Yes, I can confirm, the French are impressively lazy. Not only do they have more Bank Holidays than we do in the UK but they also have "ponts" (bridges). This means that when a Bank Holiday falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday they take the Monday or Friday off too. I've been told that if it falls on a Wednesday they don't just take the week off but to be honest it wouldn't surprise me.
So, as I was saying, I took the plane back as the Eurostar would've cost over 300€ just for the return ticket. It was good flying and we even got a free sandwhich and drink which surprised me (you can tell I'm used to flying low-cost).
When I got home I had an even bigger surprise. For my birthday my (wonderful) parents bought me...well...pictures speak louder than words:
It's bright Orange ("a proper Beetle colour" as a friend said) and, for 1970, is in great condition. I've put some more photos on my flickr page here.
The "barbeque" was great although, due to the weather it wasn't a barbeque. Still it was nice to see everyone and I owe a(nother) thankyou to Mum and Dad for organising, cooking, inviting etc.
So, I'm back in Paris now on the final stint until I finish on June 30th. Work is going quite well and it's definitely more fun working with someone (my replacement has arrived and apparently I'm training him although sometimes I just feel like I'm pointing out all the problems he's going to have). To be honest I'm looking forward to the end though. I've had a great time here in Paris but I want to be getting back now. I know I haven't visited as many things as I should have, and I'll do that in the fortnight I'm here once I've finished working, but I'm not sure Paris is everything people expect of it. I think I've been here so long that it's just become "home".
I have enjoyed working, and I've learnt a lot about many different things. I've learnt more about people, communication and "work" than I have about IT but it's definitely been a valuable experience. Although my French has improved tenfold, unfortunately my English has deteriorated and I often find I can't remember a word or can't think how to put a sentence together. So, if I talk gibberish to you when I get back, just give me time to work out which language I should be using.
I think the thing I'll miss most about my time here are the friends I've made. Admittedly they're nearly all English and it's probably related to the fact that we're all "in the same boat" but I feel closer to them than I have to many people I've known. I am a little dissappointed not to have made that many French friends but I feel pretty sure that I'll stay in touch with those I do know. After all, it's an easy way to get free accommodation ;-)
Ok, well I'll finish for now as I may have a meeting at 8:00am tomorrow (I'll be glad when they're over with!).
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