But as each Christmas visit passed, I started seeing glimmers.
However, one aspect of M Mitterrand's visit passed virtually without comment, even though it was plainly central to it: the date.
In spite of security concerns, the visit passed off with very little protest, and 20,000 people were on the streets of Cork for the final leg of the Queen's four-day tour.
The news of Holmes's visit passed through the Rockefeller Foundation, where it was heard, for example, that "Holmes may be possible head for projected institute of neurology at JHU".
As for Mr Hu, he will be thankful if his visit passes without strong protests over Tibet.
As for Mr Hu, he will be thankful if his visit passes without strong protests over Tibet.As the two leaders discussed a panda to replace Ling Ling, who died at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo last week, they stressed improved relations.
I think about making an addition or subtraction to my own homepage, envisioning that people are silently visiting, passing through, floating over my shoulder.
As on the Saturday visits, passes will be free, but the ferry ride will cost $5 for adults and children over 13, and $3 for children from 5 to 12. Children under 5 may ride free.
Until the Nobel Prize turned him into a sudden celebrity, his visits here passed unnoticed.
The hour allotted for the visit had passed.
