So I start properly teaching next week, ahh! I can't believe it's so close, keep your fingers crossed for me. But as it is a Saturday night, and I'm half a bottle of Rose down..
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| How is this a derelict building? |
1. You have forgotten something important.
When I finished packing my suitcase I was pretty chuffed. Not only because I managed to fit in a years worth of clothing, shoes, home stuff and unmentionables in one suitcase and a carry-on, but because I legitimately thought, that was it.
Oh how wrong I was. I wish someone had told me that, " Yes Mhairi, you will need that thing that you barely ever use so didn't pack ( a lint roller )" and " Of course you will need more than one pair of socks..." Note to self; always bring at least five pairs of socks. But, alas, this is why I've invited my parents over next weekend....to bring my forgotten stuff. ( Sorry Mum )
2. Your French will suck.
I'm not being defeatist. My French is pretty horrible. Don't kid yourself that after 4 months of not speaking any French that it will flow naturally back to you. FOOL. This is not true. However, do realise that it is somewhere inside your brain, and just needs a few runs of Amelie to be awoken. Also listening to French music helps, I've recently been jamming out to French rap in my flat, much to the dismay of my neighbours. ( This is payback to my Katy Perry loving neighbour who insists on playing her every Sunday morning at 8am )
3. Bureaucracy is the devil
Never in my life have I had to fill out more paperwork, been bewildered by long and complicated words I wouldn't evenn understand in English, and signed my life away more than this month. However, once you get your shit together, its actually a piece of cake. ( Just remember all your forms to avoid stress eating on 4 packets of BN's a day ( oops ) )
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| So yeah...this is where I live |
4. The Nord is actually nice.
I went on a walk today, and everyone I walked past said "hello" to me. What is this sorcery? Now; I come from a dodgy town, where even the slightest look into someones eyes could get you a good stabbing. But here? Everyone is truly interested and happy to see you. which actually, warms my heart. Gotta love you Nord.
5. Because your on your YA, you will YOLO it more than is technically required or necessary.
Last week I went to Berlin, got a tattoo and decided that a bottle of wine was my dinner. But who cares? Your only on your YA once....(#noregrets)
6. Making friends is hard.
Finding new friends anywhere is hard and takes work. And it is hard. But don't worry, you will find them, and they will like you. As I am now a seasoned Pro at living abroad, ( third time's a charm ) I know that the friends worth having, take a while longer to come around. << Brown Owl's wise words.
7. Life is just AWKWARD
Right now, my life is an awkward mess. From using the wrong word and TOTALLY screwing up a sentence, to getting lost in the small town you live in, to the ultimate awkwardness of the staff room. Now I have read many MANY blogs on YAs, but nobody mentions the sheer awkwardness that is the staff room at work. WHY?? And how can we all overcome it? Truth is...I don't know. ( If you want a visual, think....Cady going into Lunch at the start of Mean Girls, then x10000 ) But when I find a solution, expect a whole blog post dedicated to it. Its that much of an issue.
8. Homesickness
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| This is the main street....make of that what you will |
Before coming on my YA I was adamant that I would feel homesick. But surprisngly its not the case. I'm not sure if it is the constant messaging with friends and Skyping ( amen ) or if I'm just older and wiser..... watch this space.
Until next time,
xo
( Vive la France )
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