Today at work was more of the usual induction ie reading documents until you start crying with boredom/tiredness. It's been the same almost everywhere I've been and it just has to be endured. It is probably the only chance you get to just soak up the chosen technology though without having a deadline for a work package hovering in the background. Just before I left though I was finally presented with a PC. I think it had been stolen from someone else, as it did have another account on it, and most of the software I need seems to already be installed. I wonder what happened to the other bloke. There are strange rumours about people getting sent to Bangalore never to be seen again.
In the evening though, I had a new home to go to. Eric had sorted me out lodgings with a bloke called Michel. This is of course pronounced Michelle which does take some getting used to when you're staring at a stubly bloke of around your age. Anyhow, I get the spare bedroom as his daughter has buggered off to Canada for studies. I also get bits and bobs of storage in the bathroom, kitchen etc. All costs are thrown in, and that includes WiFi and free telephone calls, including international apparently (the benefits of a TV/Internet/Phone package).
Michel seems like a decent bloke, likes his football etc, and even referees once or twice a week. He has trophys for this, darts and cycling dotted around too. His English is way better than my French, but is still pretty basic, but we can resort to drawing pictures if all else fails.
I'm viewing this as a temporary solution while I settle in, so I can look around properly before tying myself up in legal stuff by renting my own place. The rules here are much tighter than in the UK, and 3 month notice periods operate, so some extra time will help me make a better job of getting my own place as when I do I will be unlikely to be able to change easily. There are already some obvious advantages to lodging though; all the cupboards are full of utensils, and I don't have to phone utility companies asking for English speakers to get me connected before I die of hypothermia.
In the evening though, I had a new home to go to. Eric had sorted me out lodgings with a bloke called Michel. This is of course pronounced Michelle which does take some getting used to when you're staring at a stubly bloke of around your age. Anyhow, I get the spare bedroom as his daughter has buggered off to Canada for studies. I also get bits and bobs of storage in the bathroom, kitchen etc. All costs are thrown in, and that includes WiFi and free telephone calls, including international apparently (the benefits of a TV/Internet/Phone package).
Michel seems like a decent bloke, likes his football etc, and even referees once or twice a week. He has trophys for this, darts and cycling dotted around too. His English is way better than my French, but is still pretty basic, but we can resort to drawing pictures if all else fails.
I'm viewing this as a temporary solution while I settle in, so I can look around properly before tying myself up in legal stuff by renting my own place. The rules here are much tighter than in the UK, and 3 month notice periods operate, so some extra time will help me make a better job of getting my own place as when I do I will be unlikely to be able to change easily. There are already some obvious advantages to lodging though; all the cupboards are full of utensils, and I don't have to phone utility companies asking for English speakers to get me connected before I die of hypothermia.
Actually, a slight lie about the utilities thing. Michel doesn't have a kettle, only one of those proper coffee machines that makes a thimble full. I've already microwaved 3 mugs of water with which to make tea. It works, but I know two people back home (hi S & J) that would have kittens if they saw how my tea making technique has departed even further from how granny used to. I'll soldier on though...
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