Translators’ time-warp
I work from Glasgow, mainly for Italian clients. My computer’s set to Italian time, because that’s where the deadlines are. My watch is set 5 minutes fast, for punctuality’s sake (doesn’t always work…). I have a radio alarm set 15 minutes fast. It comes on at 6.45am. My alarm clock (again set 5 mins fast) goes off half-an-hour later as back-up (and I still go back to sleep). But I always know what time it is. More or less.
Public holidays are another matter. Take May Day. It was celebrated in Italy last Friday, 1 May, as Labour Day. In the UK it’s today, 4 May –the nearest Monday to 1 May? If I take the Italian public holiday, I’m out of kilter here. And today I’m in UK holiday mode but am on duty. To top it all, I spent the holiday weekend (for both countries) on translation stand-by for an urgent speech revision.
Confused? Yes.
By Marian Dougan
Hi Marian,
your blog is fantastic! I’m so jealous!
Anyway, thanks for hosting my blog on your page.
I’m so sorry for your week-end. Italy is always causing troubles! 🙂
Thanks Claudia. It’s a pleasure to list your blog – I think it’s beautiful.