Learn the language!These three words have become my credo after being in Wroclaw for two days. In the office everyone and outside the office quite a few number of people still do speak English and - having been a German city for more than two hundred years until the end of WWII - some (still) even speak German. However, as I am still convinced that knowing the local language is the key in understanding a country, it's people and culture I have registered myself in a Polish language course at the office.
Ok, rewind ....
I arrived in Wroclaw on Monday evening and went straight to the office in order to pick up the keys for my temporary apartment. To my surprise the center was almost abandoned with the girl at the reception appearing to be the only person left working. When I inquired where everyone was, she told me that everyone leaves at around 5PM. "We start at 9 and leave at 5 - that's what we're getting paid for" was her simple explanation. So far - so good. Different from what I have been used to in the past, but sounds nice, doesn't it ? :-)
The apartment is just a few minutes walk from the office, directly at the market square, which is
the city center. Fully furnished and equipped with most of the kitchen gadgets one would need.
Tuesday was full of administrative stuff, HR forms to fill out, mandatory medical examination, opening bank accounts, etc. In the evening (yes, it actually did start at 5PM!!!), I got some groceries and started to cook my first meal after - what? - two and a half years? Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes, basil and garlic .. mmhhh ... yummmy ...
Today some more admin work - I still haven't gotten a Polish number, but hope to get this done by tomorrow or day after. Additionally, I have started my house hunt. A colleague, who's changing flats has showed me the one he's vacating, but I don't think it is really something I would be looking for. Too small and areawise not my type. Let's see, on the one hand it's just my second day, but you know about the early birds ...
I will contact some brokers tomorrow and hope to see more more places by this weekend. Can't wait to get myself a place ...
Currently I don't have internet access at the apartment I call home right now, so I am writing the posts at home in the evening, but publish them on the following day at the office.
I will circulate my new office and cell phone numbers shortly. Emails remain unchanged.
More soon... promises
Memonji
