UTILITIES - The Electricity arrives

Finally, in early July, EDF arrived. As often happens they arrived at around 11.30 in the morning - just enough time for a quick survey and a cup of coffee then off for a two hour lunch. They duly returned at 2pm and started work. During the course of the afternoon they drank most of my beer - this was the plan!

To be fair, the guys were very friendly and jolly and work commenced pretty quickly. Our first few months in France had already taught me a few lessons - the most important being to be a bit more laid back even if you sometimes feel like resorting to violence.

During one of their breaks I brought up the question of the 6Kw supply I wanted, pointing out that the consumer unit and cabling had been installed, the answer was the same, the essential certificate from a French Electrician. I could only have a temporary supply. Not downhearted, during the next break I directed the conversation towards the differences between the English and French systems of domestic wiring. Another beer and we got into a discussion of what I did in England before moving to France - Electrical engineer (not far from the truth). "Another beer anyone?"

I was becoming very good at the "mine host" routine and my French was improving by the bottle. The rest of the day is a blur, but by 5pm they were ready to present me with two wires to connect to my consumer unit and show me how to use the computer system on the new 6Kw permanent supply! There was a wry smile but nothing was said.

It was my first experience of how things really work out here. Be personable and straight, with a touch of 'joie de vie' and you'll be surprised at how the rules can be bent in your favour. Be problematical, try to pull a fast one and the chances are you'll be wrapped up in red tape forever. Now that's a system I can live with.

Within the hour I had the consumer unit connected and the hi-fi installed in our temporary room upstairs. That night after dinner we listened to Rachmaninov's Violin Concerto - it was the first music we had heard in 3 months, and believe me it has never sounded so good, before or since!

One of the guys on the installation team now reads our meter. He always drops in for a drink to see how we are, and usually goes around shaking the hands of all the guests as well. He's become part of the family. That's how it is out here.