my first contact with the other side

10.45pm Tuesday night, calling the International Housing Office at Lund University, Lund, Sweden to confirm they've received my bond:

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* ring ring * ring ring *

IHO reception: Hello, how can I help you?

Eliza: uh...oh...um, mitt namm är Eliza, hur må du?

IHO reception: I beg your pardon?

Eliza : um, talar du engelska? uh, jag talar lite-

IHO reception: I'm sorry, I'm having a bit of trouble understanding you. Would it be possible if you-..

Eliza: (pause) Oh! Oh, i'm so sorry, can you hear me now? I must be calling on a bad line.

****

thank goodness i'm a strict, practicing agnostic, otherwise i would have taken this as a VERY SUGGESTIVE OMEN.