I just got home from work (7.45pm).
As expected, my year abroad is full of firsts. And today was my first day as a proper grown-up. I commuted, sat at a desk, got bored - the whole deal!
As expected, my year abroad is full of firsts. And today was my first day as a proper grown-up. I commuted, sat at a desk, got bored - the whole deal!
First off, I have to say I'd forgotten how good it is to wear a suit! You can walk around like you own the place and no-one seems to mind - comes with the territoire of being a young man looking dapper in a suit I guess.
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| Who's that handsome S.O.B? |
My day started at 7.45 (and not 7 as I planned thanks to the damn snooze button) and I found myself running late for the metro at 8.52 avec a train in front of me. I jumped on not knowing if it was headed in the right direction; luckily that gamble worked out and meant I was only 12 minutes en retard.
Now when I say late, I mean by British standards. I end up being the second personne into the office, the French aren't doing much to bust the whole lazy stereotype so far... I'm directed to the sofa and wait patiently to hear my fate. A youngish looking guy walks past and I give him a hopeful "Bonjour". Turns out he's the current stagiaire from Nottingham - bingo!
Side-note: I've found a pretty useful way of introducing myself. "Pratheek - comme le mot" (Pratheek - like the word). The French pronounce me 'pratique', their word for practical. Not as cool as "Bond, James Bond" but cool enough. For now.
I get my own laptop and after running me through the daily routine (cheers Otto), my mentor for the day and I head off for lunch. A Subway's right around the corner and I'm on it like Sonic. I bet they wouldn't be as receptive to my banter as the guys at my local Notts branch (mainly because it'll be in broken and mispronounced French). Big up Travis, Nasser and the rest of the crew. Yes I'm on first name terms with them, got a problem?
Side-note: I've found a pretty useful way of introducing myself. "Pratheek - comme le mot" (Pratheek - like the word). The French pronounce me 'pratique', their word for practical. Not as cool as "Bond, James Bond" but cool enough. For now.
I get my own laptop and after running me through the daily routine (cheers Otto), my mentor for the day and I head off for lunch. A Subway's right around the corner and I'm on it like Sonic. I bet they wouldn't be as receptive to my banter as the guys at my local Notts branch (mainly because it'll be in broken and mispronounced French). Big up Travis, Nasser and the rest of the crew. Yes I'm on first name terms with them, got a problem?
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| Looks like lunch from now till January is sorted |
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| The view from the park we had lunch at |
One of the highlights of the day has to be one of my colleagues answering the phone with "Oui boii". I think I'm gonna like it here.
Peace from Paris.
Very good post again! I heard that the French are actually very strict on being late, but I am glad I heard wrong! Glad to hear you are enjoying it. Paul
ReplyDeleteHey man! glad you're lovin' it there. words of an advice though "NEVER EVER get the metro after 10pm, especially if you're heading to a dodgy place", one of the most memorable times in my life come from there, not in a good way. However, Paris is fun that if you speak french of course. Go gorillaz
ReplyDeleteGood blog mate, good to see you're getting on well with (a few) home comforts!
ReplyDeleteI'd be the the first to hate on this kind of thing, but I actually really like it and look forward to hearing about what you're getting up to. Will have to come visit. B.
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