January is often a somewhat monotonous month. Christmas has come and gone, and people go back to work or university. However, for me, this January has been incredibly different to what I have become accustomed to. For the last 6 years, January has meant exams, but this year was the first time in many that I didn’t have to revise over the Christmas holidays nor panic myself during this period. So now, I have a very different view-point of this time of year.  As previously mentioned, nothing exciting normally happens around this time, but here in Paris, January has definitely been an eventful one.

One only needs to think back to the three days of terror that took the city by surprise, with the attack on the satirical paper Charlie Hebdo, and the hostage scenes taking place both outside Paris and in the very heart of the city. Everyone was shaken by these events, which ultimately led to the most attended march in French History. Within the following weeks, the hysteria subdued, and people carried on with their January. Personally, this month has been incredibly interesting, not only living within the city that endured the scrutiny of the world for three days, but being able to be a part of the historical march that took place the following Sunday.

Anyway, as we wave goodbye to January and welcome February, I cannot help but burst with excitement for this upcoming month. For me, February is all about travelling! By the beginning of March I would have travelled to three cities, in two different countries.

The beautiful village of Barcelonnette (Photo from skiinfo.fr)

My first adventure takes place in the French Apls, in Barcelonnette to be precise. I am going skiing with my Au Pair family for a week, and I cannot wait! I haven’t been skiing since I was about 13 years old, and I can only hope I remember how to do it. I remember how to snowplough, or at least I think I do, so fingers crossed. My French family own their own chalet up in the Alps, and it will be a wonderful occasion to send more time with them and to see them skiing (and letting them watch and laugh whilst I attempt to do so too!).

Straight after my week skiing, the very next day I go over the border to Switzerland for a quick two-day visit to Geneva. My friend Kate (check out her blog here, it’s awesome!), mentioned about some cheap flights to Geneva and wanted to see if I was interested in going – and of course I was! Whilst living in Paris and being on my gap year, I am desperate to make the most of being able to travel, and I jumped at the chance to be able to go to this enchanting city. Even though we’re only staying one night, I’m sure that we’ll be able to see and do plenty. I hate to admit this as well, but I actually don’t know that much about Geneva. So if anyone has any tips or knows of particular sites or places to go, please do let me know. I’ve always wanted to go to Switzerland, and I am really excited.

After Geneva, literally the day after, I get on a plane and head over to the west – to Madrid! I will be going to Madrid for 5 days to visit my boyfriend Malek (who’s blog is incredible, check it out if you haven’t already). When I last went over in November, we had two days of sight-seeing, so I’m particularly eager to see even more of this amazing city and perhaps take a day trip or two to places outside of Madrid. So if you’re reading this Malek, getting planning on the various things we can see and do in the city!

As you can see, this is going to be a busy month for me, and keep checking out my blog as I write about all these mini adventures 🙂 I’d love to hear your thoughts and insights about anywhere I am travelling to, or just in general.