3 years ago (and a day but I was super sleepy yesterday) I was left standing in Tref A, flat 67, room C9 by my Pops. I was terrified, I sniffed whilst unpacking my room wondering if moving 265miles away was a good idea. Turns out it was the greatest decision of Kate's life so far. It was a long road to get me to uni, I didn't want to go at first, had my heart set on starting a career but after a year out I decided it was probably worth a shot. Funnily enough I thought about au pairing in that gap year but didn't feel like I was experienced enough to live in another country by myself yet; there is a big difference between 18, fresh from school and 22, gone through uni or at least lived a little, this was evident at university and it's evident now meeting new au pairs. HOWEVER I'm not saying 18 year-olds can't do it, I just think they are looking for a different experience to us older girls. Anyway yeah I was pretty nervous starting university, would I make friends, would I like my course, would I survive?? Turns out yes, for the most part, to all of them.
2 1/2 years into university I made a huge decisions, to bugger off to Paris and get my French on. Well actually at first it was Europe, then Germany, then France generally and after finding my family it became Paris. When I wrote my profile on au pair world I didn't believe I had the guts to go through with it. Even after I got the job I still couldn't get to grips with actually moving here. A couple of people almost made me give up and stay, a couple of what ifs; I'll never tell them that though; I just had to keep telling myself that if these people are meant to be in your life now, they'll still be there in a year. And by a couple I probably mean one.
First day in Paris was extremely similar to first day in Aberystwyth, I sniffeled through unpacking but now, now I could tell myself that you made it through Aberystwyth, you can make it through Paris. One month in and I guess I could say I'm settled, Paris is becoming home 3. I haven't started my French lessons yet and I really want to just get on with it, I want to be able to reply to the friendly French man in Monoprix.
I guess what I am trying to say is new things are terrifying, unless you're really lucky and super brave. New things are also exciting, they can lead you anywhere. Don't let that sick feeling of dread stop you from doing something, you just have to go for it. It's like Dr Suess said,
'You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that life's
a great balancing act.
Just never forget to be dexterous
and deft.
And never mix up your right foot
with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed.
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
(Yeah if you've never read 'Oh, the places you'll go!' DO IT)
Apart from thinking about this since my last blog I have, eaten cheese and partied to hard accidentally. Walked around le marais again. Eaten pizza, had cocktails and actually managed to get the last metro home. Had another walking tour from D (so much fun). And had coffee with many different people. I have lost my sightseeing game and this is not cool, although tonight I went to a free concert at Radio France, the band were so cool. They are called 'The Do' and y'all should for sure check them out.
2 1/2 years into university I made a huge decisions, to bugger off to Paris and get my French on. Well actually at first it was Europe, then Germany, then France generally and after finding my family it became Paris. When I wrote my profile on au pair world I didn't believe I had the guts to go through with it. Even after I got the job I still couldn't get to grips with actually moving here. A couple of people almost made me give up and stay, a couple of what ifs; I'll never tell them that though; I just had to keep telling myself that if these people are meant to be in your life now, they'll still be there in a year. And by a couple I probably mean one.
First day in Paris was extremely similar to first day in Aberystwyth, I sniffeled through unpacking but now, now I could tell myself that you made it through Aberystwyth, you can make it through Paris. One month in and I guess I could say I'm settled, Paris is becoming home 3. I haven't started my French lessons yet and I really want to just get on with it, I want to be able to reply to the friendly French man in Monoprix.
I guess what I am trying to say is new things are terrifying, unless you're really lucky and super brave. New things are also exciting, they can lead you anywhere. Don't let that sick feeling of dread stop you from doing something, you just have to go for it. It's like Dr Suess said,
'You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that life's
a great balancing act.
Just never forget to be dexterous
and deft.
And never mix up your right foot
with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed.
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
(Yeah if you've never read 'Oh, the places you'll go!' DO IT)
Apart from thinking about this since my last blog I have, eaten cheese and partied to hard accidentally. Walked around le marais again. Eaten pizza, had cocktails and actually managed to get the last metro home. Had another walking tour from D (so much fun). And had coffee with many different people. I have lost my sightseeing game and this is not cool, although tonight I went to a free concert at Radio France, the band were so cool. They are called 'The Do' and y'all should for sure check them out.
Here's to me trying to have more exciting things to talk about next time.
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