Where Has Normality Gone?
What seems like an ordinary day actually brings unexpected challenges in my job as an assistant to the maintenance worker. Meanwhile, I wonder what really counts as normal these days, when even the small things come with surprises.
After the morning routine (sweeping, raking), the maintenance worker remarks that he’s twice as fast as I am. How does he do it? His trash can is always empty, while mine fills up once a day. In the afternoon, I clean the rainwater drainage channels, then start re-grouting the paving stones. There aren’t many guests, as we’ve switched to autumn operations: the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and we don’t see many visitors either.
Finally, the maintenance worker showed me which sewage pit is connected to my room. Grass had grown in the pit, and its roots caused the blockage. I showed him the dryer, and he said it wasn’t broken, just dirty. But come on, I cleaned it last week!
After work, I finally enjoyed a refreshing, long shower and then sleep. In the evening, we had pizza baked by the pastry chef. I’m updating my resume and looking for another job – we’ll see what happens.
Les Baux, September 17-18, 2024, the Wednesday after Tuesday
