The crisis reached a boiling point as the week began. Despite clear evidence that the locals were in violation of various treaties relating to home decor, not to mention the care of sensitive information they refused to negotiate in good faith. Thus, I was left no choice but to externally impose democracy a new paint job on them.
Packing was done throughout the week, along with painting various bits of the wall with different colors in order to identify a hue that was agreeable to all parties and, by Friday morning, drop clothes had been dropped, furniture had either been dragged from the room or to the center (where it was drop-clothed), and combat operations were initiated.
Now, I understand that no home redecorating job can truly succeed without the support of the native population. So I did try to instruct the locals in the proper use of the tools - and they set to work, enthusiastically embracing the new color regime. Tragically, an entirely unforeseen combination of summer heat, metal doors and latex paint had horrific consequences, which rendered the doors unusable. Negotiations with the provincial government were opened immediately, that a way might be found for them to take ownership of the issue but, alas, they were unswayed. I believe the phrase "new wooden doors with a cherry stain will do quite nicely, thank you" was used so, along with an entirely complimentary meal at a sit-down restaurant, new doors and stain were procured.
Indeed, the work went so quickly that, by that evening, drop clothes were being un-dropped and the furniture was being hauled back into new-and-improved locations.
All and all, it was a highly successful operation and although I may have to rely more on outside contractors for phase II of the operation (the stairwell and second floor hall) I am proud to say, mission accomplished!
Oh, and please ignore those nattering nabobs of negativism who say that, since the closet door is cherry, the bathroom door should be changed to match. Such people clearly fail to appreciate the genius of my fashion sense.
Disclaimer: I have been instructed to explain that facts may have been changed to make me look better than I really was.