The content of this post is an adaptation of an original text written by Guy Laliberté.

On Tuesday, September 29, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. with a horrible backache, as if all the tension had built up right there. A good shower lessened the pain a bit and, with the crew, I presented myself in front of the big bosses for the commission’s last report. This is the final stage in the flight approval process and it took place behind a glass panel. (We wore our ties, of course!)

On the topic of ties, during the first official event we attended, I had told Max and Jeff about my habit of “stealing” the ties of people I meet during my travels. I asked them to give me the tie they would be wearing during our last official meeting so that I could add them to my collection… and they did so good-heartedly! This was really nice of them.

After this meeting, we gave a press conference for a number of journalists on the other side of the glass panel. We answered quite a few questions, with everyone in good spirits, as usual.

Russian cosmonauts have another tradition as well: watching White Sun of the Desert with both crews the day before the departure. To add a little something to the screening, Max modified the poster by putting our faces on those of the 3 main actors. We even had our personalized T-shirts! This was quite a touch of humour that made everyone laugh.

Once the film was over, a huge lunch awaited us. We could see that a special effort had been made to have us taste all sorts of special dishes.

And I was able to visit all my kids outside. I sat in the grass, they stayed on the street, and we talked. Afterwards, Claudia and I were granted one hour together, so we sat on the picnic table and talked. These were beautiful moments filled with emotion.

Max, Jeff and I had to be in bed by 8:30 that night since we had to get up at 4:30 the next morning… the big day!!!

Thanks again for your good energy!