I had a good birthday. As per Spanish tradition, I took my friends out. In this case, Pedro and Elizabeth for Mexican food on Calle Sevilla. Then then treated me to a film. Before that they took me to a pastelaria where his abula used to buy "malagx?3$4/..." - donut type pastries with almond paste inside. They dropped me off and I got ready for Rich and Marcia's "Red" party. I only got there at 11:30, so only had to endure 1/2 hour of pure boredom! (What's wrong with these people!!!) I did chat with a nice Spanish girl who'd lived in Boston and was very hip, importing African fabrics and designing cloths. She also remembered clove cigarettes. Also, after midnight, and my official B-day, my French date did not show up. Stood-up again, I wrote a drunken list of my dismal dating life in Madrid so far. I, out of good humor, and hope, reprint right here.

• DELETED as things have improved greatly