Settling In

Things are starting to settle down now, and I think the jet lag's winged off into the future somewhere.



I've really enjoyed the folks I'm meeting and working with here. The one or two who looked askance at me in the grocery line had every right to do so. I would have done the same, except I can't scowl in French. That brings up a point. We, or at least I, have heard for years about the dour French. I haven't seen any of that. Everyone I've come into contact with smiles and laughs easily and often. Another myth probably bites the dust. I can settle that along with the one about them working 35 hours per week. It's not evident here. Most on the project are easily exceeding the 10 hour mark and the ethic is equal to any I've seen in America. Man, what can you do when even the bad crap proves untrue? This is devastating.

Went out again this evening and had a very successful transaction buying a hamburger and a milkshake. No faux pas, no faltering, no stuttering. A great transaction. It's funny how a new culture and language can really lower your criteria to determine a good day

Took a snap of my little Toyato as I left the apartment this afternoon. Cute little thing.

My first picture in France is a Japanese car. Go figure.


This weekend Didier, the project head here in Nantes is going to give Jerry (the other ex-pat) and I a tour of Nantes. That'll be good. One should be somewhat familiar with the home place before he takes off to Paris, etc.