After the formal proceedings were concluded, MLH and LC headed off with my hosts for their dinner.

“You can eat over there” they said, signalling a restaurant at the other side of the road.

I crossed over and pushed open the restaurant door. The head waiter and the chef, both of whom were French, greeted me. They recommended the salmon, so I made my order. Then the waiter led me to my table – not in the main room with the other diners, but in a dark annex.

I wondered what was wrong with me. Was I no longer fit to eat in the company of others?