Au Pairing at 30- Part 2- The First Days and Advice for First Timers

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Note: Don’t miss Part 1 of the series here. This second installment focuses on my first days on my au pair job and advice and tips I have for any aspiring au pairs.

The time had come to begin my first ever gig as an au pair in a foreign country. The time to not only work for people I had never met before but to live with them too. I sat in a small plane flying across the Tyrrhenian Sea towards Naples, Italy. Alone. Nervous. Eager. As soon as the plane hit the tarmac, I informed my “Italian mom” about my arrival. Enrica would be waiting to pick me up. The airport was smaller than I envisioned for the largest city in Southern Italy. But in my case, being a timid deer posing as an adult, this was a good thing.

Meeting the Family

Shortly, I found my new family. Enrica walked confidently and stylishly in a jean skirt and casual blouse as she led me to the family car. Our introductions were brief yet pleasant as we hurried out of the bustling airport. Then began the hour and a half car ride to Massa Lubrense, the small beachside village I would call my summer home. Between moments of silence and taking in the towering cliffs and turquoise waters of the Sorrento coast, we got to know each other. I met the patriarch, Luciano, as well as Marta, who at 7, would become my best friend and life saver.

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The 5 Best Food and Drink Happy Hours in Downtown Houston

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I love a good happy hour in my city Houston, especially among the bustle of downtown. But I love a happy hour even more when they have food AND drink specials. If I’m skipping my after work workout class, I am indulging in everything. The following is a list of my favorite Houston grown spots that have great deals on both of these must-haves.
Some are even walking distance from each other so you could do an adventurous happy hour hop!

*All happy hours are Monday-Friday unless otherwise noted.

Batanga

From Sangria to tapas to Spanish and Brazilian music, you’re delved in the lively Latin atmosphere. Pro-tip: The nachos are generous and they have *live* music Thursday to Sunday.

Batanga’s expansive patio

Specials

  • $3-5 Beers
  • $5 Sangria, Wine, and Mojitos
  • $2-6 Food including tacos, nachos, and flatbreads

When? 3-7pm
Where? 908 Congress St., Houston, TX 77002

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Au Pairing at 30- Part 1- Taking the Leap

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This series chronicles the first time I decided to au pair and I spend two months in a foreign country by myself. Should I do something out of my comfort zone and something meant for younger people?

Introverted Beginnings

When I tell people I used to be an introvert, it’s usually met with a lot of disbelief and eye rolls. But it’s true. Growing up I was timid. Anxiety coursed through my body as I talked to new people, and I never preferred group projects over individual ones. I didn’t think it was a bad quality. That’s just me, right? But there was a problem- it kept me from experiences. I missed social events and other activities. Come over and we ride together? Sure. Meet you there? By myself? Count me out. Parties are just parties. I could live with missing those. However, I also missed learning experiences. In my early 20s, I found a summer camp where I could be an English language counselor in Italy. For years I thought about it. There was always a weak excuse- I should work summer school for extra money instead. My boyfriend doesn’t like the idea. (Clearly, he was not the one). But let me be real. The true reason I never applied to the program was fear. Fear of doing something too bold I couldn’t handle. Fear that I would fail at being a counselor because of my apprehensive personality. Fear that if anything went wrong, I couldn’t just easily come back.

Years passed. I never did go to that summer camp. And then about a year ago, I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a post about au pairing. I had never thought of that before. Honestly, I didn’t know exactly what it was except for the fact that at 29 years old I was probably too old. Isn’t that a job for young college students on their summer breaks? Or for those who are taking a year off the “find themselves?” I have a real job now. I can’t do that anymore. Great. There I went with excuses again. So I made a motto for my year. This year I turn 30, and I’m going to just do it. Thank you, Nike, for the inspiration you have given people for years. I am finally following through. Just Do It. “It” referring to anything and everything I had always wanted to do but had let fear stand in the way.

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