Sunday, March 20, 2011

Change of Plans

What was originally planned as a two-week vacation back home to California with a return ticket to France, has now turned into an indefinite stay. The reason: assorted. My feelings (along with the contents of my suitcase): various and scattered.

Here’s the thing: Being an Au Pair? Not so much the ideal job, but yes, being in France was pretty ideal. More so, with my third au pair experience, I ended up caring for some pretty incredible girls. There were still moments of doubt; still moments where I had to muster up some courage, remind myself to breath, because the bottom line is that living with someone else’s family is just plain hard. Seeing your boss at the breakfast table in his briefs is no delight, either. The unfamiliarity of another country, trying to navigate the things that we normally take for granted (ie: depositing a check!): also hard. Ditto homesickness, snow, and a somewhat pessimistic culture.

But that’s not why I left, and I know that a few bad days don’t make the whole story. I know that aside from all of the coulda-woulda,-shoulda moments, it truly was an incredible experience. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of laughing it off and practicing the art of adaptability. I’ve learned the payoffs of being a risk taker, a follower of adventure, a truster in the universe. It all works out.

When living in a country that considers Nutella a breakfast food—a place that’s six hours from Barcelona, three hours from Italy, and a train ride to the Mediterranean—that I probably am where the grass is greener. Or, I was. But now, it’s time to get my life back on track, organized and time for me to tie up the loose ends that I left before going to France. Then maybe, just maybe-absolutely-hopefully, one day, one day sooner rather than later, I can return to France…..sans Au Pair.

Because, France, tu me manques.

On the other hand, sunshine and short-sleeves in March is always nice.

16 comments:

  1. I hear you on homesickness/loving aplace but needing a shift to something easier. The good thing about it is that once you get back you have a bizarre appreciation for so many things you took for granted.

    Still envious of your experience in France though :)

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  2. Welcome Back! But where in California is it sunshine and short sleeves weather? This rain is depressing me so much. I should be wearing flip flops by now dang it!

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  3. It's only normal! France will always be here...

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  4. Welcome back! I loved reading about your experiences (but you already know that; I've dug way back into your archives on a bum day, hehe!). Your adventures in Paris are sure to come soon sans the Au Pair title! And it'll be even more amazing, no doubt - I'm still dreaming of the day I can go alone/with a good friend without the American tourist-y-ness!

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  5. Well then. Happy to have you back in the states lady! You better not stop blogging. You always know just how to keep us hooked ;)

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  6. Hey, you chose the wrong part of France, where it didn't snow all winter! Anyways, you can always visit! France is here for you...

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    ReplyDelete
  8. Ha, I understand completely... I'm getting ready myself to come back and visit home.. but I'll be returning to France to finish my masters.

    In regards to the sun- however- it's been in the upper 70s the whole week and I've even gotten a bit of a tan going! You just missed the sun!

    :)

    Bonne chance et j'éspère qu'une journée tu te retrouveras en France.

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  9. Awe does this mean no more blogging? I will miss living vicariously through you. All the best!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Are you looking for an extra hand to help our with your household and your children?

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    ReplyDelete
  11. Are you looking for an extra hand to help our with your household and your children?

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    Au Pair companions are international visitors who travel with a Working or Student Visa to acquire a better understanding and appreciation of tipical life while living with an tipical family and caring for their young children in your choose country. They become full-fledged family members, sharing a cultural exchange experience, which often leads to a lasting relationship with the host family.

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    ReplyDelete
  12. Are you looking for an extra hand to help our with your household and your children?

    We are offering Nanny and Au Pair services to parents.

    Au Pair companions are international visitors who travel with a Working or Student Visa to acquire a better understanding and appreciation of tipical life while living with an tipical family and caring for their young children in your choose country. They become full-fledged family members, sharing a cultural exchange experience, which often leads to a lasting relationship with the host family.

    Should you be interested in hosting an Au Pair, please email our friendly team and we will answer all your questions.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Are you looking for an extra hand to help our with your household and your children?

    We are offering Nanny and Au Pair services to parents.

    Au Pair companions are international visitors who travel with a Working or Student Visa to acquire a better understanding and appreciation of tipical life while living with an tipical family and caring for their young children in your choose country. They become full-fledged family members, sharing a cultural exchange experience, which often leads to a lasting relationship with the host family.

    Should you be interested in hosting an Au Pair, please email our friendly team and we will answer all your questions.

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