As an amazing and life changing year is coming to an end, I had an epiphany. The friends I made this year are started to close their Paris chapter and preparing for the next chapter in their lives. That's the unfortunately part about moving to a new place and making connections with people who are also trying to figure out who they are.
As an au pair I go to school with other au pairs, I have regular meet ups with other au pairs, I see other au pairs at the kids' school. From my first year as an au pair, most of the girls I met are very young. They are fresh out of high school, or taking a gap year from college. This is their adventure to find themselves, a chance to be away from home and claim independence. There was only a few like myself that are a bit older and trying to figure what is the next step post college. Us girls got to stick together. We are all struggling together in a country that is horrible with paper work.
My friend Damaris, who took these wonderful photos, is one of the girls who is an au pair as well, figuring out her next step. Unfortunately her next step is back to Switzerland, her home country. Our friendship got stronger overnight talks at the most beautiful Starbucks by Opera, and late night walks by the Louvre that is light up by the glass pyramid. Our au pairing experiences are completely different. I'm lucky enough to have a great experience, unfortunately for her, her wasn't so hot. During our talks, everything came out, and everything was on the table. We talked from her job problems, to our ridiculous boy shit, to our future plans.
I will miss her tons when she leaves. Hopefully we will keep in contact since we are in the same continent. But she is one of many examples where she help shape my year here and like many off to their next adventure. I look forward to meeting more people next year, and will definitely be more prepared for their departure.
Light Blue Dress: Shein Calico Print Surplice Neckline Dress
Black Booties: Primadonna Collection