Sometimes you just have to laugh at it all. It has been a busy and rainy week in Paris and Le Defense. I've had some new co-workers here this week (picture below). We all had dinner in the good Italian restaurant in Nueilly. Now, just because I usually mention dinner or sights or such, does NOT mean that I am not working hard over here. We've had our last workshops this week, and I did a short training session (first actual formal training for the customer). Basically, I've spent most all my time in meetings, demo'ing and answering questions. It, and the rainy weather, can wear you out. The above shot was walking back after the dinner. Glad I had my raincoat and umbrella. I'm also looking forward to tomorrow with no workshops (and to heading back to the US on Saturday to visit my girls in Connecticut).
It has also been a challenge to get into the apartment. I realized yesterday that there was virtually no possibility of it happening before I return to the US, so I reserved another week at the Residome. At least I can leave my luggage here and know where Debbie and I will go next Sunday when we return. Now it has been 5 weeks in Paris in the hotel - it is getting quite old. I had also dropped some shirts at the lobby for laundering yesterday. When I went to pick them up this evening, I was told that the laundry refused to do them as they couldn't get them back in time. OK - so my shirts will be dirty when I return. I took the bag up to the room and found they were someone else's shirts. I went back to the desk, returned these shirts, and they found my laundered shirts and gave them to me. Now, when I initially asked for my shirts, I told them I was in room 802. The receptionist said "211" - and then proceeded to tell me that they didn't do my shirts and gave me the bag. I think there must be a tendency to just agree when you don't speak the language fluently. They heard me say my room number, and I heard them say 211, but we just go ahead anyway and nod politely. Ah, well, if nothing else, the receptionist is a beautiful young French woman, so that was pleasant at least.
And, if you start to get too irritated with some of it all, one of our co-worker's spouse was just diagnosed with cancer. That certainly provides perspective on your concerns quickly! So we shall worry for them instead of the big issue of clean shirts. Cheers.
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