Settling in

I’ve been in France for just over a week now and am beginning to settle in.

I will be here for a year  working as an English language assistant at the University of Versailles. The job itself, though a full-time contract, is only 12 hours per week, so I’ve decided to look for a second job to  keep myself busy and to earn some extra money.

The things I thought would be complicated, such as finding a place to live, opening a bank account and sorting out my work timetable have been fairly straightforward. What I have found difficult is re-installing myself in a country where I know only a handful of people. Although I have spent four years away from home at university, starting over in a new place and leaving family and friends is always so very hard. I realise how lucky I am to be here, and how much France, and Paris in particular, has so much to offer, yet seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkling on a September evening seems unbearably empty if there’s no one to appreciate it with.

Aside from dealing with homesickness, I’ve had cultural differences to contend with. Negotiating my way round a French hypermarket was stressful, filling in a form at the HSBC to confirm I’m not American bizarre, and locking myself in a toilet downright embarrassing. I’ve also managed to order raw beef for dinner and break the automated stamp machine at the local post office. So much for a effortless transition into French society!

There have been times this week when I wondered why I ever decided to leave the comfort and security of home.

However, spending a Saturday evening strolling through the Jewish quarter of Paris eating falafal with new friends reminded me why I’m here- to experience new, odd, random and unpredictable things. This year will be a challenge, but also an amazing opportunity. And what better backdrop to have than the most beautiful city in the world.