Tea-Total in Wine Country - Life In A French Office

I was recently very flattered to be asked to write a piece for the Travel section of the University of Bristol’s newspaper, Epigram. Two months into my time in Bordeaux, I decided the best theme for the article would be my attempts to integrate into a French working environment…

Image: Flickr: Aurdesco

One of the greatest benefits of having a year abroad is that, for one year, we briefly leave behind the 'Bristol bubble' and get to dip our toes into the paddling pool of real life. Of course, there are many that choose to study. However, the majority of British students who go to France opt for life at a desk with a cup of strong coffee in one hand and an AZERTY keyboard to tackle with the other.

Like most Bristol students, I had done various bits of work experience where I sat at a desk pretending not to be on Facebook, so I felt I had a fairly good grasp of the way things work in the corportate world. However, on my first day in my marketing office in Bordeaux, I learnt very quickly that things are somewhat different here. The first earth-shattering, fear-inducing panic attack came when I discovered that my office, shockingly, didn't have a kettle. Apparently on the odd occassion that they make tea, also sacrilegiously plumping for fruit tea over black tea, the microwave is their method of choice.

The tea debate was made even worse by that fact that the French word for kettle, brouilloire, is possibly the hardest word for an English person to pronounce. Therefore, as I resigned myself to the fact that the french prefer coffee to tea, I decided to embrace my surroundings, or as the cliché goes, 'broaden my horizons' and made the transition. You may think that I am over-dramatising a mere swap from tea to coffee, but my next shock came in a more physical manner; their coffee was strong enough to give me the shakes.

Leaving the ktichen behind, I was there to work rather than to drink hot drinks after all, I was soon showed to my desk and introduced to my colleagues. Cue awkward cheek kissing. The interesting thing about working in your second language is that the simplest task becomes a nightmare. Sending a quick email to your boss sends shivers down your spine: what if it is littered with mistakes? Using Microsoft Word leads you to believe that your computer is trying to trick you as 'ctrl + B' no longer turns your words bold. Why is it trying to search your document instead? However, all this pales into insignificance the first time you hear the dulcet tones of a ringing phone. You look around to discover that you are the only one in the room. You brace yourself as you pick up the phone: 'Bonjour ... pardon?' 

Despite the many difficulties I've faced during my first two months in a French office — being asked to translate 'Sidebar Widget' is fairly high on the list — I have also learnt a huge amount. My favourite aspect of the office has to be lunchtime where we sit down together to share bread and cheese in the middle of the table. Even though I may still occasionally hide my Facebook in the bottom corner of my screen, or pretend to work when I'm actually writing an article for Epigram, I have certainly gained a fresh outlook on office life. I'm looking forward to diving in permanently sometime in the future.

You can find the original article on Epigram's website here and the complete E2 Living Section on Issuu here.

Why I Am Scared To Write What I Think

The usual calm and informative atmosphere of the website I write for called Inter:Mission Bristol was recently unhinged by a controversial article that split opinion. My first reaction was that it was fantastic that people are putting these contentious opinions out there for the world to read and I was hoping that interesting comments would gradually materialise to further my knowledge on the topic. To be fair, concerned parties wrote their thoughts eloquently below to argue the other side of the coin, but I was taken aback by the other comments such as, ‘terrible article’ and ‘[Is Inter:Mission] just looking for page views’. 

This isn’t the first time that I’ve come across hostility where I believe hostility is undue. As the editor of the theatre section, I regularly find people who want to review shows but are simply too scared to review anything less than perfect in fear of the onslaught of criticism from readers, especially within the student circle. I therefore beg to ask the question, is the access to instant responses that the internet gives us making us think less and type quicker? 

I have always been one for formalities, but I believe that, ‘terrible article’ shows a lack of respect for the writer and doesn’t offer much information either. I can’t help but think that when people had to write letters to newspapers in order to comment on a controversial piece, the slower method of structuring the correspondence and physically putting something in the post may have allowed for a deeper thought process, and presumably less irrational half sentences of disapproval.

I have always had respect for writers who write what they think and I thoroughly enjoy reading an article when I totally disagree with it. The writer took their time, structured their points and hopefully did some research, shouldn’t the commenters do that too?

We shouldn't make writers feel like this

5 Great Bristol-Related Websites

What it says on the tin.

VisitBristol. Probably designed for tourists, but I can’t get enough of it. This is the best place to go if you have some free time and don’t know what to do with it. Whether you want to go to the theatre, find a National Trust stately home to wander round or find the perfect place for your parents to stay if they visit, this website is incredibly easy to navigate. They even have a section called, Rainy Days Out.  

BristolCulture. This little gem is written by one man who has his finger in every little Bristolian pie. From reviews of theatre offerings to news about opening cafes and restaurants, this is the site to head to if you fancy an eclectic mix of Bristol information. I found out recently from BristolCulture that Jason Donervan plans on visiting Jason Donervans… 

Inter:Mission. This one is more for the students, and I’m a little biased because I write for them. However, if you’re stuck for something to do then head over to the Inter:Mission calendar and the weekly planner which will let you know the best things happening that week. It’s also a great place for the more quirky student, a fan of the intimate-venue, up-and-coming band scene? Head to Inter:Mission Bristol. 

ThisIsBristol. I don’t always agree with their theatre reviews, but if you’re after local news then this is a great place to head to. The website is updated regularly and it’s a really good way to make yourself feel more connected to the Bristol community, if that’s what you fancy. 

Crack. For the more fashionable amongst you, Crack Magazine’s website is the place to go if you love music and art. They keep you updated on the anti-mainstream, you can even play tunes on the site. What’s more, they have a physical version of the magazine that is FREE and widely available.

Creative CVs

With the necessity of work experience, top grades and extra-curricular activities required in abundance on your CV, we are constantly being told what we need in order to stand out. However, what if we don’t have all those extra bits and bobs that the careers advisors go on about? I stumbled across Charlotte Olsen, from Norway, and her inspiring CV and I think she might have just struck gold. 

Image: Behance/Charlotte Olsen

Although only a self-promotion task at university, I don’t think many employers would throw this CV straight in the bin. If it’s a creative job you’re looking for, then why not offer something more original to employers? A hedge fund manager or a high court judge might not appreciate such a wacky idea, but in an ever-modernising world, showing your ability to think outside the box will definitely get you noticed.

Want to work in fashion? Maybe try this one...

Image: Bored Panda

A bit of a tech genius? Try this one... 

Although sending a chocolate bar, t shirt or QR code/video might be a little far-fetched in reality, the idea of spicing up your CV to make it more attractive does sound like a good idea, provided you are sure you have the right audience. 

The Places of Bristol: Vincenzo's

TripAdvisor

For those who like Italian food, not the Anglo-Italian of Pizza Express or ASK, but the authentic, messy, ‘no cutlery allowed’ style of real Italian pizza, then Vincenzo’s is for you. With 44 years’ worth of postcards covering the walls from across the globe and bottles hanging from the ceiling, it’s the kind of place you go when in want of something a bit heart-warming. 

I have to be honest, from outside the restaurant I was a little worried about what to expect. They have clearly turned their attention to the indoor décor and left a little to be desired outside. However, despite the unwelcoming front door (which on our visit was accompanied by a chef having a cheeky cigarette) the restaurant is adorably welcoming. The food is fairly cheap for large portions and incredibly tasty and the service is quick and friendly. Although it seems more a haunt for the regular customer, we were made to feel very at home as well. What’s more, if you’re so inclined, it even has a view over Park Street! 

Vincenzo’s manages to take you away from the Café Rouge/Jamie’s Italian repetitive nature of Park Street and welcomes you into a tiny bit of Italia only a few yards away. Don’t expect Michelin stars, but do expect a smiling waitress with an Italian accent and a lot of (2006) Italian footballers pinned on the walls.   

Image: VirtualTourist

How much? £7-£15

Where? 71a Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5PB

How Facebook Has Ruined the House Party

When parents think of 'house party' and Facebook in the same sentence, they automatically picture this: 

Or this:

and they remember those Daily Mail articles where Timmy advertised his party on Facebook and the next thing they knew, they had £300,000 of damage and an arrested son. Well, I want to argue that although the Daily Mail may think Facebook gets a party started, perhaps it’s causing a whole new level of apathy as well. 

With the invention of Facebook Events, it seems that the necessity for a reliable RSVP has diminished. We no longer require a calendar or even a memory; we just pop onto Facebook and see if we fancy the event happening that evening, causing us to plan our social lives far more spontaneously. Clicking ‘yes’ on an event has become more a recognition of it happening rather than an affirmation of attendance. Gone are the personalised text messages or even the more civilised phone call, in fact gone is any direct communication at all. Create event, invite friends, enter.   

Now this is all fine and dandy if you’re relaxed about the outcome of your party, but it seems to me that you have to invite four times as many people as you actually want to turn up. Now that sounds rather different to Timmy and his cheese and crackers evening. Whereas in the past you would invite 10 on Facebook and 100 would show up, arguably now it needs to be the other way around. Although that may be comforting for parents, I would argue that Facebook is ruining the student necessity that is the 'house party'.  

The Places of Bristol: Watershed

The Watershed is a hot spot for the creative types in Bristol. Located in a beautiful Grade II listed building in Harbourside, this cinema is an endearing place to visit on a rainy Bristolian evening. “But you’re not the arty type!” I hear you scream, well the Watershed is also the perfect place for a languages student. I had my first introduction to this inspired place while on a Hispanic Society trip to see the Chilean masterpiece, ‘No’. Although I enjoyed the film, I walked away thinking about the venue. 

The atmosphere couldn’t be more different to Cabot’s Cinema De Luxe with their overpriced popcorn and teenagers on dates. The Watershed radiates intelligence and creative thought as you come out of your film to hear people discussing the artistic camera angles rather than the attractiveness of the male lead. With 3 cinemas showing those quirky films you promised yourself that you would try, a charming café that promotes locally sourced food and an online catalogue of short films on almost any media-related topic, there’s nothing not to love. 

Where? Watershed, 1 Canon’s Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5TX 
How much? £6.50 for students

5 Ways to Avoid Procrastination

Image: A Writer's Journey

It is that time of year when university students have spent all their Christmas money, gained a few pounds having enjoyed home cooked food far too much and are starting to fear the looming January exams. Procrastination is at an all-time high, visibly demonstrated by the sheer numbers of people on Facebook chat and the abuse of the Facebook status. As a fellow sufferer, I have tried to discover a few simple steps in order to battle this terrible affliction. 

Tea Breaks. One of my most successful ways of avoiding the random need to get up and wander around is to decide when I am going to take my tea breaks (or booze breaks for those in desperate need) before I start working. Knowing that I have an end-point certainly helps me concentrate. 15 minutes to go…10 minutes to go… 5 minutes to go… break… 1 hour 30 to go… and so on. NB if you decide you need abnormally common tea breaks, you might need to factor in loo breaks as well…

Website Blockers. I have recently had my attention drawn to these God-given gifts that have the power to disarm you from Facebook/Twitter/YouTube for a certain period of time of your choice. LeechBlock for Firefox or WebsiteBlocker for Chrome are good examples of programmes that can block the websites that your procrastination habits abuse. If extra precautions are to be taken, ask a friend to set the password. NB unless you don’t mind a fairly severe frape, I suggest you carefully consider which friend to ask…

To Do Lists. This one may sound obvious, but rather than face a mountain of notes in one go, it may be easier to set yourself lots of little tasks. Particularly satisfying if you write a list of tasks at the beginning of the session and then get to tick them off as you go. Learn 2 equations: tick. Read 10 pages: tick. Repeat 2 equations: tick. NB abuse of this rule may lead to time wasting… 

Rewards. Working is hard, revising is really hard and exams are horrible. Encourage yourself to work harder by treating yourself if you are productive. Learnt 20 pages of notes? Watch a movie. Finished that essay? Have an ice cream. Didn’t go on Facebook for an entire day? Celebrate. NB Try to avoid rewards that involve alcohol, working is already hard enough.   

Do Not Start A Blog. But if your body needs its procrastination fix, I suppose you could read this one.