I've been here, France, for almost a month. And there are just a few things I would like to get straight.
If you go to a foreign country, eventually, you'll have to learn to do things their way. I would like to assume that I'm open-minded, but being from the Etats-Unis and living in mqjor cities most of my life I've taken a few things for granted. Let's just say moving to the french country-side is more than a little culture shock.
The french gov't is really for the people. It's almost embarrassing how much more service they receive versus the US. The joke is, and I heard this from the Brits, is the french are either on holiday or on strike. It was funny, until there actually was a strike (it involved some holiday, working, the elderly getting money, a rabbit jumping out of a hat, and a talking dog; in that order) and I couldn't use the post office, half the stores were closed. I don't know who is worse with holidays, the brits or the french.
I'm using dialup now. For most of my young life I've been influenced by the silent hum of ethernet, DSL, and QAM (cable speak) so using AOL is like eating with my hands tied. Just remember...to...disconnect...the line. I haven't heard a modem squeal (like a pig) in years.
The shops actually close here. When I first got here I was pretty frustrated at not getting pizza at midnight, the Carrefour (think Walmart) actually closed on Sundays, and the video store not being open on sundays. And lunch...2 hours. Depending on which side of the counter you are on this could be good or bad. I was talking to an acqaintenance about what he does with his two hours. I've grown up on 15, 30, or 1-hour lunches. As far as time spent I could budget my ass off, but 2 hours...after 1 hour I'd be itching to go back to work.
The french keyboard is totally f***ed. No QWERTY here, I'm relearning from scratch how to type. The number keys along the top don't work unless you hold shift, I can't find the dollar sign (this affects me since most of my clients are still US-based) so if you see random errors or funny characters you'll know why. And DOS is completely useless (US keyboard mapping, but the physical map is french) so I'm doing a lot of pigeon typing.
Now on to the house. While Kamala is away I've decided to get from under the computer desk and be functional. The house needs a lot of repair. And I'm learning to read instructions (in French mind you) for tools and hardware I have no idea what they do. And I worked in a hardware store, Hah!
A bientot!
I released the apartment. Packed my things, and rearranged my life. Then on top of that I left town in haste. I'm in europe right now and lovin' it!
Au revoir!