It was still morning and I had already shed a few tears. I had also answered my own question as to whether the airport would be busy not long after midnight on the first day of the year. The roads there, after all, had been quasi deserted.

We were standing in a circle at the international departure gate and my daughter was saying 'good-bye' to us all with hugs and kisses. I was third in line but she by-passed me.

"You're last."

Isn't it funny how an overlay of perspective can change a message.

On this first day of the year, I hope that to someone you are their last.

Bonne année. Happy New Year. And to one special girl newly arrived in Montréal - bienvenue. Have a ball.

PS Price reduction for Kindle versions of 'But you are in France, Madame' until Wednesday 8 Jan for UK and US readers. Link here