Scene: From our curtained window at the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel in Paris overlooking the Opera Garnier. A wonderful surprise, Le Bal de l’X, a gala evening! An École polytechnique event. The Polytechnique, nicknamed X, is one of the renowned grandes écoles, (literally in French “higher schools”), providing those who pass the famously selective entrance exam preparation as technocrats to lead French government and industry. It was established during the French Revolution in 1794.

Scene: From the balcony, the cadets, their dates, alumni, and others going to see the Ballet of the Paris Opera, a tribute to Roland Petit, one of the greatest choreographers of the twentieth century, through three poetic, theatrical and carnal works. Le rendez-vous, Le Loup and Carmen, all centered around the theme of tragic love.

Scene: Bon Nuit.