Finally back to work! And I think it's time to mention the lake!

After having 4 weeks off after my 2 week debut with the company, I was ever so glad to head back to work this week! 4 weeks is the longest holiday I've had in over a year, so by the end I didn't know what to do with myself. But a nice easy first week back, thanks to a bank holiday today and a jour de pont tomorrow, meaning 5 day weekend! Woohoo!

But work was strange this week. On any given day, there was, at most, 7 of us in the office rather than the normal 30-40 people. It's funny how they all take their holidays at the same time. I don't think the UK could ever just shut down like that. I'm sure it would cause chaos. But despite it being really quiet possibly being a negative thing, it fortunately gave me time to get everything sorted such as my account on the computer network and moving everything into the new office.

I'm sure you don't really want to hear about work though, so instead I'll give you a round-up of everything else I've done so far...

When I first arrived, I gave myself a bit of time before I started work to get things sorted, such as a bank account, insurance for my room and a phone. I found all this easier than I thought I would and it didn't take very long either. However, they do like their paperwork so be ready to sign your life away if you're heading out here!

Within the first few weeks, I spent a lot of time getting used to the city, especially the centre where there are little streets going off in every direction. At first, I often found myself going in circles, but surprisingly it didn't take that long to get used to it in the end. Although admittedly I do sometimes still find that I've gone the wrong way to get to something/somewhere.

Every weekend so far has consisted of getting out of Grenoble and seeing a friend (and colleague) and going to a lake. I've never really been one for swimming, but the lake is possibly my favourite place here. With the gorgeous weather, it's so nice to go to the lake and go for a swim or relax on an inflatable on the water for an hour or two. And with the back drop of the mountains (see picture above), it's so beautiful and peaceful. We've also had a bbq a few times before spending the afternoon at the lake, which makes it feel like a proper summer's day.

Bbq chez Fabien before the first ever visit to the lake

But whether it's a group of us or just the two of us, it's always a good way to spend the day. Even if it's just for an hour in the evening, the whole afternoon, or the first thing to do after getting up in the morning, I will always jump at the chance to go. The only thing I could ask for is that I lived a bit closer!

I also spent a day in Annecy with Fabien, his sister and some others for the Fête du lac which was pretty cool. Spent the afternoon by/in the lake at Annecy, had a little apéro (since Fabien can't seem to go a weekend without one) and something to eat, before heading out to see the fireworks. And these fireworks were awesome! Definitely the best display I've ever seen! They went on for about an hour & 15 minutes, and rather than just setting off as many big fireworks in the time as possible, it was all planned so well and was so good to watch. The theme was l'arc du ciel (rainbow) and it was just awesome. Afterwards we stayed and had a few drinks in the town since there were so many people there for the event that getting out would have been impossible straight after the fireworks. Then I had to drive Fabien and his car back to his at like 1am, as he had had a few too many - which is not the first time this has happened (I thought I was quite a lightweight, but apparently not haha) - while he slept in the passenger's seat and I didn't really know where I was going! Fortunately I managed to take the right exit from the motorway and we got there successfully. Then the next morning, we got up and went straight to the lake! What a great way to start the day!

Within the weekdays of my holidays I did a mix of things:

• I obviously went to the lake a few times in the late afternoons/evenings as I just can't stay away
• I went up into the mountains a few times with another friend to see the beautiful views and also once for a picnic
• I explored Grenoble some more and of course did some shopping 
• Spent a lot of time in the park relaxing/sunbathing/reading magazines
• Helped another colleague move apartment 
• Went out to see one of the summer spectacles in town which turned into a spontaneous evening of drinking, going to The London Pub and then lying on the grass in the park at like 2am 
• Did a bit of ice skating to cool off a bit from the heat
• Baked lemon meringue pies, cheesecakes and more (YUM!)
• Went out for drinks and a meal, as well as had people over for drinks as a leaving do for Nick
• And also went out to a club called Nox, which wasn't all that great but it was a pretty funny evening. Also if someone could explain to me why there's a need for a shower in the middle of a club, I'd be very grateful haha!

Well done if you've made it to this point! I definitely need to work on making short and snappy posts!
I'm sure I've forgotten to mention other things that have happened in my first month here but I've definitely mentioned the most important. Now to see what this long weekend has in store for me... no doubt I'll end up by the lake at some point.

Bisous,
Robyn