Overdue update

I’m in Strasbourg—in France—it’s truly lovely. I’ve been here since last Tuesday after obtaining my French visa in London (which was, strangely, a lot less trouble to get despite the French reputation for bureaucracy). Our office here is right off Place Kléber, the main square of the city. Most “nice” cities have a concentrated area of “niceness” where they show off; Strasbourg seems to have spread the “niceness” all around a wide swath of the city. It’s not a stereotypically touristy European city either (they haven’t dressed it up just to attract foreigners); it’s just a beautiful city because—that’s what it is. I’m greatly looking forward to roaming the streets and exploring further (must get a new digital camera to capture some scenes).
I still have not found a place to stay (it’s been hotels and hospitable colleagues so far). On one hand, I would like to be with French folk to work on language and cultural knowledge; however, on the other, I’m thirty-three, like quiet, go to bed at nine and wake at six, and am very orderly. So, maybe I should take care looking for shared space (for my own and my flatmate’s sanity). Hoping to check on some places very soon, but might be a challenge to find the right situation.

It’s great that the office is within walking or easy public transportation distance from anywhere in the city (no more 50 minute ride to work). One of the things that’s given me pause about working in rural Scotland was the fact that my work is rather out in the middle of nowhere. Plus, I’m very keen on good food selections and everything else in a seriously “nice” city (not that I can really afford much in the posh shops at the moment). I’m already afraid I’m really going to like it here and not want to go back (better start working on my French right away).

Work is enjoyable and challenging at the moment; we are preparing for the European Wind Energy Conference in Marseille next week. I’m making a video presentation that will be presented across three big plasma screens at our display booth there. The most challenging part of that is determining all the technical bits required to patch it all together sensibly. I won’t be able to actually test it out on the display till we set up the day before the conference; so—just a little pressure there.

Furnishing the landfill

My office is next to the main square in Strasbourg. There is a posh shop across the street that is either closing down or about to be renovated. All day I’ve watched workmen rip out the very nice cabinetry and displays and fill a large skip. This is stuff that most people would be glad to have as living room furniture—off to the dump (or, at least I’m assuming; they are breaking stuff up into pieces).
(Oh, by the way; I’m in France! Update coming shortly.)

Still existing

Sorry I’ve disappeared from here for a while. I’ve been in the Czech Republic waiting for my French visa to come through (which it has). I’ll be headed back up to England to pick it up shortly and on to France afterward.

Rhythms

Here are a selection of videos that have lodged themselves in my head over the past few days (for some unknown reason):
Alela Diane is an artist I’ve not heard of…but will certainly seek her out more:

This Kelly Osbourne video tries a little too hard to be serious, but I love the style of the era invoked:

And this Röyksopp video is one of my favourites (spooky, but one of my favourites):

What Else Is There? from Röyksopp on Vimeo.

Oh Bother

Because of a bureaucratic glitch, I’m going to have to leave the UK at the end of this month. One is required to have £800 in the bank at all times for the three months prior to making an application for a visa. That first month of working, when I was transitioning from “student” to “full-time worker, taxpayer, and general contributor to society”, I dipped slightly below that. I realised this three months ago (after if was already too late) and called the Home Office; they said the rule was absolute but, of course, someone sits down and reviews my specific situation (e.g. that I have a full-time permanent job and a regular income). However, I called the international student advisor at my school earlier this week to get the necessary documentation from him for my application—and he said not to even bother. Apparently the government is finding any excuse to deny visas (he just had 120 denied because there was a date presented incorrectly on the graduation letter from Strathclyde). He said that, a year ago, in my situation, they would not have even blinked. “Oh, this fellow already has a job…here is the visa”. Now they are absolutely hard-line, black and white.

We are looking into what my options are; my (terrifically supportive) company is keen on keeping me. The most sensible thing is going to be to end my contract here and send me to another one of the offices abroad (France seems the likely contender at the moment, we are checking on the procedure for a French visa [which, though the French have their own reputation for red tape, seems much more at ease than the British system. The Home Office has all these guidelines and forms regarding visas; the French Consulate General website basically says, “call us up for an appointment and we’ll talk about your needs”—perhaps with a glass of wine and some cheese]). The bizarre thing is that the government is shooting itself in the foot with stuff like this; my company is not going to hire someone else in my place, they will just send me to another country…and my tax and social revenue will go there with me. I want to be here! I have a good job, plus I do NGO work on the side and want to bring in folk from the organisations I work with do training and programs here. I’m not leaching off the government or just floundering about. Grrrrrr (to use an exact expression).

It’s a sudden upheaval; just as I am getting settled in, I must leave because of a relatively minor technicality. I will try to come back (as I have till next September to apply for a post-graduate study visa). However, once the visa I have expires (this month), I will have to apply from abroad; applicants from a third country must have £2800 in the bank at all times for the three months prior to application. So wherever I go, it will be for at least three months plus the processing time.

This is all a huge bother and I feel like I’m not dealing with people; just up before a big machine. It is an education though; as an American, it’s easy to fall into an slightly rosy understanding of what one’s rights are to travel and live abroad since my passport opens so many doors. However, my country is famous (now at least) for not reciprocating that openness (e.g. the citizens of many of the places I have been can not travel to the US as readily as I can to their countries). I understand the reasons for all these things on paper; but, when one is dealing with a system that defines people’s lives by an unwavering observation of a set of rules, it’s difficult to maintain an un-biased view.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to you all; wherever my far-flung friends are and however you may celebrate (or not) the season. Though it seems that every comment on the word right now is dire, may the coming year be filled with peace and contentment for you all. No matter the turmoil, we have the un-perturbable nature of human hope in reserve; that is an economy we can draw on regardless.

Too powerful tools

I went to film school in the early 90’s and was probably one of the last generation who learned to edit on a flatbed editor (actually handling and cutting the film, marking dissolves with a grease pencil and etc.). Since then, the tools available have evolved exponentially and allow all manner of independent productions on limited budgets. These advances give tremendous creative freedom; however, they can, in the wrong hands, unravel the thread of sensibility to a previously unimaginable—I can’t even think of a word to put here.
I came across these two videos this morning; they are apparently in contention for the “Best Unintentionally Funny Videos Ever”. The first one stirs my the depts of my American heart.

The second one is the most over the top beyond all get out embarrassing use of media I think I’ve ever seen (it makes me want to hide under my desk). I don’t think this is actually from a film; it’s just a song glued to a series of fantasy film elements made up expressly to show off this fellow’s hair.

Click here to experience the extravaganza