Short Circuit - lundi, 14.05.07

Lundi 14.05.07 Short Circuit

I get japed on the boat this morning. Fort-de-France is a haze in the distance. We’re approaching the cyclonic season and things, including our trip across the bay, will gradually get more turbulent.

Things are easy-going at school. I have to assess the CM2 classes so I get them up at the board in pairs to present themselves. As well as the usual greetings there are six points they have to include: name, age, country/nationality, phone number, well-being, introduce someone else. It mightn’t seem like much of an oral but they have to ask each other the corresponding questions as well as answering those posed to them while putting up with prompts and exasperated tones from their classmates. Everyone passes. I already know each pupil’s particular points so this evaluation is sort of a waste of time, but it has to be done – or rather I have to be seen to be doing it.

The CE2 classes get away with making masks for La Semaine des Langues. I’ve misplaced the only CD of songs but we rehearse what we know before we get out the cardboard and crayons.

Dorian is bringing Nic and I shopping after he’s done at work. I stay around school a while longer to check my email (I heard on the grape-vine that the internet is working today) and sort out some activities for La Semaine des Langues. The internet works momentarily. Perhaps it’s the amount of unchecked mail I’ve gotten or the weightiness of some of the emails but about ten minutes after I’ve managed to log-on the electricity cuts out. It turns out to be another EDF power cut. I head into town as I can find tranquillity, and new sandals, in the coolness and vastness of Rond Point shopping centre. We’ve only another hour or so until Dorian knocks off so it won’t be the worst way to kill time. Nic, however, texts to say that Dorian won’t be done till late. I don’t feel like hanging about so I change course and join her on the search for a cocktail dress.

Mr. Ben is outside the Terminal. He’s on the phone but we embrace and mouth our farewells. Nic has class this evening and will stay around for Dorian so they can do the shopping. I hop on the next navette home.

It’s almost 21,00 and I’m getting a bit concerned that Nic and Dorian aren’t back. Nic doesn’t respond to my calls or text so I contact Fix to get Dorian’s details. Of course no sooner have I do so than €144’s worth of Hyper U goodies fall through the door. A cup of tea is rewarded to the supermarket sweep crew and it’s not long until we’re put away like the shopping.