Tag: europe

That Time I Told Fear to Shove It and Traveled Solo to Barcelona

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While it’s tempting to play it safe, the more we’re willing to risk, the more alive we are. In the end, what we regret most are the chances we never took. And I hope that explains a little this journey on which I’m about to embark.

Fraiser, series finale

There’s Something About Turning 30

A month shy of my 30th birthday, I bought a one-way ticket to Barcelona with no idea of when I was coming back. I booked the flight in January to leave in June. I had accepted an au pair position with a family in Italy, so I figured this would be a perfect time to visit Barcelona, a city I had always wanted to explore. I had never traveled alone before, but I told myself this was the year I stopped letting fear prevent me from doing things I wanted to do. And this wasn’t scary because it wasn’t real yet. It was too far away.

But on that day in June, it got real. Real fast.

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What To Pack for 2 Months in Europe- Summer

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When I finally (or really, suddenly) decided to go to Italy for the summer to be an au pair for the first time, it was January. I bought a one-way ticket and said that I would figure out the rest later. I couldn’t think past the current day. I still hadn’t processed that I had committed to a solo journey to work with a family I hadn’t met in person in a country whose language I didn’t know. And I still had two classes to teach which meant 46 ten-year-olds who needed all of my attention. My mind could only handle so much. Besides, I still had plenty of time before June came, right?

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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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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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