Problems Sorted

I admit that I have meandered through life since I arrived in Menton, been very lazy really.  There have been a few niggles but nothing that bothered me while I was on my own. 

The hot water in the apartment was merely a trickle  but when there's a heat wave, who needs hot water? 

There isn't a TV, but I have books and there's always Netflix on my laptop.  

I had meant to make an appointment to register with a doctor... 

And then, there was an annoying rattle on the Jag (as if I had a playing card in the spokes). It didnt bother me, I couldn't hear it if I turned the radio up.

However since Stuart has arrived, the car has been through the car wash, filled up with fuel and is booked in for new bearings on a wheel.  I have braved the phone and made an appointment with the GP whose details a friend had given me, weeks ago.  There have been visits to various shops, televisions have been studied and comparisons made. But most importantly, now the weather is cooler and cold water showers less appealing, we obtained the details of a plumber.  

Texts were sent and received, translated between English and Italian, including a video of the dribble of water coming from the hot taps and a picture of the water heater. Antonio agreed to come the following day. He had trouble finding the apartment (Google maps sent him to the wrong end of the road, accessible only by a steep flight of steps). Texts flew backwards and forwards, we wondered whether he would come at all but he arrived, cheerful and smiling, just a few minutes after Stuart had driven off in an effort to find him. 

In order to examine the water heater, Antonio had to borrow a stepladder—a difficult thing to carry on a scooter—but he soon discovered the problem, took a screwdriver from his carrier bag of tools and fixed it. Now, hot water gushes out of the taps and shower on demand. I paid him the 30€ he requested and he sped off back to San Remo to carry on with his day.

All that in a couple of days.  There was even talk of buying a dining table to replace green plastic table and chairs that have been commandeered from the garden—that was deemed to be step too far.

Since then we have taken a trip to IKEA, just outside Nice, which was reassuringly familiar and yielded a towel rail (soon assembled).  I surprised myself by coming home without scatter cushions, throws and a variety of kitchen implements that I will never use.

Although I perhaps havent looked after the car as I should, I haven't ignored it.  A few weeks ago I applied for a Crit'Air sticker for it. I haven't yet found out the exact restrictions that apply to emissions but I thought if I knew which category the car came into, it would be easier to plan trips. It only cost 3.72€

https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr

At the same time I splashed out 4.90 € on a gizmo to stick to the windscreen. It beeps as it allows the car through the peage (some without stopping at all). Prior to this important purchase, if I was the only person in the car, I would have to get out, run round the front of the car,  put in money or flash a card, then squeeze myself back into the driver's seat all the while smiling at, but trying to ignore, the impatient and amused drivers behind me. 

https://ulys.vinci-autoroutes.com 

I have no idea how much it cost to travel across the bottom of France from Menton to Toulon (my next bank statement will reveal all) but the telepeage certainly made the journey a lot easier. 

 

In Howdens (our reason for visiting Toulon), we met with Manon, a very helpful kitchen designer. In a mixture of English, French and gestures—and lots of laughter—a final plan for the kitchen was drawn up.  All that remains is to receive (and maybe accept) the quote, so that the tiny kitchen can be brought to somewhere near the 21st century.  

A brief wander and very pleasant lunch in the centre of Toulon  rounded off the visit.

Buoyed up by the purchase of two new chairs for the beach and cushions for the outside chairs, we finally reachred a decision about a television and a purchase has been made.  

My efforts on the phone to the doctor were obviously successful.  When we turned up at the appointed time, we were expected. The surgery was on the fourth floor of an apartment block, which felt slightly odd but once inside the apartment it all felt very professional and efficient. Our doctor doesn't have much English but contact was made and we left clutching forms for blood tests—prevention is paramount. A rapport has been achieved, let's hope that we don't need to see him again too soon.

Of course it hasn't all been appointments and spending money; a trip old Ventimiglia provided a welcome diversion 

We also visited  Valbonne, another town I love, but this time we made the mistake of visiting on a Friday (market day). It was only by lucky chance that we got a parking space and that was after driving around the town and its carparks about 900 times.  However once parked, we had lunch as the market packed up, and then I was able to visit Niche Books and drop off a supply of the Barwell Trilogy.  It's a great shop in a very beutiful place, visit if you can but of course you don't have to visit Valbonne to purchase my books, a trip to Amazon or your own favourite bookshop will suffice.

If you have enjoyed reading this and would like to be sent a link when the next episode is published, please contact me on info@jacquelinejames.co.uk and I will add you to the list.

https://jacquelinejames.co.uk