This is a post about frustration

[theatokos]

I was going to spell out the details, but I just don't have the energy for it. Basically, I'm tired of obstacles and buraucracy and working around the systems. I just want the internet set up and a freaking phone. But one piece is needed for the other which is needed for the next, which makes certain details a complicated circle. It's like a closed system and we can't quite seem to break in.

I'm super pleased that I cooked a dinner in my own home last night (sauteed potatos, mushrooms and onions, green salad with vinaigrette, and fried whiting - hee). But this morning, I'm tired of things being difficult, of running into unforeseen obstacles in trying to accomplish basic daily tasks.

Thank goodness we're not in a truly foreign land. I can't imagine how taxing that would be!

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

I know the feeling.
I can't register with any of the doctors surgeries without an official letter with my uni address on it. I don't have the usual phone bill, bank statement, etc. as all of that is either electronic or goes to my York address.
A copy of my contract won't work as it doesn't have my address on it, only that I've agreed to live in uni accommodation.

[chiv.livejournal.com]

I'm sure I was logged in.

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Gah. What is with the British! How can it be so hard for you? At least I understand why it's difficult for us. But I do have a phone now, and a bank and it's slowly getting sorted. I'll text you! Whee!

[pwilk.livejournal.com]

ah, the expat experience! try not to be in a rush ... maybe savor your last days of peace from the internet and the outside world. you will look back on these days with delight. its the stories ...

love you guys!

[snowcalla.livejournal.com]

That is what I remember about living in Spain. I really enjoyed it, but damn near everything was frustrating and time consuming. It took over 6 months to get telephone service and there was no one place you could go to to just get it done. It was multiple offices and many people and they all had some reason or process that slowed it all down.

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

I didn't know you'd lived in Spain! How cool! For how long? Why? When?

It's hard to actually start studying because of the time and manoevering it takes to get basics set up. My adviser wants me to get to work, but I only have about 2 hours a day to spare. I know this will pass, but it's hard not to feel rushed AND impotent.

[lopezuna.livejournal.com]

Sounds very frustrating about the internet/ phone. Good luck!

There's a hilarious book (Ciao, America!) where an Italian journalist describes his posting in Washington DC. One of the funniest things about it is when he sets out to get a phone line. He's all ready for a fight with the phone company bureaucracy and he feels quite smug, because he thinks that as an Italian, there's not much he doesn't know about fighting bureaucracy. And then he's so disappointed when it takes about 10 painless minutes...

Truly a foreign land

[hrafntinna.livejournal.com]

They say (I don't remember who, but they do) that the country with the highest failure rate for American expats (i.e., the one from which the most come home, contrary to plans) is England. Something to do with it being a whole lot more foreign than anyone expects.

Of course, you're in Wales.

But I recognize this too. I thought of it as resistance, like plowing through a medium heavier than air. It's more gratifying when it's a part of a larger project like language acquisition. Maybe you should try to do it all in Welsh.

Re: Truly a foreign land

[pwilk.livejournal.com]

like Jonah

he he he, heavens the pun never gets old. quick, show it to Adam.

Re: Truly a foreign land

[hrafntinna.livejournal.com]

Bizarrely, my tiny Welsh vocabulary includes the word for whale.

Re: Truly a foreign land

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

That you even have a tiny Welsh vocabularly blows the mind. Or just confirms your linguistic superiority.

I am slowly acquiring vocab. It's pronounciation that's really hindering me. Thankfully, the Welsh are amazingly nice and patient and willing to help when they can.

I am in love with this place!