Well, I can finally say that I have lost count of what week
it is, a sign that is both good and bad. I recognize that I am quickly
approaching the halfway mark of my time in France, and I am beginning to
reflect on whether or not I have used my time effectively. I will say that
overall, my time could be described as relaxed, with moments of punctuated
intensity. I am most definitely well integrated into my life here and feel an
ease and comfort in taking care of my needs, both quotidian and with novel ones,
which cause me great anxiety.
Case in point, on Tuesday of last
week, I had one of the most trying experiences of my time here in France (more
trying even than the time I was attacked on the metro). Having come home from
teaching, I dropped my things off quickly at my house and then left to purchase
a few groceries. Upon my return, I put
my key in the door and turned the lock as usually. However, this time instead
of the decrepit insides of my lock clumsily tumbling into my place my key abruptly
snapped in half, leaving half of itself behind.
My mind exploded…
First
thoughts: WHAT?!?!? C’est pas vrai? a key
can’t literally break in half… Granted it was a bit old, but surely this didn’t
just happen! Next thoughts: Shit. I
have no backup plan… Normally I could call the lady who has an extra-copy
of the key; however, currently that would serve no purpose as the keyhole was still
blocked by the remainder of the key. Final Thoughts: Crap! Both my natural Greek yogurt and an unusually fair-priced piece
of meat are going to spoil? (For those of you who are wondering, Yes, I was
more distraught about the yogurt as Greek yogurt + raspberry jam is the truth!)
After sending a number of desperate messages to all of my friends in France, I was advised to call a locksmith (Thanks, Miao). I must tell you that as someone who experiences a good deal of anxiety in social situations in which I may not be able to understand the language, speaking on the phone is my worst nightmare. When speaking on the phone in a foreign language many of the inferential cues fundamental to successful communication are stripped away. You cannot see body language or, more importantly for me, read lips. Accordingly, I was dreading the phone call and moreover, I had no idea of the vocabulary for a lock, locksmith, lock hole—really all things “lock” were beyond me. Anyways, necessity called, I summoned my courage and surprisingly found my conversation with the locksmith to be both easily accessible and pleasant. I passed the test! And my “Serrurier” aka Locksmith aka savior would arrive at chez moi in a short 30 minutes.
Upon his arrival, I was fretting about the 80 euros I would have to pay him to let me into the apartment. However, I was more concerned when he told me that if he had to replace the lock (a fact that was nearly unavoidable as the key was still irretrievably trapped in my door) it could cost up to 700 euros. Once he arrived, he soundly broke into my apartment in less than 7 minutes using only a sheet of plastic and a well-placed kick. (This is something that I now find to be a both disconcerting and impressive). Once inside, we began the grand discussion of how to salvage my key. Though my French was perfectly passable and I negotiated in all ways possible. At the end of the day, my key was not coming out of that lock hole, and I was going to have to purchase—on the spot—a new lock.
After looking at my system, the locksmith regretted to inform
me that the only lock that was compatible with the system installed on my door
was 920 euros (not including the VAT tax of 10%). I asked him about cheaper
options and did my best to verify his comments both online and in the reference
book he provided me. There was no way around it. With metaphorical tears
pooling in my eyes, I reluctantly handed over my bankcard and watched as with
one fell swoop half of my bank account was incinerated … because of a broken
key. But I had no choice. If I left the apartment, I would be forced to leave
my door open, hoping both that I wasn’t robbed and that some do-gooder neighbor
wouldn’t close the door, in an active of civic duty, and unintentionally
locking me out again. (at least at this point I would be able to call up my
good friend, Young Mr. Locksmith. We didn’t exchange names, except for when he
wrote mine on the bill.) Accordingly, I paid my new locksmith friend the grand
sum of 1,290.40 Euros, nearly $1500 dollars. I will say that I truly believe
that price to be correct to the best of the locksmith’s knowledge. I don’t believe that he in any way tried to
swindle me. However, at the end of the day 1300 euros is an enormous amount of
money for me as I am living off of a scholarship.
Following this interaction, one that as far as customer
service is concerned was very pleasant. I have to say that, though I am
disheartened about the money, I now feel more confident in my ability to
conduct myself in this city. I truly believe I didn’t have a choice in what happened
with the lock, and on the bright side, I was able to convey all of my needs, hopes,
and fears to the Mr. YML (Young Mr. Locksmith). He even told me that
unfortunately, in Paris, this situation happens every day, and there is nothing
that can be done. Regarding the money and potential reimbursement, things are
not resolved with my landlord. Though she is very understanding and going to
enormous lengths to help me recoup the money. She has in no way taken
responsibility for the episode. We are currently and actively pursuing two
lines of insurance to try and get my money back. However, I can’t help but be nervous
at the thought of losing nearly 1500 dollars.
Anyways, this is where I am at this week. I believe I have
learned how to handle myself with true autonomy in this country. However, money
poses its ever-constant problem. Keep your fingers crossed ladies and gentlemen
that assurance will indeed come through; two months rent hangs in the
balance. On another note, I truly love
France, and if I don’t get into one of the 5 Ph.D programs to which I have
applied, I will try and find a way to stay for the indefinite future. I find the style of life suits me here, and I
love my colleagues and school. I could most definitely see myself settling down
here. All my best, and if your reading, please come visit! You can have a key... I have 4 brand new ones :)