Foreign Languages and Pachyderms
May. 13th, 2004 08:49 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
affrecaThe problem with well developed software is that when you're in a foreign country, your livejournal options are all in French. Yep, I've made it under the Channel, and am typing away in my hostel. Which now has electricity. I'm not sure why, as I have yet to ask.
Oddly enough, I feel weirder not knowing the language here than I did in Japan. Maybe because I can almost read, especially when they have the German and French next to each other. And since English is a Germanic language with heavy French influence... you do the math. I got as far as the Metro stop near my hostel fine (except accidentally going the wrong way one stop, quickly corrected) but from there I had no idea where Rue d'Elephant (or Oliphantstrasse and please excuse my spelling, I'm doing this from memory in nonnative language). But this nice older man saw me walking in circles (my normal lost behavior - walk ten steps, look confused, turn around, walk, wonder if people are watching) and said.. well, I'm not sure what he said. But I told him I was lost, and he seemed to understand. He took one look at the hostel address and directed me to follow. Good thing, because 9 blocks and 4 turns later (and many greetings to other men on the street) and I saw Elephant.
This hostel is much cleaner and bigger than my last. But between the lack of lights for a while, the youth and yes.. the lack of English, I'm not as social as I was last night. Ok, they all look like they're in high school, and seem to be in a mob.. Save Me! Ok.. panic attack over. I did chat with my seat mates on my way here. Suzie is a nice retired classical guitar player is making her way to Greece to settle down. Ah, if I am only that spry when I'm ready for retirement. And willing to give away everything except one suitcase of clothes. Tom, you interested? Also chatted heavily with Martin, a runner from Leeds who discussed politics while carefully not commenting on the state of American politics (I said plenty).
Fun. Hopefully I find others to talk to. But at least I'm over jet lag. Off to see the European Parliament buildings and a couple of parks tomorrow.
Oddly enough, I feel weirder not knowing the language here than I did in Japan. Maybe because I can almost read, especially when they have the German and French next to each other. And since English is a Germanic language with heavy French influence... you do the math. I got as far as the Metro stop near my hostel fine (except accidentally going the wrong way one stop, quickly corrected) but from there I had no idea where Rue d'Elephant (or Oliphantstrasse and please excuse my spelling, I'm doing this from memory in nonnative language). But this nice older man saw me walking in circles (my normal lost behavior - walk ten steps, look confused, turn around, walk, wonder if people are watching) and said.. well, I'm not sure what he said. But I told him I was lost, and he seemed to understand. He took one look at the hostel address and directed me to follow. Good thing, because 9 blocks and 4 turns later (and many greetings to other men on the street) and I saw Elephant.
This hostel is much cleaner and bigger than my last. But between the lack of lights for a while, the youth and yes.. the lack of English, I'm not as social as I was last night. Ok, they all look like they're in high school, and seem to be in a mob.. Save Me! Ok.. panic attack over. I did chat with my seat mates on my way here. Suzie is a nice retired classical guitar player is making her way to Greece to settle down. Ah, if I am only that spry when I'm ready for retirement. And willing to give away everything except one suitcase of clothes. Tom, you interested? Also chatted heavily with Martin, a runner from Leeds who discussed politics while carefully not commenting on the state of American politics (I said plenty).
Fun. Hopefully I find others to talk to. But at least I'm over jet lag. Off to see the European Parliament buildings and a couple of parks tomorrow.
