Renaissance

Well, it’s Sunday and I arrived on Wednesday.  The effects of jet lag are receding and, since Sundays seem not be used for business of any kind, I can relax and begin my blog.  This is another new ‘thing’ for me – Thanks, Di, for forcing me to keep current! – and I am really liking the possibility of staying in touch with old friends while making new ones. 

I arrived following uneventful flights – with good meals, actually, including beef tenderloin, French red wine and Swiss chocolate – so a good start, I would say.  So far, my settling in comprises having bought a new cell phone, lots of reconnoitering walks around the city, dinner with a new colleague and visits to appartements.  I found several to my liking, but have chosen one that has underground parking, marble floors, a terrace-balcony and is only 6 years old.  There were a few with real old-world charm, but they were either very small, had no parking or seemed damp (possibly moldy!).  The one I have chosen is also well situated with respect to the school, so I can walk if I like. 

The city is breathtakingly beautiful and walking is the only way to see it.  The river valley that snakes through the centre of the city has many walking paths and gives great opportunity for vigorous exercise.  I’ll be posting pictures as soon as I install the software for my new camera.  One of the new teachers arrived at the hotel today and found me for breakfast.  It won’t be long now before others arrive and that should be fun, too!   The people I have met from the school have been very welcoming and helpful.  Once my living arrangemnts are sorted, I’ll get my car on the road.  For now, it’s at the school – parking costs at the hotel are TOO high!  Everyone seems to use French as the main means of communication and mine is coming back quickly.   I miss my family and friends, but I don’t regret having made this decision!  More soon……….salut!

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