an address

I am writing from my new apartment and hope I might be able to post this tomorrow in a lunch break at work or so. The trip went very well. I got off to a rather late start. I just didn’t want to forget anything since there is no telling when I will be back at home to finish the move. I waved goodbye to Eifel until I see him next. On your way into Paris, the view from Saint-Cloud is splendid and unique each time, and it does tend to make your heart sink when you leave. On a clear day, you can expect to see the tour, boats on the Seine as well as new and old Paris: La Défense for the new and Saint Cloud and Paris gray rooftops representing the new. I was comforted by a special picnic and to plenty of food items to start my fridge off with. In the end, my employer called me “en route”, wanting me to come even earlier than expected. I don’t like driving sweet Odette at the speed we were going at (sorry, this cannot be specified, for my maman’s sake) but let’s just say, we made up quite a bit of lost time. I arrived none too early, and O waited patiently whilst I filed-in forms and contracts. After the signing of the contract here, employees are addressed by their first name and the formal “vous” is dropped. Thereafter, the president came into the room – I could hear him saying louder and louder “where is she? Where is euphonies? Hey, don’t laugh, I fought hard to convince her to work here!”. He greeted me warmly after I signed the contract accompanied by the traditional kisses on the cheeks (la bise) as a welcome – “don’t forget, euphonies” I told myself, “three times here, not four!” I was handed the keys to my new temporary home – a modern flat with light wood, but also fully equipped: stereo, t.v, half-kitchen, bathroom. As I ran a bath, I just stared at this place. I am so overwhelmed by the beauty, the size, the way I was treated so well. Even a royal parking place was free opposite the flat – a rarity for the city center. Brief wall tour: opposite me, is a large framed picture of the Golden Gate Bridge in the fog by Simon Lewis, behind me, a picture of a sand dune by Gary Faye. The frames match the light wood color, which in turn matches the table and the shelves here too. I am still missing a few pictures although I was able to bring along a couple. One of my new colleagues wanted to take me out to eat tonight, but I think I will just stay in and make myself at home for tonight. Strange for me, maybe, but I will have plenty of time to get to know everyone. The president gave me his cell in case anything was up. But I am just taking it easy – and enjoying some last bits of homemade pizza! Thanks maman!