Let it SNOW?

It's snowing here right now. Big wet flakes. It's only about 3 below C but I have no desire to brave the elements and play outside in the snow. Having missed 2 Canadian Prairie winters in a row I'm not sure how I will survive this upcoming season. I'm already overdosing on hot chocolate, tea and any other hot beverage available. I'm wearing winter socks, sweaters and even had to wear my terry cloth housecoat OVER my clothes just so I could warm up. I also have taken to wearing gloves and a toque in the evening when I go walking. I need to toughen up or I'll never be able to leave the house for the next 5 months, until spring.
On another topic, I'm struggling a lot with dissapointment right now. In myself, in others, generally in life. I'm dissapointed that I didn't end up in Africa like I had planned, instead I'm back in SK, quite a ways away from my lofty plans of working in a clinic in North Africa. So many things went wrong, when previously every thing was lining up and running smoothly. Sometimes I wonder if it was just not meant to be, that maybe I didn't have it in me to do that kind of work. Perhaps that's why I ended up right back where I started.
I'm also disappointed in myself that I didn't conquer the French language. I have to give myself some credit, I did do pretty well after only 6 months of training. But I still got tongue-tied and stuttering when it came to speaking French. And now that I've been back in Canada, I'm losing what little I had mastered. Was all of that studying just a waste?
I guess this is just a bit of the emotions that come with re-entry, coming home from overseas, etc. I feel out of place, a bit like I'm stuck between two realities. I'm waiting for one part of my life to close up (France) so that another can open (Canada). I'm waiting to find a part-time or full-time job nearby so I can figure out my schedule. I'm waiting for the season to change, so I can move on.
I've never really liked this time of year, when a rainy day can turn to freezing rain to a snow blizzard in a few hours. At least when it's winter, you know what to expect...but when its in between fall and winter...you never know what the weather will do.
In a sense I feel like that. Not knowing what to expect, not knowing what to prepare for, not knowing what's around the corner. And since I'm struggling with these dissapointments, it just makes it a bit harder to pluck up the energy and optimism to prepare and plan for what life is going to throw me next.
This isn't where I thought I'd be just a short year ago. This isn't what I thought I'd be doing, or where I'd be living. But I'm learning to deal with it, to roll with the waves, and maybe someday even enjoy the "unknowness" that comes with change. I'm leaning on the fact that God does have a plan, that He is in control, that He does love me and that He will provide. That much is certain in this uncertain season.

Re-Canadianized

It's pouring rain out now. Bit of thunder and lightning to go with it. One of those few mornings that I've had time to spend on the computer, so we get to update the blog today. I still feel a little lost since arriving back in Canada on July 23. I've spent a lot of time travelling, visiting with family in SK, MB, and AB. I haven't even been around enough to attend my local church, seems I'm away almost every weekend. I am enjoying being re-Canadianized. I went to a SK Roughriders football game and cried through the Canadian national anthem. It was so moving to hear 30 000 people sing "O Canada" all around me. It's been almost 2 years since I've heard it sung, let alone in that type of setting. I've been to Tim Hortons, had way too many iced caps. I've been horseback riding, camping, houseboating, hiking, garage sale shopping, attended a Highland Games festival, been to the mall, got my hair cut, etc etc. I've even made time for Dr apointments, dentist and got new lenses for my glasses (all before my international health insurance expires-heehee). I've relaxed, read books, watched movies, made banana bread. Now I'm working on signing up for some accounting courses through the local community college. They'll run Sept to Jan, so I can stay at my parents during the course. Then what? Move to a nearby city I suppose. I'm still working with my same company that I was with in France, just doing most of my work via the internet, skype and phone. It's been a BIG change not to work in an office. I miss the social aspect of working on a team. I may also start doing some public relations work or recruiting later on in the year, once I get into a routine. I think I may continue in this parttime and then try to find a part time job in the city once I finish my course.
Right now it's hard for me to plan ahead, to look forward past a few months. Just taking it one day at a time for now.
Here's a picture of me and my great-nephew Kaylo, on the Aug long weekend. We rented a houseboat for the whole family, we were 22 total. Boatloads of fun!

I've Landed

I don't even really know what to write. I'm in Canada now. Let's start with that. July 23rd I flew out of Marseille and landed in Toronto to spend a week at a conference, just outside of Cambridge, ON. Was a great time of reconnecting with coworkers and my home office team. I really enjoyed meeting people that I've only heard about or written emails to. Our Canadian team is big and widely spread out across the globe so it was awesome to get about 45 of us in one place for a few days. Plus I really enjoyed being in nature, green grass, tall trees, butterflies, rabbits, robins, and...mosquitoes. Had a bonfire, roasted marshmellows, went for walks, and even got to sleep in somewhat. Then on the 27th I caught a ride to Toronto Pearson airport and spent most of the afternoon in the Air Canada lounge. Big thanks to my coworkers/friends T & K! It was so SWEET. 2 big screen TV's, wireless internet, unlimited salad bar, soups, drinks (hot and cold), magazines to read, comfy couches to sleep on. If I could travel like this all the time...wow.
Then I landed in Regina in the evening, ordered some take out, drove to the nearest city park to enjoy the sunset, supper and a walk around the lake. By then I was ready to head home to my parents place. Overwhelming to be able to hug my parents again.
These past few weeks have been a blur of packing, unpacking, moving, flying, camping, tenting, shopping, and sleeping. I'm getting over yet another cold, and jetlag is still messing me up. I fell asleep while reading this afternoon, woke up an hour later.
I feel like I'm in some sort of drop zone, or a black hole. I don't really fit in anywhere. Yet. I have no place of my own. Yet. I don't really know what I'm supposed to be doing. Yet. I'm worried about my finances, buying a vehicle, renting a place. Where should I live? What car should I buy? Should I continue in the job I'm doing or should I opt for something better paying? So many questions. I'm trying not to stress. There are so many decisions that I have to make soon. I need wisdom, patience and peace. I'll keep you updated on the progress of my re-entry into Canadian life.
Some highlights since I've been back:
*iced cap from Tim Horton's
*hugging my parents
*holding my great nephew
*hanging out with my family for August long weekend on a houseboat on Lake Defenbaker
*watching hummingbirds in my mom's garden
*riding a horse
*eating a smore on a beach
*getting to watch TV in English
*seeing baby rabbits
*enjoying a SK thunderstorm
It's good to be back. But I am missing Marseille too. I feel caught between two worlds!

How To Close Your Bank Account In France

First of all, you procrastinate for 6 weeks, thinking, “I really should go to the bank and close up my account…give myself lots of time, just in case there are any problems.” Then you wait until 6 days before you leave the country. Sunday night, you get your things ready: bank card, check book, wallet, picture ID, and EVERY single piece of paper that the bank has mailed/given you since you opened your account in Dec 04. You never know what they will ask for. Monday…you walk to the bank, the door is locked. You slowly realize that the bank is closed on Mondays. You carefully memorize the posted business hours and vow to arrive at 8:15 am the next morning. 5 days before you leave. You spend the rest of the evening kicking yourself for your procrastination and lack of organization.
Next morning, you sleep in, miss the alarm and make it to the bank at 9:30 am. You arrive at the outer door to the bank; you ring the doorbell (security feature) to be let into the area where you can make deposits or withdrawals from the automatic machine. Then you ring the second doorbell to be let into the waiting area of the bank. In which there is a total of 5 other people before you, all waiting in line. There are only 2 tellers. But at least the place is air conditioned…it’s already over 30 C. So you stand in line for 20 minutes or so, really it could have been longer because you’ve stopped wearing your watch. But at least it gives you time to practice what you’re going to say given any number of different scenarios.
But you are not prepared for what really happens. Apparently the person that opened your account needs to be the one to close your account. And of course he is away on vacation. So the teller asks you to take a seat and wait until he can figure out what to do with you. He calls a few people in the bank, explains the situation, blah blah blah. Meanwhile giving you time to go through the “worst case scenario” possibilities, including being told that you can’t close your account and that all your money must stay in France.
But all is well, after another 15 minute wait. He calls you back up to the counter, asks for your check book, your picture ID, your bank card. Then he gives you a pen and a blank sheet of paper, instructing you to write (in French) that you want to close your account, take out the money, date it, and sign it. At this point, you’re just happy that things are moving ahead, and that it looks like you’ll be able to get your money after all. You write out your little paragraph, trying not to laugh out loud as you do so. He counts out your money, including the cents. Thanks you for your business, wishes you a good day, says goodbye. You say goodbye, good day. He keeps your check book and bank card. You take a big breath, walk back to the door, and ring again to be let out. Walk up to the second door, ring it to be let out…and walk into a wall of heat. It’s about 35 C now.
Moral of the story…bring a book to read when you go to the bank. And don’t procrastinate.

Sick in France

This will likely be one of my last posts from Marseille. Wow. In a week, I'll be flying over the Atlantic, on my way to Toronto. This year has gone too fast. One of my regrets, is that I've been sick a lot during this year in Marseille. Colds, flus, sinus infections, extreme fatigue, fever, etc. I've been to the Dr and the pharmacy more this year than the past 5 years combined. I'm not exagerating. I'm just now getting over my second sinus infection in 2 months. For 4 days I could not taste or smell anything. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Nul. Zip. Made me extremely grateful and aware of my sense of taste (and smell) when it finally returned.
This is a picture of a French pharmacy, a sight that I've become familiar with. The green glowing cross sign can be found in every neighbourhood, usually within easy walking distance. You need to go to the pharmacist, describe your symptoms or what you're looking for and they will find it for you. Almost everything, except soap, beauty supplies, etc are kept behind the counter. Including pain medication, allergy pills, travel sickness medication. All stuff I'm used to picking out on my own. But it's actually kind of nice to just walk in, say hi, explain how sick you are, get a compassionate nod from the pharmacist, and then he/she returns with your medication. Of course, anything like antibiotics, serious pain meds, etc need tobe perscribed by a Doctor.
Well I should close this post...I can hear thunder booming. Hopefully we get some rain. It's only rained once since early May. It's so dry here! And hot...been over 35C for 2 weeks now.  

We are NOT the champions

France lost the World Cup. I watched the big game last night. Not only did they lost, but the captain, the big star from Marseille, Zinedine Zidane, lost his temper and headbutted another player in the chest. Zidane was then expelled from the game, missing the last few minutes, plus 2 overtimes, then the kick-off. That was his last game of his career, not exactly a stellar end.

I was reminded of my desire to end well here, to finish my projects, to tie up loose ends, but also to go the extra mile, to say proper goodbyes and leave without regrets. Zidane, I'm sure, has regrets now, and likely wishes he could take that headbutt back. But he can't. And once I'm in Canada I don't want to look back and say, I wish.... I want to end well.

I only have 2 wks left and am starting to feel the pressure of things to do, things to see, people to hang out with, people to say goodbye to, etc. Going back to Canada is a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand I'm looking forward to being back in the land of the Maple Leaf, to speak Canadian again, heck, to speak English again. I miss my family. And I want to meet my new great nephew. I want to go camping with my family, celebrate the end of my mom's cancer treatments, and enjoy the summer in Saskatchewan.

The other hand though, I'm sad to leave. I've made some really good friends here. I like my job. I like France, I like Marseille. (I have my moments when I don't so much, but they usually pass!) I'm thinking of all the things that I will miss here...the blue sky, the flowers, the markets, French music, fresh fruit, pretty jewelry, museums, beaches, the old port, chocolate, mint tea, soccer, petanque, lavendar, mango yogurt, croissants and pain au chocolat, French movies, reading the paper in French, cheese, nutella, French church, living in my own flat, the passion of the French people, chatting with people at the bus stop, seafood, endless sunshine, spring songbirds, kids playing in my neighborhood park, standing in line at the postoffice for 25 mins to send a letter, provencale fabric, cool sea breezes, stained glass windows in churches, the sound of shutters opening in the morning, the French greeting (an "air" kiss on each cheek).

Time to start packing, making decisions about what gets left behind, and if there's still room then I'll buy some souvenirs or chocolate. Time to start cleaning out the cupboard, freezer and fridge. Time to start saying goodbye. Again.

Garbage and Soccer

The garbage strike is getting settled, they are starting to pick up again. Which is good, because I could barely walk around the corner of my apartment complex without gagging, since there was a huge pile of garbage bags there. So I was happy to see that the pile was gone yesterday.

And France won their match against Spain last night, 3-1. So that means they advance to the semi-finals on Saturday, against Brazil. I think I'll try to watch it with someone, it's just more fun. Although I think I will avoid going downtown, somehow crowds of 10 000, waving flags, fireworks, and sirens just don't sound tempting to me. I could hear people celebrating, horns honking, shouting each time France scored. Then on the news today they showed people celebrating in Paris, on the Champs-Elysees. In fact, the first 20 minutes of national news was about the game. Even a quick interview with the Prime Minister. Brazil won the last Fifa cup in 2002, France won the cup before that in 1998. We'll see who wins this round!

I can speak French

I can speak French. How crazy is that? I spent the afternoon at a friend's place with her and her sister. We spoke French because I needed to practice and they are French. I made a lot of mistakes with conjugations and forgot a bit of vocabulary, but they helped fill in the blanks and corrected me when I got off track. I was even complimented on my French accent and pronounciation (very important to the French). So not only did I have an excellent heart to heart conversation with my friend, we took time to pray together, as we'll soon be parted when I return to Canada. : ( But on the upside, I went away very encouraged in my continued studies and struggles to master this language. It's hard to believe how far I've come in learning French from when I first arrived in France in Dec '04. Wow. I started out so timid, so afraid and without any confidence at all in my speaking abilities. Now I can start a conversation, keep one rolling, and express myself. I can even tell a joke in French. For all you language learners out there, it is worth it, it will come, you will one day have a fluid understandable conversation with native language speakers. The tears, sweat, and throwing your dictionary across the room in a fit of frustration is all worth it. This post is for you, my fellow language learners! Bon courage, mes amis!

Quiz time

Who's on strike this week in Marseille?
A) The postal workers
B) The bus drivers
C) The garbage men
D) High school teachers

Strikes happen so often here in France, it's not even funny. You may remember when I just arrived in Marseille in September that the public transportation workers went on strike for 6 weeks. And then the high school and college students went on strike this winter. Not to mention the odd days here and there where the postal workers, trains, etc went on strike. I've gotten used to the strikes and the general inconvenience they cause. In general, we are given prior warning, like 3 days in advance, that a strike will take place. We grumble a bit and just go on with our day. C'est la vie, en France. But with a 35 hour work week, 5 weeks vacation per year, I don't know how they get any work done!

Who invented the trash can?
A) Mr Garbage--American
B) Mr Höchstetter--Swiss
C) Mr Poubelle-- French
D) Mr Falk--German


The answer to both above questions is C). The garbage men are on strike in Marseille. It's the 4th day now. I was downtown catching a bus, I can tell you I could SMELL the garbage. It's stacked in piles by the bins. I do hope they sort this out soon. It's starting to be tourist season, we don't want them having a bad impression of the city. Nor do I want to have to walk past the ever growing pile of smelly garbage in front of my own building. And it's hot here, folks. Over 30 C, so the stuff is rotting, fermenting and otherwise smelling up the city.
As for Mr Poubelle, he did indeed "invent" the garbage can, about 118 years ago, he decided the people of Paris needed some other way to dispose of their daily garbage ("ordures") other than the normal way of tossing it into the streets. Hence the start of garbage bins, garbage pickup and sanitary engineers, aka garbage men. I LOVE the word "la poubelle" or garbage can, named after the smart man, Mr Poubelle himself. That's poo-belle. Yep. Belle means beautiful in French. Yep. Enough said.

On the way to work, again

I pass this house on my way to work, it's constructed from stacked field stones. You'll have to click on the photo to see the detail up closer. Apparently in this area, there wasn't much good wood to build with. But there was plenty of stones, so the clever peasants and farmers built homes, barns, storage sheds, etc out of stone. Cool in the summer. Freezing cold in the winter. I think these are called Freesia. Not sure but they are blooming all over the city now. The seasons come and go for flowers... and now the lavender is blooming. I hope I can get out into the country to see the lavender fields before I leave! This is Mimosa, no longer in bloom here, but my favorite so far. It smells so sweet too!

L'Arc de Triomphe, Marseille

This is Marseille's version of L'Arc de Triomphe. There's a much larger version in Paris at the end of Champs-Elyées. I stole another photo, this time of an elderly man reading the paper in the shade of l'Arc.
L'arc reads "A la Republic Marseille Reconnaissante" meaning "Marseille is grateful to the Republic (of France)".

Palais de Longchamps

This is Palais de Longchamps, a park just "around the corner" from my nearest metro stop. I took an hour to walk around the park, enjoy the waterfall and snag some photos. It also has a great view of the city, too bad there are so many construction cranes in the way now. I stole this photo of a lady walking in the park. I liked the shot because of the frame of the archway and the blue sky and trees leading out.

There and back again

Walking to work has its benefits. And excitement. I passed an accident scene on my way to work this week. Complete with 2 “flics” (cops) taking witness accounts, 2 banged up vehicles and a “pompier” (fire truck, which actually works like an ambulance, it’s equipped with paramedics and emergency responders plus they fight fires too.)
I pass two construction sites on my way to work. They’re building a new metro stop along my walk. There are a few cranes, and lots of trucks and heavy equipment. Plus lots of grit and dust…cough, cough, sneeze. Great for my allergies, especially on a windy day when it all blows into my apartment.
I passed this motorcycle on my way to the office. Strange sign in itself since this is such a secular country. Religious declarations like this (of any religion) are generally frowned upon. But this is even more strange because it’s in English. "Jesus is Lord God and Savior". Well said, and true!
And I have another weird thing to add to the contest of weird and wonderful things I’ve seen on my way to work. Last week I saw a lady holding a plastic garbage bag, she reached her hand in, took out a couple handfuls of rice, and then proceeded to sprinkle the rice all around the base of a streetlight post. I was too far away to ask her what the heck she was doing. And days later, the rice is still there. Gross. People are strange.

Allez les Bleus!

Allez les Bleus!
World Cup fever has hit France. Everyone is cheering on the French team ("allez les Bleus"="go Blues", Team France’s name), hoping that France will claim the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy this year. The team captain is from Marseille,
Zinédine Zidane. But he is retiring from soccer this year. That was big news here about a month ago. Kinda like Gretzky retiring from hockey. Anywho, Zidane is a BIG sports star here, he’s raking in the dough making commercials, selling sports gear, and there’s even a movie about him.
I’m getting drawn into watching some of the soccer matches, but I don’t really understand all of the rules. Nor am I emotionally tied to who wins or who loses. Would be cool to be here if France wins. We’ll see how it goes! I have to fill my sports life with something, there isn’t any Hockey Night in Canada here! And I just can’t stand watching tennis, even if it is the French Open. Yawn.

Tuesday Market in Aix

My friend Gen and I took a day out in Aix for shopping at the market. Our feet were sore by the time we walked up and down the stalls, mostly looking but we did buy some lavender sachets, some Marseille soap, some jewelry for gifts, a t-shirt, a table cloth, etc. Then we had lunch, people watched for a while so we had time to rest our aching feet. After that we started exploring the side streets of Aix, taking pictures along the way of churches, fountains, etc. We talked ourselves out of paying 3 euro for icecream, knowing we had some waiting for us in the freezer at home. Unfortunately we had a bit of a late supper because we got caught in rush hour traffic on the way home. And we were indeed hungry by the time we got home! Shopping is hard work, you know!  

The Fountain of Aix-en-Provence

This is the main fountain of the city Aix-en-Provence (or Aix, pronounced "X"). There is this large one at the head of the main street of the old part of town, then down the street in a line are 3 others. You'll have to click on the pictures link on the right to see the rest!
Aix is known for its fountains. Each fountain has different history and a different purpose, including water temperature--one is cold, one warm. One was used to water cattle, one is just pretty to look at.
Here's some info I got from http://www.aixenprovencetourism.com/uk/aix-fontaines.htm
The fountains of the Cours Mirabeau Built in 1691 by Laurent Vallon, the Fountain of the Nine Cannons replaces a watering fountain, a place where herds would be brought to drink as they migrated, before the Cours was constructed. The vegetation, invading little by little, makes it difficult to recognise the sculptures. A little further on, the Fountain of Hot Water (the picture of the fountain with green moss) so called "Moussue" because of the moss that covers it, is the very fountain from which the hot waters of the Bagniers spring flow. At the top of the Cours Mirabeau is the Fountain of King Rene (the picture of the fountain with the statue of a man), designed in 1819 by Pierre-Henri Revoil. The statue which adorns it is a work by David D'Angers.
But the most imposing is without doubt the Rotunda fountain. Its construction in 1860 marks a turning point; not only are its dimensions exceptional for this city but it is also the first to have a fonted basin. Three statues: Justice, Agriculture and Fine Arts adorn the fountain and recall the main activities of this town. In effect the fountain was a symbolic mark of the entry to the modern town, without rampart nor gate, open to the world. Aix has grown now and today the "great Fountain" is at the centre of the town. (pictured below)

Candle Light

I took this picture in a Catholic church in Aix, L'Eglise de le Saint Esprit (The Church of the Holy Spirit). I edited using Picasa2, adding the black and white background with the glow of colour. Pretty isn't it!? 

To God Be The Glory

This is the inside of the French church in Aix where every Sunday evening, there is an English church service. I liked the stained glass and the "to God be the Glory" which sums up my desire for the end of my stay in France.

On the back wall of this church is an inscription about Calvin and how he wrote a letter to this same French church to encourage them during their time of persecution in 1561. The church was founded in 1557. To translate the quote from his letter, he writes to the church "We have confidence in God that His hand is upon you, to keep you safe and protect you." I can only imagine what comfort the persecuted church took in reading his letter, much like the early church took in reading Paul the Apostle's letters. 

Home grown

Home grown terrorists in Canada. As a Canadian living overseas the ripples of news in Canada trickles into France in a very limited amount. But to have 17 people arrested in southern Ontario (most of them Canadian citizens) on terrorist charges, planning to take over the Parliament and behead the PM…well, that makes news. Even over here. Even before World Cup soccer.
I first heard about this via CBC news website. I can’t say that I was shocked or surprised. In a way I feel very insulated from this nationwide shock of this news story. Perhaps its because I was in Europe during the London bombings last year, in London within a week of the second bombing attack. In time to see police in riot gear, with automatic weapons at the ready, calmly walking past major landmarks in London. Perhaps its because I’ve travelled in countries where people “disappear” or are silenced for their beliefs, their opinions, their actions. Places where the common people are instilled with such a sense of fear that even I as a foreigner could feel. Perhaps because I’ve read too many news briefs and emails about co-workers living in bombed out parts of cities, some escaping within a half city block of a major terrorist bomb attack.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m not surprised that this has happened in Canada. I’m actually more surprised that the police were able to catch them BEFORE they put their plans into action.
In my opinion, Canadians in general need to wake up and realize that just because you have Canadian citizenship; does not exclude you from the fact that terrorism is worldwide, that evil, fear and hatred can live and breed just as easily in Canada as in any other corner of the world. We are not exempt. But we need not live in fear. Nor should we spread evil, fear and hatred by acts of retaliation, racism and discrimination. When I return to Canada next month, I want to return to “the true North, strong and free”. And I truly pray “God keep our land strong and free.”

Unexpected Guests

I live alone, in a 4 bedroom apartment. Don't get me wrong, I like the quiet and solitude but somedays its just a bit TOO quiet and solitude-ish. So I always appreciate the chance to have guests fill up my space, to have someone to cook for (or someone to cook for me!) and some great conversation, instead of just eating in front of the T.V. Last week I had two American girls stay with me from Covenant Players. They needed a place to stay for a few days while they waited for their third team member to join them. It was fun to have new people around. We hung out, watched Wizard of Oz, ordered in Indian food, celebrated a birthday, and painted our toe nails. They left after 3 days, to continue on with their tour. It was a bit of a spur of the moment thing, in a matter of a few days they were here, and a few days later they were gone.

And this week I have a friend staying with me for a few days. She's from Singapore, we met in Albertville, France last year, she's been working in Niger for a year and is on a holiday in France and decided to come to see me! Yay! I picked her up at the metro station yesterday. I was so greatful to see her, not just because it's been a year since we saw each other last, but because I was being hit on by a very bold Algerian man. He was even trying to speak English with me. In French we call them "un drageur", the best translation I can come up with is a pickup artist, but that doesn't quite fit. Anyway, G. and I made a quick exit to the bus stop, he followed us, said he hoped to meet me again (gag), and then left. Then once we were on the bus, the bus driver (on his break) started chatting with us, curious why a very white Canadian girl was hanging out with an Asian girl, and why we could both speak French. He was very interested in visiting Canada sometime, and said he'd call me (joking) if he ever made the trip. And who said French people weren't friendly!? (By the way, my friend G. was being hit on by another man on her way to meet me. She even had to change metro lines to get rid of him! Sheesh!) It's not like this everyday folks...that's why I write about it. But it is "normal" here.