Suddenly, today, the flat looked absolutely lovely. The paint we chose with such difficulty (assuming it is the one we chose) is just the right colour, white but with a feeling of real depth, like plaster. The contractor’s son (and architect’s brother) is a specialist in paint and has done a superb job. There is still one coat to go, and the parquet should be laid as well. Another surprise was to walk in and find the architectural carpenter there, hammering in the borders of the windows and doors. So another bit complete. There were also boxes full of floor skirting lying around, so that should go in as soon as the floors are done. I must say, skirting is quite a racket. I don’t see why it is as expensive as it is.
This made for a very pleasant end to the day, as we started it by walking to Istiklal (ducking into a shop to avoid a downpour) to find the accredited translator and a notary public for a document we needed. It all took hours, and the translator especially is a very dodgy seeming fellow.