All posts tagged: Life

The end of an old chapter, the start of a new one

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I often start the beginning of a blog post saying something on the lines of ‘wow, I can’t believe I’m writing this’ etc. But when writing this blog post, I have to repeat myself. I cannot believe that the time has come for me to pack and move to Paris. It seems so long ago that I had found the family and skyped them for an interview. Yet here I am. It’s finally hit me. I’m moving to Paris for a year. Although the road has been smooth sailing so far, one thing that has had a slight effect on me is packing. Many people enjoy packing, and don’t get me wrong, I also do on the odd occasion. But when you’re trying to cram everything that you think you’ll need for the year in one luggage case it can get quite tough! But woe is me. How bad does that last sentence sound?! It feels a bit like getting ready for my first year at University again. Except for all the Supermarket value alcohol. That …

Parisian Bon Voyage Soiree

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Last weekend I had my closest and bestest friends up to celebrate (or weep perhaps!) my departure to Paris. Obviously, the theme I decided to go with was Parisian Chic, but I blended it with the right amount of British patriotism. Afternoon tea was served with a variety of sweet and savoury treats, including my homemade macaroons! The batches for the party came out pretty well, and I experimented with pinks and blues. Do I dare attempt to make them in Paris for my French family? That would be like someone making a British person a cup of tea – high expectations of them! After a day of catching up and walking down memory lane we headed into Liverpool to dance (or at least attempt on my part) the night away. I had ana amazing time, and it was wonderful to catch up with all my friends from home. Having moved away from where I grew up three years ago, I really do miss my friends. This year has had its ups and downs for me, …

Two weeks today

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So it’s two weeks today that I leave England and venture off on my gap year adventure in Paris. Even though it is so soon, for some reason my head still hasn’t got around to the reality of it all. It almost feels as if I am in a dream. I guess it will be once I am physically leaving and on a plane when the reality of it will hit me. Over the last year I have become quite well acquainted with Paris, having been there on my first holiday to Paris with my family to two different Art History trips with the University. Each time was different and unique, offering new views and experiences of the city. However, this time I won’t be going as a guest, but as a resident. As an Au Pair for the year, I will be fully submerged in the French/Parisian culture. Not only will I become a member of my host family for the year, but I will be attending a language school every week to improve …

Oxford Post-Graduate Trip

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After what feels like a decade away from academia, my mother and I ventured to the quaint city that is Oxford to have a noisy around the University and Colleges. As many may have read throughout my blogging, I am hoping to continue further study after my year in Paris and want to complete a Masters focusing on Medieval History of Art. As I will be away for the next year, I thought it was probably wise to get started in looking at potential universities so that I get a ‘proper’ feel for the place before applying. I have only been to Oxford once, and that was when I was only a small child so my memories of the city are quite limited! The city is beautiful. It shares many similarities with York, which I love. One of the main advantages of the university is that it is spread out throughout the entire city. Oxford truly is the University’s city. I am not saying at all that I did not enjoy the centralised nature of …

The dreaded word for many students: Results day

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I just wanted to write a quick blog post wishing every one out there that is receiving A-Level results to tomorrow a big good luck, although, you won’t need it as I am sure many (if not everyone (!)) have worked so hard. I know it’s easy saying this, but, if you don’t get the results that you desired it’s not the end of the world. Results day for me was probably the worst days of my life. The night before I would be physically sick, not eat anything, get very little sleep and cry …a lot. One tactic that I did find helpful is something called Mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of just situating yourself in the present – focus on your breathing, all of your senses – for example, thinking about what does your fingers feel like? Weird I know, but if you attempt to focus your mind on your body, position and surroundings, this may help take your thoughts away from the stresses of what is to come and make you realise that you …