July 24, 2006 - Monday 00:55
Random Stuff
I can't believe that all the libraries are closed in this town; yes, all three of them. They are on vacation until mid August, nobody reads anymore?
Sunday, the worst days of the week. It feels like a ghost town here. I spent the most of the day trying to figure out what to do and I ended up nothing accomplished. I spent too much time dwelling on useless thoughts instead of taking action. However, I am a hopelessly impulsive person, I would make a decision or buy a train ticket in a flash, even not knowing where to sleep the next night or if I have enough money in my checking account.
Picked up a CD and tried to learn a foreign language. Echec. Need a prof. to start and then one day, when I reach a certain level I can do the improvement alone. Which makes me think if we all need someone's help to make the first progress. Talking, eating, walking, swimming, fucking, driving...
I am counting the hours to leave Normandy and I can hardly wait to drag my suitcase on the train while waving goodbye to this land. I have a quasi blank page here, really, nothing interesting happened. My memories are filled with cows, hills, and bad weather. At the same time, I don't regret the place I have chosen although I am more than happy to head south.
Got into touch with a friend whom I hadn't heard from for a really long time. We have the right to pretend everything is fine but that is just silly. It is funny how zeal can turn into hatred in a spilt second and this process can never be undone. I tried so hard to find out where the leak was in our relationship; I even used a magnifying glass, but I failed, the explaination never came to me. It just happens, è così.
I am sensing the cold breeze of the Normandy and taking it all in, won't get that in Alpes-Maritimes, not this time of the year; and I need to light a candle to join the stars.
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July 21, 2006 - Friday 23:31
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Heading South Part II
July 17
Once again, under the influence of the sleeping pill. I got out of bed about 11am, the time I was supposed to be out already (the hostel is closed between 11am and 3pm). I jumped into the shower and when I got out, the door swung open, the director had keys in his hand and there I was, dripping water and half naked. "I will be back in 5 minutes, you'd better be out by then." he closed the door behind him. "I am sorry..." I doubted that he heard me though.
First thing first, I needed to go the bank. I stepped in and I explained my situation: my card is not working and I really needed some cash for food, and I was sure that I had enough money in my account. The woman I spoke to just top M., she soon became the top asshole on my list.
"Sorry, I can't help you. You didn't open your account in this banking center."
"But I have an account with your bank. Would you please..."
"No, there is nothing I can do."
"Could you please phone the branch in Caen?"
"No, we don't do that."
"But I have an account with your bank."
"You didn't open your account in our office. There is nothing I can do. Bye."
If I hadn't had low blood sugar, I would have asked to talk to her supervisor. I had only 60 cents in my pocket and I hadn't eaten in 16 hours. Thus, the only way for me to get some cash was to call M. and asked him to return my money. He said yes, so I walked for about one hour with shaky body and soak in the heat.
"I am sorry Mr. M, there is something with my bank account, and I have only 60 cents, not even enough to buy some bread and I need to buy the ticket back to Caen..."
"I don't care, the room will be gone in no time."
"Can I write you a check as soon as I go back to Normandy to reserve the room?"
"I don't know. If the room is still available."
"I am going back in two days."
"So? I have people calling every day for the room."
"Thanks. Bye."
I went into the first grocery store and got a huge sandwich and a big Orangina. Then, I walked over to the storage place and paid off my debt. Then, I went to see Yv. and told him the news.
"Are you OK? You look sick."
"I am sick. Do you have an aspirin?"
"My last one." he took out a small blue bottle and handed it to me. I put the white pill into a glass of water and listened to its frizzling.
"I lost my room and I need to go back to Caen the day after tomorrow."
"Why? How? I thought I found a friend and now you are pulling this on me."
"Not my choice, my bank account is frozen and the woman at the branch was really bitchy."
"So call the bank!"
"I don't have enough money on my cell."
"Go and find the number, I will let you use my phone."
That was nice of him, and I tried to use my card to pay for the train ticket online. It didn't work, so that is not the problem with the magnet strip but something bigger. Then, I checked my balance, oh yeah, that is the problem, I had only 51 euros left and the train ticket cost 61 euros. There was nothing I could do besides waiting for the money that I borrowed from my best friend to come in. My best friend is in Portland and opening his own restaurant, despite his own shortage for money, he insisted on sending me some help. Gosh, I really miss him.
Stop by the Bar. D. and spoke to Mr. D.
"I am going back to Caen the 19."
"What? When are you coming back?"
"As soon as I can. I need a job to survive you know?"
"How about working here from 11am to 3pm for 30 euros?"
"I will take it. When do I start?"
"Not sure, I need to talk to the boss. But I need an exact date when you will be back at Nice."
"I will be here within 24 hours after I receive your call on the job."
"If you need a place to crash, I can let you stay in my house for a night or two. It is air conditioned. The only problem is that I get off at 3am."
"Air conditioning? That is to die for. It is so nice to you to offer me that, but I will really try not to bother you on this."
His colleague walked in:" Hey! How come you get to kiss the girl (on the cheek)? I want a kiss too!" Another customer walked in and Mr. D. asked him if the restaurant called "L'equirer" he worked in needed anyone. He shook his head," But you can always ask. Around 6pm, the boss will be there." I took his words for it and stopped by Yv.'s place, he told me that he had worked at "L'equirer" for three years as a musician. But when I was there to turn in my CV, they were busy so I didn't do any name dropping, nor did I get to talk to the boss. No big deal, I need to be down there for any interviews.
I sat on the beach for 3 hours staring at the sea. It wasn't very sunny that day but the storm that we had been waiting for didn't happen neither. The air was heavy and humid, but that allowed me to find some peace because I would hate to deal with the crowd at that moment. People talk, talk and talk, but they hardly do anything. Their words were weightless.
July 18
Nothing much going on either, I tried to hand out more CVs but after a few hours' walking in heat, I decided that I needed a break. So, I went to the beach with two friends. It is absolutely necessary for me to learn how to swim soon, who are you kidding? I will be living so close to the sea while I can't swim!
July 19
On the train, got a call from Mr. D. Oh yes, by the way, I got to know his name from his colleague, it starts with a V.
So, here I am. I spoke to the bank and somehow my debit card got blocked because of the electronic errors somewhere no one could explain. Thus, my consul ordered a new card for me. Got another call from V. He was watching TV alone at home.
I called M. as soon as I mailed him the check.
"Mr. M. I mailed you the check today, please send me a receipt when you receive it."
"I don't trust you. I give you 48 hours and if I don't get it on Saturday morning, I am renting the place out!"
"Mister, please. I mailed it this afternoon and it is Thursday afternoon."
"Well, that is why I give you until Saturday morning."
"It doesn't depend on me now you know. Can you please wait until Monday morning?"
"No. I don't trust anyone. People play jokes."
"Ok, bye." I hung up the phone, can't stand that sucker!
As miserable as he is, no wonder anyone would pull any pranks on him! They were actually doing him a favor, he should feel lucky that anyone even pays any attention to him!
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