That was the idea. First off – we go to the marie of the commune where Jonah was born, to get him a new birth certificate. Why – because the one we have is too old. They expire. They seem to only be good for 6 months or so for official stuff. (I’ve been told this is because in previous times people’s civil changes [marriages etc] were noted right on their birth certificate – so an old one could actually be out dated)
We got there – I knew where the office I needed – walked towards it. closed. They’re not open Monday mornings.
Fine.
Off to the Prefecture to get new plates/registration for our car. We drive downtown and park – walk over and read the sign on the door, which basically said: “due to the current significant 6 week delay in getting car registrations done, we will not be helping anyone here at the office, nor taking any phone calls. Submit your completed dossier with payment and a stamped envelope with all appropriate documents”
Fine.
We’ll go grocery shopping – in which we find probably 50% of what we need.
Fine.
“Hey look – a little battery store. We can replace the dead ones in the keys so the remote entry will work”
No problem. The lady even takes the thing apart – replaces it, presses the button – “look, the little red light goes on now” 5 Euro well spent.
Get out to the car — click. Nothing. Press press. Nothing. And now the light on the key doesn’t even go on.
Fine.
Oh well – “hey look my student loan has finally been approved”
Oh wait – it’s 1/4 of what they gave me when I did my masters here 10 years ago when we had no kids. Well that will cover about 3 months of expenses.
Mountains.
Cheese
I can open the door by hand
Bread.
We’ll just go back tomorrow.
Wine
Things take longer because the pace of life is slower.
Feel free to comment….