I was so knackered at the end of the day that I ended up getting lost in an area I know well. Parked the car and walked as I knew where I was going geographically. The Parisians are tearing up their roads frantically ahead of the Olympics. They know that loads of people are about to descend on this town, and they know it isn’t ready. So they are ripping it apart now. “EVITER PARIS CENTRALE” say the signs above the peripherique. Avoid central Paris. Because much of it is shut and put aside for the games, but nobody french has caught on yet and nor has your favourite map app.
I asked Curtis if perhaps he could get the transit van an access all areas vehicle pass. This morning I was dropping off at the Olympic village. Couldn’t get past the dude and Curtis was on the metro coming in to work. “I’ll be there in half an hour.” I’ll be finished in half an hour.
He only works a bit each day, and mostly he can’t help, so I’ve tried to gather as much info as possible. But because I’m working when he isn’t and I don’t know where I’m going until I go, I am trying to persuade him to sort a response vehicle pass for the duration, just for the transit van as it can fit in all the places. I’m champing at the bit to go to GPL drama free. That’s where Roadkill and Bob incorrectly blamed me for a slow delivery. There are places I might well need short notice access to, and if the head of transport only works twelve minutes per day it needs to be sorted as things happen both early and late. I’ve never come across an event where it isn’t possible to clear a vehicle with the correct driver for the duration.
Also my accreditation is currently a thing I made with five minutes, a printer and a laminator. It is shonky and bears no scrutiny. The Paris security have been fine with it because the QR code works and they never have, but if I was working security I would question it. It’s a flimsy laminate where I’ve hole punched it to attach the lanyard, and cut it into shape. Ten days we’ve been here with no proper accred, but … Curtis has a lot to do and only six minutes per day to do it.
We have another team member, arrived today. I’m happy for it. He’s a good lad, and takes care of himself and those around him. Great addition to the team. Darren. I can tell he will find his expression easily in our little cadre of three. I’m excited to get to know him.
Much to do, and I’ll need to catch Curtis in his three minutes. He’s a good guy, just unionised and better at problems than solutions. I’m largely able to go where I need to with my improvised pass, but it makes for difficulty if I don’t have a plus one to deal with an unaccredited whip. Plus my pass is just a printout that I’ve laminated
I’m done. Got no words left. Before it all kicks off I’ll need at least one long lie in. We shall see.
Oh and yeah, mission forklift is going well. Electric pallet truck is stage 2.
AlBarclay 