Thanks to the speed of Guadeloupe, I've all but entirely abandoned my post as blogger girl. We've moved - finally (insert under the breath compilation of curse words meant to drive home the essence of finally) to a new house in Guadeloupe. In fact we've been there for over a month, and my dreams of clacking away on my laptop on the sunny terrace have been pushed into the corner with the boxes we still have not unpacked. Apparently there are some necessary steps for getting internet at a new address in Guadeloupe, involving one where we wait for a letter from the internet company to arrive from Martinique so that we can then send it back, so that they can approve moving our internet service from the old house to the new. Really? Really. I may possibly have mentioned before the (lack of any) sense of urgency in Guadeloupe. Et, voila.
And so we wait.
It's been a good exercise really, because if we want to really use the net for an extended length of time, to research travel information for example, we need more than an iphone moving at the speed of Orange Caraibe. Generally speaking though, it's surprising what we don't miss once it's gone. I did however miss hurling my thoughts into the blog from time to time. I went old school and did some writing with a pen and paper. That was fun.
So we've got a new home, I got myself a car, and in a rather unceremonious sequence of events, I also got myself a job. I'm thrilled to have the job, and won't knock it for a second, but I will say that I was warned ahead of time about French administration, and boy were they right to warn me. I'll just say it's a bit like everything else in Guadeloupe - put on your patient hat. I'm able to write today because I've landed in Toulouse for some job training. Between Paris, where I changed planes, and Toulouse, I've already encountered two strangers who told me that I was the first American they've ever met who spoke French. I find this to be in contrast with the number of American people I know who speak French. Anyway, what still shocks me is that I get by with relative ease with the limited French I have, and I think that's pretty cool. A year ago I would have been hurting for communication in France.
It's nice to get this small blog blurb out of my system and onto the keyboard. But I really need to figure out what time it is, and where I should eat lunch. You know, the important things. Food and timing. Since I'm in the land of foie gras and other assorted duck products, I'm going to enjoy the local flavor and eat me some duck this week, preferably in or alongside some sort of red wine. Followed by something sinful and sweet which will not help with the size of my ass but I really could not care less this week. I'm in France! As my mother would say, "EAT SOMETHING!' I'll make you proud mom, really I will.
Jan 27, 2010
Perhaps some ruby red slippers would have helped
Ah the search for a home. To rent. To buy. Peu importe: it's still a hassle to search, find, lose. What's fun though is watching people show you a home they'd like to get commission for renting or selling. I've broken it down to three major types of sellers (keeping in mind this particular list is for renting, not buying) here on the island. I thought I'd post them in case anyone is ever looking in the neighborhood. Y'know, as a guide.
Type NMPWMP:
Also known as: Not My Problem, Where's My Phone.
This type of domicile recommend-er is best know for his/her uselessness beyond the showing of the space, accompanied by utter lack of follow through of any kind. He/she does successfully bring keys to the showing of the space, and will answer questions with some version of 'I don't know but I'll ask', or 'I don't know, and the owner doesn't know either'. NMPWMP will check his/her phone during the home showing constantly, most likely to connect with friends about the days goings-on, entirely unrelated to the showing of the home. NMPWMP is not to be expected to be entirely present at showings, so proceed with caution if asking important questions. NMPWMPs can move quickly or slowly. They come dressed well, and they come dressed in pyjamas while smoking hand rolled cigarettes. This is a slippery one.
Type NKSC:
Also known as: No Keys, Super Cheery
This type of domicile recommend-er is known for his/her cheery disposition. This can lead to an impression of effectiveness, but do not be fooled. Despite the cheery outlook, Type NKSC arrives on site often times without a key to the prospective home, or a code to access the large gate surrounding a residence. Legend says NKSC's have led eager families (including some women in skirts) in climbing tall barriers and peering through windows, all to access a residence without a key. Your viewing of your future home with an NKSC will be pointless: you will view more pictures of the home online than in person. Lesson learned: when you make an appointment to view a home, ask directly if they will have the keys or if the home will be open when you arrive. NKSC needs reminding of this small but important detail. NKSC does not in fact consider it an obstacle to have forgotten keys or codes.
Type ANGD:
Also known as: Appears Nonchalant, but Gets it Done.
This type of domicile recommend-er is best known for leaving you with a feeling of complete confusion. While almost on time for appointments, she/he moves slowly but not with purpose. She/he appears to have all the answers in an acceptable amount of time, and responds to your inquiries via phone within a day of the day promised. This is impressive, and unusual. In spite of all the good timing, ANGD somehow leaves you feeling entirely unsure of the validity of the responses due to her/his nature: nonchalant. One cannot be entirely sure due to the amount of nonchalance if the responses are real, or simply a going through of the motions. Normally in the end, ANGD gets the job done. Sometimes it's too late as your doubt was too much, and you moved on, as one would in a bad relationship. Proceed with minimal amount of caution but maximum amount of patience.
Type NMPWMP:
Also known as: Not My Problem, Where's My Phone.
This type of domicile recommend-er is best know for his/her uselessness beyond the showing of the space, accompanied by utter lack of follow through of any kind. He/she does successfully bring keys to the showing of the space, and will answer questions with some version of 'I don't know but I'll ask', or 'I don't know, and the owner doesn't know either'. NMPWMP will check his/her phone during the home showing constantly, most likely to connect with friends about the days goings-on, entirely unrelated to the showing of the home. NMPWMP is not to be expected to be entirely present at showings, so proceed with caution if asking important questions. NMPWMPs can move quickly or slowly. They come dressed well, and they come dressed in pyjamas while smoking hand rolled cigarettes. This is a slippery one.
Type NKSC:
Also known as: No Keys, Super Cheery
This type of domicile recommend-er is known for his/her cheery disposition. This can lead to an impression of effectiveness, but do not be fooled. Despite the cheery outlook, Type NKSC arrives on site often times without a key to the prospective home, or a code to access the large gate surrounding a residence. Legend says NKSC's have led eager families (including some women in skirts) in climbing tall barriers and peering through windows, all to access a residence without a key. Your viewing of your future home with an NKSC will be pointless: you will view more pictures of the home online than in person. Lesson learned: when you make an appointment to view a home, ask directly if they will have the keys or if the home will be open when you arrive. NKSC needs reminding of this small but important detail. NKSC does not in fact consider it an obstacle to have forgotten keys or codes.
Type ANGD:
Also known as: Appears Nonchalant, but Gets it Done.
This type of domicile recommend-er is best known for leaving you with a feeling of complete confusion. While almost on time for appointments, she/he moves slowly but not with purpose. She/he appears to have all the answers in an acceptable amount of time, and responds to your inquiries via phone within a day of the day promised. This is impressive, and unusual. In spite of all the good timing, ANGD somehow leaves you feeling entirely unsure of the validity of the responses due to her/his nature: nonchalant. One cannot be entirely sure due to the amount of nonchalance if the responses are real, or simply a going through of the motions. Normally in the end, ANGD gets the job done. Sometimes it's too late as your doubt was too much, and you moved on, as one would in a bad relationship. Proceed with minimal amount of caution but maximum amount of patience.
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