I don't often write much about the nature of my work other than the fact I still teach and coach students to help them with their academic writing. What I haven't mentioned so much is that I do all my work online these days, so it doesn't matter where I am as long as I have a decent internet connection. This month is for some reason, the busiest work month I've had since the spring. Mostly, that would keep me at home, but since we now have internet at the CC Mk2, I have now been able to spend this last week in France and continue with my teaching. I must say it's quite odd talking to students in Rotterdam as if I were just down the road, but since it makes no difference to them, I don't even mention that I'm 600 km away.
Anyway, what it also means is I haven't had time to do anything much else, which is a shame. It's been lovely down here, but apart from taking Zoe for walks, I've had to keep my head down. What has been a great pleasure and surprise, though, is that our canal is back in operation again, so since I have nothing else to report or show, I'm keeping this blog short and will simply show some photos of the boats I've seen when walking along the towpath. Of course I had to watch them going through the locks too, time-consuming though it is to stand and stare, but it's definitely good for the soul
These first three were of a boat I saw on our first morning here when it was very foggy. I didn't have my camera or phone with me so when I got home, Koos rushed off to catch them. We were so excited to see a boat after so many months of an empty canal, and this one was rather special. According to my source of all village news, Collette, they are on their way to Turkey (yes, she knew all about them!). Apparently, it is a Chaland de Loire. There's an article about them here, which Google will translate for you if you ask it nicely.
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| Isn't it fascinating? The boat is totally wooden and is of the type built for the Loire |
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| And all is peaceful again. |
Have a good weekend allemaal. My next post will be about some studying I've been doing that has also kept me busy. Intrigued? Don’t forget to watch this space.😄
If you gotta work, Val, I think it's wonderful that you can do so remotely from CC Mk2! Thanks, as always, for such an interesting update. Now, of course, I'm intrigued about the wooden barge's specific build for the Loire River waters! xxx (Beth)
ReplyDeleteThank you, so much for reading my blog, Beth. Yes, that Loire boat is quite special, isn't it? I've never seen one before. As for working remotely, it really makes all the difference. Fortunately, internet in France seems to be reasonably priced. It makes having it here worth it even if we're not here all the time.
DeleteWhat is CC Mk2? I looked it up and got this, which makes no sense to me at all! "CC Mk2" most commonly refers to the Controcarro 1 Mk. 2, a tier 9 Italian tank destroyer in the video game World of Tanks. It is known for its strong armor, excellent gun depression, and a unique autoloader system. While the term could also potentially refer to the MKII R-series wheels from Australian company partington.cc, the tank is the far more prevalent meaning in online discussions. " Lovely photos, anyhow, Val!
DeleteLovely, fascinating photos - as always. How blessed we are to be able to work on computers miles away from "base." Your teaching - like everything else you do - sounds fantastic. God bless. (Steph)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Steph. We're lucky that internet is available here and not very expensive. I'm blessed to be able to work remotely! xxx
DeleteWhat a wonderful work from home environment Val... and fabulous photos... thanks for sharing... Sally Cronin
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sally. It is a beautiful area and I am blessed to be able to work here remotely.
DeleteGood morning Val and thank you for another interesting blog and lovely photos. I was thinking living on a barge does seem to involve a huge amount of hard maintenance work but to me, one of the chief advantages would be that when you get bored with one view from your home, it's not too much of a problem to move to a fresh one. 😁 also, would a wooden boat require more or less maintenance work than a metal one? Computers and the internet have made it so much easier for people to work from home, especially those who have mobility problems. 💕
ReplyDeleteVery good points, Lorraine! Thank you! I don't know if wooden boats take more maintenance, but I can believe it's still as much as a steel barge. Computers are both a blessing and a curse, but the reasons you've given truly make it a blessing in many ways! xxx
DeleteBeing able to work remotely is wonderful, Val. Lovely pictures of boats too. 😁
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Aidan. I do sometimes miss the personal contact, but not the travelling to and from Rotterdam and Amsterdam! And the fact I can be anywhere is a real boon!
DeleteYou have been busy as usual but I'm pleased you found time to take a few photo's. I enjoyed seeing the boats on the water. Take care Val, David & Popcorn.
ReplyDeleteThank you, David. We were thrilled to see boats on the canal again. The season is over, so it was extra special to catch them passing by.
DeleteWhat a great blog as always Val. We are so very fortunate to have the internet. It must be a real bonus for you to be able to work from home, particularly when home is in such beautiful area Perfect for walking with Zoe ( give her a hug from me) It's good to hear the canal is open again and being used by all these different barges. I would be outside with a picnic watching them go by!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I wish I could be, Rebecca, but even though it wasn't so cold, it was too fresh for picnics. :))
DeleteHi Val. It's great to be able to teach from afar and still be engaged with your students. Also, I am happy to see that your local waterways are back in use. Wonderful pictures!
ReplyDeleteAnother great blog Val, and your pics are stunning! Luv Lally x
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