Translation
Services
I
had got a new job in a company specializing in translation services.
The firm focused on translating subtitles for movies and TV programs.
Together
with another newcomer, Inkeri, a woman in her forties, we had a meeting
with the manager. The man, who had a slight resemblance to Humphrey
Bogart, introduced us to the company. He showed us around and explained
the project procedures. As my first assignment, I would need to translate
subtitles for American cartoons and youth series. Inkeri's challenges
were on the same level. We were both happy with our projects.
Talking
about the company benefits the manager mentioned that we could see
the TV programs in advance. I, for instance, would have the chance
to watch Beverly Hills 90210 before other people saw the episodes.
The manager considered this a significant benefit, which would work
to my social advantage.
As
for another benefit the manager said there was an unlimited access
to the candy factory upstairs. Taking us there, he showed us large
amounts of sweets hanging in metallic shelves behind grey conveyer
belts: mainly fruit caramels and various mixtures of toffee.
Further,
there was a lemonade factory downstairs, which too was unrestricted
to us.
Towards
the end of the meeting the manager took us back to his office and
then wished us a nice day at work.
Remote
controls in our hands Inkeri and I sat on the floor eating candy and
sipping lemonade. We got acquainted with our work by watching TV and
surfing channels. The room flickered with the glare of cartoon characters,
TV personalities and commercials.
The
time passed by quickly. I yawned only when it was getting dark. The
weather outside was grey and rainy. The trees were barren without
leaves, dark and wet. The cars splashed water as they passed us by.
An umbrella in my hand, I walked along the street towards the bus
stop.
