It snowed again yesterday, and the weather service says it is going to be an unusually cold winter this year. My apartment has been freezing, with the radiators cold to the touch. Yesterday I finally got the heater technician to come and see what was wrong. He was one of those workmen I like so much in France, who expect to stay in their job for the rest of their lives and take pride in their expertise.
He spent a long time explaining the problem to me-- in fact there were three problems-- over a cup of strong black coffee, and then took my number to call back next week to make sure everything was all right. I am sure he promised to call back because I was nice to him, and not because he does it routinely. I feel as if I have learned how to deal with problems here.
In fact the apartment has been deliciously warm ever since and it is the first time the heater has worked properly since it was installed two years ago.
Then I had to deal with another problem over the phone. D had bought something that didn't look or fit the way it was supposed to when we got it home. How this kind of phone call used to intimidate me!
At first the guy at the store stonewalled me. Non, Non, the mistake was my problem, I had bought the object fair and square and if it didn't work that wasn't their fault. Non, I couldn't get a refund, just an avoir [credit]. Non, it was impossible for them to come and fix the problem chez moi.
In the old days I would have just hung up the phone angrily and probably burst into tears of frustration. I did that a lot my first year here! But I have learned that in France, Non is just the opening gambit. I persisted, I told stories, I flirted a bit, I laughed, I made it personal, and next thing I know, a handsome delivery man is at my house removing the offending article so the workshop can fix it and bring it back next week for free!
YESSS!
I mean, OUAI!
Wow, WELL DONE! :) I am simply in awe!!!
Posted by: Vivi | 06 January 2006 at 19:36
Hello,
This isn't a comment, only a note to you. I just wanted to tell you that since I have stumbled upon your blog (who knows how one surfs to any given location on the web?), I have enjoyed reading how much you enjoy France. It is a pleasure, and I've learned so much! I have never been a (how do they call it?) a Francophile, but your writing has made me question my assumptions.
The pictures that you include in your posts are wonderful - I especially have enjoyed your stories about museums and little history lessons.
Take care,
deb
PS: I am so sorry to hear of your friend's husband's death in Iraq. Such a terrible, terrible thing to endure. My heart aches to know it.
Posted by: | 07 January 2006 at 04:47
Hi, I just stumbled across your blog, and I too am from and live in Louisiana. I am in Lafayette, but just returned from Paris. My husband and I went for New Year's. His first time. He loved it as much as I always have.
I was curious, where are you from here? and do you come back much. I haven't read much of your history here... sorry... We would love to move to France, and are looking and thinking at the moment. I hope to hear back from you.
Best wishes for the new year,
Jacqueline
From Sedulia:
Hi Jacqueline! I do go back to Louisiana every year. I was in Lafayette a couple of years ago. I wonder if it has changed a lot since the hurricanes-- I read a lot of people evacuated there. Will the New Orleanians stay in Lafayette?
I hope you had a good time in Paris.
Posted by: jacqueline | 10 January 2006 at 22:55
Sedulia --
I haven't been up to my usual blogging self much - just gave birth...exhausted...
But stopped by just to see what's up at Rue Rude.
From one Louisiana native to another: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
From Sedulia:
Thanks, and Happy New Year yourself. No one expects a brand new mother to do much blogging-- give yourself a break. And sleep when the baby sleeps!
Posted by: Francaise de Coeur | 11 January 2006 at 14:29