Well, here you go! Here is a blow-by-blow take on how it is to be an Au Pair in the country of bread, wine, and most of all love- France.
Nelmerie is an Au Pair currently living in Olivet, France. It’s in the province of the Loire, which is a river. The province is called Val -de-Loire. France is very different from South Africa. Life may be a little more relaxed, but the people are not as friendly as back home. But further than that she is loving life love life. And guess what? Shopping is so much easier with automatic tellers.
Her favourite activities with the host child include; reading, singing, and playing with his cars.
Nelmerie already had the opportunity to go to Paris for a weekend! But Europe is at her feet and she is very excited to travel more. Her Visa allows her to travel the whole of Europe, can you imagine having pastel de nata in Portugal and then gelato in Italy? Living your best life abroad.
What would your best advice be for a prospective Au Pair? According to Nelmerie; take the leap, and enjoy. If you want to get to know yourself, it's the best possible thing to do.
Tips from Nelmerie for when you get homesick; talk to the people who understand the feeling like one of my best friends who has been living in the UK for over 2 years. Also, I've just been talking to family and listening to my favourite Afrikaans music and also my favourite South African artists like Majozi, Desmond and the tutus, and Jeremy Loops. A braai is not always possible so when the cravings come, she loves to eat a nice juicy steak.
What does Au Pair Nelmerie miss the most? The people! The South African locals, as they come over as friendly and outgoing whereas the French or even European people keep to themselves a lot. But there is a lot more she could mention like braaiing, potjie kos, OROS and NIK NAKS (She loves her Naks). But most of all she misses her dogs and her mom. Shhhh, don't tell the rest of my family.
How has this experience changed her life, well according to Nelmerie she has discovered something new about who she is and that is what makes her truly happy.
2022/11/09
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