. There was still that niggling worry in my mind that he was avoiding me on purpose because he hates me. By the way, sometime I am going to do a post about how untrue that is. I have all three of the Maktav flotos I've taken since the tour began, and when I compare them to the very few pictures there are out there with other fans I can SEE how much he adores me on his face. I mean, if not me as a person, then at least having a fan who isn't there because of Star Academy and who genuinely thinks he is awesome at being Da Ponte and loves his contribution to MOR. And I still think he enjoys being the doll girl's favourite.
lol whoops spoiler: Maktav does not hate me.
But anyway. I was given a second girlfriend-free chance to stop him and say something and I just stood there going Uhhhhhhhhhhhh because I was quite petrified that it was going to go badly in front of ALL THE FANS and honestly, I'd told them all about what had happened at Lyon and why I desperately needed to at least wave at him or something so I could be reassured that we were okay. Because now they were all waiting for me to talk to him too... oyyy.
Anyway, I repositioned myself on the other side of the drive thing, right by the main building so that I would be ready when he came out again.
Fabrice came out and stopped to ça va me and I was like Um pardon me but could you tell Patrice to stop by and talk to me? I haven't gotten a chance to see him yet. And Fabrice was like oookay. lol Jacinta (look ANOTHER shoutout to you, you crazy Aussie!) proposed that perhaps Merwan didn't fetch Patrice for me that first day at the Lyon Zoono because he had no idea who Patrice was, and ever since I have enjoyed running with the theory that no one in the Troupe actually knows who plays Da Ponte. So maybe I'm sitting here going BRING ME PATRICE PLEASE and Fabrice is like ...who?
Speaking of Merwan, he came by and got mobbed, as is always the case. I don't give a RIPPP about Merwan Rim, partially because I am still freaked out by the clown and partially because I am still pissed that he didn't fetch me Patrice last week at the Zoono. He is a nice man and it's thanks to him that I started doing dolls for EVVVERYONE and not just my faves, so it's not like I HATE him or anything. I just am uninterested in him. However as he went by Merwan saw me and said "Ah, salut!" and kept going. If Salut is the informal hello to someone you recognise, that means Merwan recognised me! Awriiight then. ABOUT TIME YA FRIKKIN CLOWN.
And the Patrice and Yamin came out of the main building. I was all anxious but I got to my feet and herped over to him--meanwhile kmee and her friends all started cheering "Go, go, go!" and "You can do eet!" and stuff and I was like d'aww you guyyys. Hahaha but seriously, all the fans there knew that this was a big scary important moment.
So I waved a little and Patrice just smiled like he always did before and waited for me to get up to him. We ça va'd each other and he just stood there in awkward grin-y silence. GAH PATRICE MAKTAV THIS AGAIN. Luckily I still had my old conversation topics from Lyon which I never used because he was too busy breaking my heart, so I just was like DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS ABOUT TORCHWOOD? Except I have no idea how he expects "Torchwood" to be pronounced so he didn't understand and I said it three more ways and finally went THE SHOW and he was like OH! No, what? So I was like it's gonna be called Miracle Day and John Barrowman and Gwen are there and also uhhh Bill Pullman... and he was like cool! And I was like ALSO DOCTOR WHO COMES BACK EASTER and he was like Wow Easter? Oh! and then I realised we were fine! Totally fine and nothing was wrong and we were chatting without Marjolaine's help!! He asked me something about when I'd come back to see them and I told him about how I was hoping to come to Bordeaux for my birthday but wasn't sure and then I was like MY PARENTS ARE COMING NEXT WEEK THEY'VE NEVER LEFT THE US BEFORE and he was like Aww! and then he asked when I have to go back to the US. I said after Toulouse at the end of May and he got his anxious face on and went "Mais tu ne reviendras jamais??" OMG MAKTAV I WILL MISS YOU TOO. So I was like well I mean, I've ruined myself following the tour around sooo... but it's worth it! and he kind of smiled his toothy little Maktav smile and went I saw your doll for Fabrice! and I was like :D I'm glad I got it to him before he left! (I wonder if he specifically mentioned the Fabrice one because that doll is half-Patrice since they share that role?) Anyway as we were talking Patrice got distracted by his need to get to the show (you saw the JEAN PAUL!!! video and know how unfocused that man is) and started yelling over my head to Solal, asking if there was space in his minivan for Da Ponte. (LAURENT!!! Y'A DE PLACE??) So I kind of backed away a little and Solal was like Hop in, whoever you are! so he and Yamin climbed into the back of Solal's minivan.
As he was leaving Patrice went "À tout à l'heure Eh-reen!' and I was like OMG BYYYE MAKTAVVV except obviously I said something more French and correct and he waved and smiled and they drove away into the sunset.
And all the other fans were immediately like WELL??? and I was like
and everything was good.
Then Mikele came out with his suitcase all packed and went to the last van, but JP stopped him and was like Ummm you DO know we aren't leaving after the show tonight, right? and Mikele was like WAIT WHAT??? Well what do I do with THIS?? and JP was like I don't know dude, just go ahead and put it in the van.
Haha awww Mikele how do you even function in the real world.
And then, while I was still glowing, look who showed up dressed like a child!
He even has a big bag of sweets awwwww.
THE SOCKS.
THE SOCKS.
THEY ARE ONOMATOPOEIA SOCKS
THEY SAY BOOM AND POW AND STUFF ON THEM
FLOMG
And so as he went by he smiled at me and I went "I like your socks!" and he grinned kind of smirk-y and went "Thaaanks." Don't get an attitude with me Florent Mothe! I genuinely DO like them. A LOT. They remind me of Batman okay, and I LOVE the 60's Batman.
Anyway and then I heard cries of NUNO! NUNO! and I saw a familiar green car mobbed by a small crowd of girls. Meanwhile Flo was desperately phoning someone because he had missed the Mozart van.
Joanna had a gift for Nuno, some chocolate from Strasbourg, so I was like IT'S YOUR BIG CHANCE!
Word on the parking lot was that JP had told Myriam or someone that the reason no one had seen Nuno all weekend was that he had been in the HOSPITAL the night before. Apparently after the show he'd gotten into a go-kart accident and hurt his ribs?? But it was just a checkup thing and he was supposed to be totally fine.
Anyway, then Joanna became the shyest person ever and was like Ohhh but noo I don't want to bother him in his car and I was like FOR THE LOVE OF GOD WOMAN JUST GIVE HIM THE FRIKKIN CANDY. And as I went near his car Nuno saw me and grinned and waved, and after me almost threatening to bludgeon her to death Joanna finally went over and gave him the stinkin chocolate. She asked if he was okay and Nuno kind of winced and put a hand on his ribs when he said surrrre.
Then Flo was like OMG NUNO ARE YOU GOING TO THE MUSIKHALL?? and Nuno was like Sure am! and Flo was like GIVE ME A RIDE PLEASE and Nuno was like TOTES!
Meanwhile Nuno had also offered a ride to two fans. THE LOOKS ON THEIR FACES WHEN THEY REALISED FLO WAS ALSO GETTING IN THE CAR.
Hahahaha they must have had the best. Day. Ever.
And so then Joanna and I hung around for a while, came back to the hotel between shows but there were no other fans and we only saw Maeva and Valeryjetaime, and then we hung out some more before taking the bus into Rennes and holing up in a Subway where we just kind of relived the weekend until our train finally came.
Voilà! It was a good weekend and I am a happy fan.
Seriously though it's all better. But I'm sticking to the theory that Florent Mothe threatened Patrice Maktav's kneecaps because it just makes sense. And because when I was being all dejected over Maktav not loving on me Floflo was all over me in a tragically non-literal way. He stopped and talked to me like four times in under an hour.
DEAR DA PONTE. It should not be easier to spend time with SALIERI than with you. Quit it.
But seriously though it's all good again and I am sunburned and blistered and SO TIRED but I'm so content that nothing can touch me.
Rennes was really good.
I didn't start work on my third doll for Fabrice (the guy who replaced Jonathan Kerr for a couple months as the swing type and who I chatted with for a bit in Dijon) until Friday afternoon, preferring instead to dance around the empty house to Elisabeth (seriously, the interpretive dance I did to Ich gehör' nur mir in the kitchen was all kinds of inspiring) and take lots of breaks for no reason and basically just do vacationy things. So once I finally began work on the doll it was, uh, rather late. I am a fool. But Joanna arrived and I finally went to sleep and I just brought a bunch of yarn and stuff with me so I could finish the doll on the train. And by the way let me tell you something. The doll came out a little fatter than I wanted him to, so I named him Fat-brice, and he is my new second-favourite doll after Doll Ponte who is irreplaceable in my heart.
Check out Fat-brice!
For reference, here is the costume (being modelled by my love Patrice who occasionally plays this guy but more often than not it's Jonathan Kerr/Fabrice):
I actually worked on him all the way to Rennes in the train, then some more in the bus from Rennes to Bruz, then finished his cravat in our hotel room. I had a really good time waving him around yelling QUEL DOMMAGE QUEL DOMMAGE QUEL DOMMAGE because for some reason I just love that guy who's only in the show for .24601 seconds. Maybe that reason is it's Patrice on the DVD and I just love all the things Patrice does, idk.
Anyway. We were staying out in the countryside of Bruz because it was close to the Troupe's hotel, and since neither of us could afford a ticket to the show this time we were just there for hoteldooring. Our hotel was ADORABLE and SO CHEAP and the lady who worked there was such a sweetheart!
Well, we got installed and then we were ready to try to follow Joanna's hand-drawn map from our hotel to theirs. Unfortunately Bruz doesn't believe in STREET SIGNS and at the very first intersection Joanna had to ask a small urchin boy which direction to go in, but he helped us out and we didn't get lost. I think the walk to the hotel took somewhere between twenty and thirty minutes.
The Troupe was staying in this big golf resort thingy, so the walk was beautifulll. Spring flowers and lakes and rich people houses everywhere. It was JUST LIKE HOME actually, but French. I was delighted. A little nervous that we somehow had the wrong hotel, but overall delighted because I just love all the things.
Here's some of the pretty I was talking about:
And this is actually basically where we were waiting for the Troupe.
I was a little nervous that we were in the wrong place since it's a bit abnormal for the Troupe to be in a big spa resort out in the country, but as we approached I saw fans I know and, more importantly, a bus! And the Mozart van.
I didn't get a chance to get a picture, but there's a new addition to the Mozart van: Salieri has glasses and a cigar now. As soon as I saw it I was like "I guarantee you that that is Florent Mothe's handiwork." and sure enough, a fan told me that Flo did it in Lyon. Hahaha beautiflo.
So I saw Anais who I know from the PDS and Lille and she was with Myriam who I know from Dijon and Lyon and who told me the Troupe's hotel and we were like HEYYYY and they were like Are you and Patrice okay? Haha ohh my life. But the answer was Noooo not yet but I'm gonna figure this out this weekend. And they were like YOU GO GIRL.
A second later Matthias (Colloredo) went by on a bike. Haha okay.
Saw all the familiar faces and met a few new fans as well. It's weird how the fans seem to travel in groups and I usually know at least one person in each group, but the groups never mingle and actually the all seem to hate each other, meanwhile I'm bouncing back and forth like BRB gotta talk to those girls! and Well they're closer to the Troupe so I'm gonna go stand with them now see ya! Honestly I am the only person who goes from group to group. The others just sit back and mutter about each other. BUT WE ALL LOVE THE SAME THING. Do not allow your jealousy to poison the fact that we're all crazy people who stand outside a hotel waiting to get actors' attention!
The hot gossip was that Anais and Myriam and company had DARED to get a room at this very hotel. I mean, usually I'd agree that that's a bit bold, but dude, the nearest hotel was the one Joanna and I had which was a thirty minute walk. I get it. Also apparently I'm going to be splitting a room with Anais and Co in Bordeaux, and if they decide to put us in the Troupe's hotel I'm gonna be sitting in the room like D: because I'd be terrified of running into Maktav at the ice machine or something... anyway. Anyway, at this hotel the girls were next door to JP Asian's room (floll) and they said he had been up playing music and partying till 2 or 3.
Soooo then I saw Fabrice and I creeped over like Heyyyy Fabriiiiiiiiice look what I got you!
Byyye Fat-brice
He's like OMG and also it's my last weekend! and I'm gonna sit him on my bookshelf like this! During the video Laurie went past and greeted me and Fabrice showed her the doll. Then at the end of the video he asks if I'm coming to see the show. It cuts off, but I answered that I can't really afford it, and he started like urgently trying to get me and Joanna tickets. He even asked for my phone number so he could let me know if he got them, which was embarrassing because I'm terrible at French numbers and I managed out a "Quarante... deux?" before Joanna just pulled out her phone and read my number off. Unfortunately though, the show was sold out and there was no more space for us. Ah well! It was adorbs of him to try!
Then I nabbed Bénédicte and hooked her up with a doll:
Bénédicte
I think I'm correct in saying that I have done six million and ten dolls now, and Bénédicte is the first one to switch to English. AND for some reason I find it exciting that that's just further proof that it's common knowledge amongst the Troupe that there's an American who gives out dolls. Like I need further proof.
No actually I do need further proof. Every few minutes I stop believing that my life is real and that I really live it.
While we were waiting glorious things happened. For instance Yamin hijacked some rich guy's golf cart, abducted Ariane, and drove away. A few minutes later he returned without her and an hour later she appeared again just in time to climb into the bus. I have no idea what happened there.
Plus dudes were rolling around on those things... I always forget what they're called. The two-wheeled standing up stupid machines. Noel Fielding called one a yoyo once. The things that Ten and Donna and Lance rode around that secret Torchwood thing on the spider Christmas. Those. Dudes were rolling around on those all over the parking lot. Also there was a puppy that was SO TINY it looked like it was barely alive.
Of course, I was anxious because I needed to see Mister Patrice Maktav. I'd prepared lots of phrases just in case the situation last weekend came up--things like "Elle aurait dû se mêler de ses affaires" and "J'étais fatiguée et sensible, c'est tout" and "Non, je ne t'en veux pas du tout!!" so you know. And eventually I saw him (his hair is SO PRETTY I JUST CAN'T GET OVER IT) buuut he was withhhh that dancer. I did not want to meet her because I'm afraid she'll end up being nicer than Tamara and also because I didn't want to try to reconcile myself with Patrice Maktav in front of perhaps the reason there was a problem in the first place. They walked by and went to the other building where breakfast was happening and didn't look in the fans' direction at all. This is a recurring problem with my love for Maktav, by the way. TURN AROUND BIG EYES or I will FALL APARRRRT. But anyway they went by and literally all the other fans (I think there were less than ten of us) looked at me like WELL? and I was like "...pas devant la danseuse." And they all were like Oh yeah good point.
Also, I saw a familiar denim shirt appear on a balcony for a second and I was like FLO IT'S FLO RIGHT THERE and we were all like OOOH FLOOOO aaand now we know what room you're in mister. Awesome.
So yeah, then the dancer got back on the bus and so did a whole lot of other people and it drove away to the Musikhall. Her being gone made me feel a little bit better, so I was like IT IS TIME.
Unfortunately, it was not. The Mozart van pulled up and Patrice appeared and climbed right into it. I didn't yell his name, but I did try to wave a bit. No use. Pffft. Also when he got into the van his pants were not on enough and everybody saw some extra Maktav. I don't think he realised there was even a problem by the way, because they slammed the door and closed him in, but a few minutes later Mikele appeared and opened the door, meaning Maktav had to scoot over, and the issue was still present. GET A BELT PATRICE. I wasn't very close at that point because some hotel guys had hearded us away, but Anais and Co were.
Anyway, the van with Mikele and Maktav (I don't remember if anyone else was in there, but I don't think so) went rolling past and I was standing right on the curb kinda hoping Maktav would at least see me and maybe know to come talk to me that night. But it was not Maktav who spotted me and got all excited. On the inside of the van I saw Mikele's face do this:
and he started waving frantically at me.
OMG MIKELANGELO LOCONTE HIIII.
REMEMBER WHEN I WAS IN LOVE WITH HIM VIA THE INTERNET BUT NEVER EVER THOUGHT I'D EVER MEET HIM AND DREAMED OF ONE DAY GETTING A PICTURE WITH HIM TO MAKE MY FRIENDS BACK HOME JEALOUS??
And then I gazed after the van as it disappeared and wondered if Mikele was like "Ooh look the American one!" so Maktav could be like Oh yeah her we need to talk or something. Anyway, between sharing the van with Mikele and the fact that I'd given out two dolls I was pretty sure the man was aware of my presence now. COME ON MAKTAV.
A few minutes later Flo came out! He was wearing the denim shirt, a leather jacket, and enormous khaki shorts. NEVER STOP BEING SO PRECIOUS FLORENT MOTHE. Because on one hand if he became a snazzy dresser he would be too hot to exist and the world would melt, but on the other hand the fact that he dresses like a child just makes him even cuter. Also I have an entry from two years ago in which I say something like "Why are Florent's pants so giant?" and I am delighted that that question is still valid and applicable.
Anyway he didn't have time for Flotos and went hurrying past the fans into the lobby building thing, where I'm guessing he told someone to bring him a van because another one arrived. It also collected Yamin. As Flo came back out he saw all of us and went "Bonjour!!" and we were all like Bonjourrr and I was like Heyyyy. At one point his smile was individually for me, though I'm sure he knew some of the other girls too. He was about to climb in--there was an entire van, driven by JP Asian, yet Flo and Yamin both crammed into the front seat--when one of the girls asked if he was coming back between the shows, and Flo said he wasn't. So I went "À CE SOIR!!" and he looked REALLY DELIGHTED by this and said "Á ce soir!" as he was closing the door. lol Flo loves it when I try to French at him, but not as much as I love it when he Englishes at me.
THEN as they were pulling away I just kinda waved, as I enjoy doing, and Flo waved back. THEN HE SAID SOMETHING TO YAMIN, and Yamin leaned forward and they BOTH WAVED AT ME.
FLO FLO FLO ARE YOU SERIOUS WHAT ARE YOU DOING OMG
It's one thing when Maktav tells Laurie to wave at me but Flo? And Yamin? Hahaha it blew my mind.
So everyone was gone (Nuno is slippery and mysterious) and Joanna and I made the walk back to our hotel (me ranting about omg Flo waving at me and Mikele too and MAKTAV COME ON the whole time) and then we took a bus back to Rennes, where we wandered around in search of a pizza place and never found one. Instead we went to this sandwich place thing and I got a NUTELLA PANINI.
A NUTELLA PANINI.
Also I saw THIS.
Rennes Rennes Rennes Rennes you are an amazing city omg.
And this!
That was their mayor's name you guys. For like SIXTY YEARS.
Anyway. I love Rennes.
And then we took the bus back, napped, and finally headed back to the Troupe's hotel.
The bus arrived! Lol at this point every other fan there was rooting for me to get a chance to see Patrice, but when he climbed off the bus he went in the exact opposite direction, right into the bar. Every other person who got off that bus passed us so they could stop by their rooms, but Maktav was not having any of it. I even started worrying that the slightly pissy look on his face had been directed at me and I was like Oh GOD he genuinely CANNOT STAND ME. You don't understand how paranoid I am you guys.
But look who WAS on the bus! Jocelyne!!!
Jocelyne awww
SHE IS SO CUTE. She's basically saying They told me about this, thanks, oh you're the one who does this?, it's so nice, and then we almost get run over by the bus. She gets really excited about the doll's hat, then its underpants, and then the bus comes back to try to kill us again. By the way, that's Anais creeping in the background over there. After the video ends she got even more excited that the doll had a little black cross and sleeve ruffles and she was like totally blown away by it. AW JOCELYNE YOU ARE SO CUTE. She also asked me about the show, so I was like Yeah, I saw it eight times in Paris and now I've seen in five more times on tour, blah blah blah, I only missed Cournon... and then we took a picture.
Look at how PRETTY she is! And yeah I was distracted because the bus was coming back dude. It wanted us to DIE.
Eventually she went on her way and he just kinda chilled. A bunch of the Troupe had gone into this outdoor picnic table-y area and were singing together. I didn't recognise most of the songs, but at one point it was the Louis Louis one. I think the music was being led by Yamin and Solal. They're always doing something ridiculous. I could see Diane over there too, and what I thought was Patrice.
So we went back to waiting. When they left the little bonfire thing, Yamin and Solal kind of boogied across the parking lot. Yamin was doing this weird little chicken-dance-y pimp walk and beatboxing, and he kept it up the whole time. It was precious but also insane, like all the things Yamin does.
Flo arrived and asked us to wait for a second while he went into the main building, and then he came back for pictures. I took one of him and Joanna and then it was my turn, and once his hand was on me I was like "Hey, will you make a Salieri face?"
Exactly like back in the day at the PDS on the night I fell in love with him Flo looked kind of terrified for a second and he went "Uhh... I will try."
SO CUTE OMG. I love pictures like this because we totally look like we're bros.
And so I thanked him and he was being all cute and awkward like "It is hard... without the costume. You know." and I was like "Nnno, you're good at the Salieri face! It's your JOB!" and he went "Oh. Thank you." in his tiny little voice.
HOW CAN YOU BE SO CUTE FLO.
So I retrieved my camera from Joanna and checked the picture and laughed in delight. Flo had finished up with the other fans at that point and was passing again, so I showed it to him. He kind of went =/ when he saw it and I was like "No, it's really good!!" Awww how can you be FLO and also be SO MODEST at the same time? What a sweetheart!!!
About the same time Flo was there, Mikele was putting in an appearance. He was with some friends, though, so he didn't have time for pictures or anything, but being a good person he bisous'd everyone who was out there one at a time and said "Merci d'être venue" very seriously before going inside.
And so I was waiting again.
At some point Flo came out of the main building and went back to his room. Joanna and I were sitting on the curb at that point, and when he passed us Flo smiled and went "Heyyy guyyyys!" and I went "Niiight!" because I assumed he was going to bed. Then Joanna told me that Flo had said "salut" to her earlier, which is apparently the tu to bonjour's vous, so she was excited that that must mean he recognises her. I was like homeslice, this man really ought to know your face by now, I mean really. Flo is good with faces. He's the only one who has recognised me every single time he's seen me since the first time I asked him for a Floto back at the beginning of November. Meanwhile people in the Troupe like Bénédicte, who'd gotten her doll earlier that day, were cruising right past me without a second glance.
Fabrice remembered me though! He said something greeting-y as he went by. Yay Fabrice! Why does he have to leave now, though? JUST when he learned to love me. Oh well. Gotta make sure I conquer Jonathan Kerr's heart in Bordeaux.
Then Flo came back by! When he saw us this time he stopped and went "You know, everybody is going crazy over your puppets." (because French for doll is "poupée" so I guess it's easy to make that mistake--only the second mistake I've ever heard Flo make in English, by the way!!) and I was like Awww and Flo was like "And you know, we are making a movie with them." and I was like OMG YES I HEARD and he was like yeah and I was like yeahh and then he went in and I was like BWAHHHHHHH. WHAT IS THIS MOVIE YOU GUYS. I CANNOT WAIT.
It was VERY late. The only fans left were Anais and Co who wanted to see Mikele. Joanna was ready to go, but I was like Give it a few more minutes?? Maktav?? No? Yes? No? but meanwhile we were FREEZING TO DEATH and exhausted. Gah these weekends. I'm a bit relieved they aren't gonna be anywhere Easter weekend because I am worn. Out. Right now.
So I said I'd give it till 1:45. At 1:43 Mikele came back out, but he was saying goodbye to his friends, and I'm sure he was confused when he saw I was still waiting but then gave up while he was standing there and walked away. Because I love my Mikele but I'm sure his glittery little ego assumed I was waiting for HIM like the other girls were. Anyway I went over to Anais and Co and I was like Okay. If you see Maktav. If you get a chance to speak to him. Tell him I'd like to speak to him. But don't tell him I'm crying or or or sad or like disappointed--well okay I'm a little disappointed but... but not upset. I'm... I mean... and they were like DON'T WORRY WE GOT YOUR BACK. And I was like Aight friends peace! and so Joanna and I trudged away.
The whole walk back I was alternating between HOW CUTE IS FLOOO and LOOK AT THIS GANGSTA FLOTOOOo and What if Maktav hates me? What if he really did give me a dirty look as he was getting off the bus and ran the other way? What if he thinks I'm crazy because of stupid Severine gossipping about me last week? But Joanna distracted me when she complained that Flo always has his hands behind his back when he takes pictures with her, whereas with me he immediately throws an arm over my shoulders. I was like YES JOANNA. I TOLD YOU HE LOVES ME. THAT SHOULD BE CLEAR BY NOW. He is legally obliged to marry me, after all. Haha.
We got back to our hotel and I immediately sent Maktav a message on facebook that was basically just like You're difficult to find! I hope I get a chance to talk to you before I leave tomorrow! and that was it. Then I eventually called it a night.
After hotel breakfast the next morning and the sweet lady behind the desk being impossible to find to the point where we really could have just wandered out without paying instead of searching for her for like fifteen minutes, we went back to the Troupe's hotel. There were considerably more fans there that morning--as the weekend goes on more and more people learn the name of the hotel--and since they were staying till Monday morning the Troupe had time to mingle a bit and no one needed to immediately throw their bag into the bus as is the usual Sunday morning procedure. I saw k-mee333 and her gang, and also Severine with a small group. I was nice to Severine and stuff but she immediately tried to start smacktalking Bérénice and since I swore off of doing that anymore I was like Hmm yeah okay I'mma go ask Anais and Co a question. And like I said earlier, the fan groups don't mingle, so in going to talk to Anais I completely cut off Severine's ability to communicate with me. I am not happy with her.
Anais and Co said that Maktav had come out of the bar with the dancer on one side of him and talking on his cell phone, so they hadn't said anything. Then they were like JUST ASK HIM FOR HIS NUMBER HE GIVES IT OUT and I was like pffffpfppfppf whyyyy what would I do with THATTT and they were like ASK HIM and I was like I'm afraid he HATES me right now.
Hijinks happened.
JP Asian giving Charlotte (one of the dancers) a ride on one of those bikes. After she vacated the spot Yamin took it but he just sat there and they did not move.
Also, see those fancy cars in the background? All the males were crowded around those all excited, and Yamin started trying to use what I think might have been his hotel key to open the door on one of the fancy cars. Then he acted like he was just going to smash the window and steal it. I love Yamin's crazy.
And the bus came and took all the dancers away. ALL OF THEM. Including my love rival. A little while later, Patrice came out with his hair up in its teeny little Da Pontytail and he went loping across the parking lot with his big awkward tall person walk. I got to my feet and all the other fans--literally ALL OF THEM, even though the groups don't mingle--were like Do ittttt but I didn't want to yell for him? I kind of chickened out. I also was standing right in the middle of a group and didn't want to talk in front of everybody because I was afraid of what might have to happen. So he went right past us and tried to open this back door to the main building. I did not stop him. All the other fans were disappointed in me but I was like I AM SO NERVOUS RIGHT NOW GUYS YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND.
And then the door was locked and he had to come out and back around, and STILL I said nothing. My confidence was SOOO SHATTERED after Lyon. There was still that niggling worry in my mind that he was avoiding me on purpose because he hates me. By the way, sometime I am going to do a post about how untrue that is. I have all three of the Maktav flotos I've taken since the tour began, and when I compare them to the very few pictures there are out there with other fans I can SEE how much he adores me on his face. I mean, if not me as a person, then at least having a fan who isn't there because of Star Academy and who genuinely thinks he is awesome at being Da Ponte and loves his contribution to MOR. And I still think he enjoys being the doll girl's favourite.
lol whoops spoiler: Maktav does not hate me.
But anyway. I was given a second girlfriend-free chance to stop him and say something and I just stood there going Uhhhhhhhhhhhh because I was quite petrified that it was going to go badly in front of ALL THE FANS and honestly, I'd told them all about what had happened at Lyon and why I desperately needed to at least wave at him or something so I could be reassured that we were okay. Because now they were all waiting for me to talk to him too... oyyy.
Anyway, I repositioned myself on the other side of the drive thing, right by the main building so that I would be ready when he came out again.
Fabrice came out and stopped to ça va me and I was like Um pardon me but could you tell Patrice to stop by and talk to me? I haven't gotten a chance to see him yet. And Fabrice was like oookay. lol Jacinta (look ANOTHER shoutout to you, you crazy Aussie!) proposed that perhaps Merwan didn't fetch Patrice for me that first day at the Lyon Zoono because he had no idea who Patrice was, and ever since I have enjoyed running with the theory that no one in the Troupe actually knows who plays Da Ponte. So maybe I'm sitting here going BRING ME PATRICE PLEASE and Fabrice is like ...who?
Speaking of Merwan, he came by and got mobbed, as is always the case. I don't give a RIPPP about Merwan Rim, partially because I am still freaked out by the clown and partially because I am still pissed that he didn't fetch me Patrice last week at the Zoono. He is a nice man and it's thanks to him that I started doing dolls for EVVVERYONE and not just my faves, so it's not like I HATE him or anything. I just am uninterested in him. However as he went by Merwan saw me and said "Ah, salut!" and kept going. If Salut is the informal hello to someone you recognise, that means Merwan recognised me! Awriiight then. ABOUT TIME YA FRIKKIN CLOWN.
And the Patrice and Yamin came out of the main building. I was all anxious but I got to my feet and herped over to him--meanwhile kmee and her friends all started cheering "Go, go, go!" and "You can do eet!" and stuff and I was like d'aww you guyyys. Hahaha but seriously, all the fans there knew that this was a big scary important moment.
So I waved a little and Patrice just smiled like he always did before and waited for me to get up to him. We ça va'd each other and he just stood there in awkward grin-y silence. GAH PATRICE MAKTAV THIS AGAIN. Luckily I still had my old conversation topics from Lyon which I never used because he was too busy breaking my heart, so I just was like DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS ABOUT TORCHWOOD? Except I have no idea how he expects "Torchwood" to be pronounced so he didn't understand and I said it three more ways and finally went THE SHOW and he was like OH! No, what? So I was like it's gonna be called Miracle Day and John Barrowman and Gwen are there and also uhhh Bill Pullman... and he was like cool! And I was like ALSO DOCTOR WHO COMES BACK EASTER and he was like Wow Easter? Oh! and then I realised we were fine! Totally fine and nothing was wrong and we were chatting without Marjolaine's help!! He asked me something about when I'd come back to see them and I told him about how I was hoping to come to Bordeaux for my birthday but wasn't sure and then I was like MY PARENTS ARE COMING NEXT WEEK THEY'VE NEVER LEFT THE US BEFORE and he was like Aww! and then he asked when I have to go back to the US. I said after Toulouse at the end of May and he got his anxious face on and went "Mais tu ne reviendras jamais??" OMG MAKTAV I WILL MISS YOU TOO. So I was like well I mean, I've ruined myself following the tour around sooo... but it's worth it! and he kind of smiled his toothy little Maktav smile and went I saw your doll for Fabrice! and I was like :D I'm glad I got it to him before he left! (I wonder if he specifically mentioned the Fabrice one because that doll is half-Patrice since they share that role?) Anyway as we were talking Patrice got distracted by his need to get to the show (you saw the JEAN PAUL!!! video and know how unfocused that man is) and started yelling over my head to Solal, asking if there was space in his minivan for Da Ponte. (LAURENT!!! Y'A DE PLACE??) So I kind of backed away a little and Solal was like Hop in, whoever you are! so he and Yamin climbed into the back of Solal's minivan.
As he was leaving Patrice went "À tout à l'heure Eh-reen!' and I was like OMG BYYYE MAKTAVVV except obviously I said something more French and correct and he waved and smiled and they drove away into the sunset.
And all the other fans were immediately like WELL??? and I was like
and everything was good.
Then Mikele came out with his suitcase all packed and went to the last van, but JP stopped him and was like Ummm you DO know we aren't leaving after the show tonight, right? and Mikele was like WAIT WHAT??? Well what do I do with THIS?? and JP was like I don't know dude, just go ahead and put it in the van.
Haha awww Mikele how do you even function in the real world.
And then, while I was still glowing, look who showed up dressed like a child!
He even has a big bag of sweets awwwww.
THE SOCKS.
THE SOCKS.
THEY ARE ONOMATOPOEIA SOCKS
THEY SAY BOOM AND POW AND STUFF ON THEM
FLOMG
And so as he went by he smiled at me and I went "I like your socks!" and he grinned kind of smirk-y and went "Thaaanks." Don't get an attitude with me Florent Mothe! I genuinely DO like them. A LOT. They remind me of Batman okay, and I LOVE the 60's Batman.
Anyway and then I heard cries of NUNO! NUNO! and I saw a familiar green car mobbed by a small crowd of girls. Meanwhile Flo was desperately phoning someone because he had missed the Mozart van.
Joanna had a gift for Nuno, some chocolate from Strasbourg, so I was like IT'S YOUR BIG CHANCE!
Word on the parking lot was that JP had told Myriam or someone that the reason no one had seen Nuno all weekend was that he had been in the HOSPITAL the night before. Apparently after the show he'd gotten into a go-kart accident and hurt his ribs?? But it was just a checkup thing and he was supposed to be totally fine.
Anyway, then Joanna became the shyest person ever and was like Ohhh but noo I don't want to bother him in his car and I was like FOR THE LOVE OF GOD WOMAN JUST GIVE HIM THE FRIKKIN CANDY. And as I went near his car Nuno saw me and grinned and waved, and after me almost threatening to bludgeon her to death Joanna finally went over and gave him the stinkin chocolate. She asked if he was okay and Nuno kind of winced and put a hand on his ribs when he said surrrre.
Then Flo was like OMG NUNO ARE YOU GOING TO THE MUSIKHALL?? and Nuno was like Sure am! and Flo was like GIVE ME A RIDE PLEASE and Nuno was like TOTES!
Meanwhile Nuno had also offered a ride to two fans. THE LOOKS ON THEIR FACES WHEN THEY REALISED FLO WAS ALSO GETTING IN THE CAR.
Hahahaha they must have had the best. Day. Ever.
And so then Joanna and I hung around for a while, came back to the hotel between shows but there were no other fans and we only saw Maeva and Valeryjetaime, and then we hung out some more before taking the bus into Rennes and holing up in a Subway where we just kind of relived the weekend until our train finally came.
Voilà! It was a good weekend and I am a happy fan.
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Date: 2011-04-19 01:11 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-04-19 01:20 am (UTC)So glad everything went well!
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Date: 2011-04-19 08:48 am (UTC)Mikele with his suitcase OMG so many lols.
NUNO DRIVES A GREEN CAR?? Do you know the makes and models of any of their cars? DOES ANYONE DRIVE A PEUGEOT?
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Date: 2011-04-19 03:02 pm (UTC)omg... flo's socks... flo's socks and the oversized shorts and the candy + him trying to make a salieri face xD
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Date: 2011-04-19 05:16 pm (UTC)Poor Nuno, glad he's ok. He's so crazy getting up to stunts like this. He was sweet offering lifts to people though, he's so lovable!
Lol@Mikele, every now and then I find myself getting irritated by him but the rest of the time I think he's an amusing big kid!
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Date: 2011-04-20 06:48 am (UTC)OMG BORDEAUX. I might know some people you can stay with, if you don't want to do a hotel...they're fans too and would love it if you helped them stalk the troupe.
PLEASE TAKE PICTURES AND ENJOY BORDEAUX! It's pretty much my favorite city. Bordeaux me manque :-(l
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Date: 2011-04-20 06:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-04-26 12:50 am (UTC)AND FLO'S SOCKS. OMG.
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Date: 2011-04-26 12:55 am (UTC)You have catching up to do, I'm afraid.