Things that happen when you live between two countries

Splitting your life between two countries can be really, really disorientating. Of course, it makes you feel really cultured and international (you can also sweep past all the confused people trying to find Eurostar check-in thinking 'Make way, make way, experienced traveller coming through!'). But whenever I travel from one of my 'homes' to the other, I always need a few days to adjust. Kindly see below the list of things that I have done since getting back to the UK a few days ago....

• Had to suppress a cheery 'Bonjour!' to the cashier in Morrisons
• Also had to suppress a cheery 'Au Revoir!' to said cashier
• The same goes for kissing acquaintances on each cheek- I'm now faced with a choice between hug and handshake and I've forgotten how to judge
• Left every appliance in the house on because in France there are no switches on the sockets
• Looked the wrong way when crossing the road, became confused and ended up looking in all the directions at once (honestly, it's a miracle I haven't died yet)  
• Bemoaned the lack of public transport. Why oh why does my hometown not have the metro?!
• Constantly done double takes when signs and billboards are in English
• Been puzzled at the lack of Longchamp bags, trench coats and Chelsea boots. And then re-realised that I'm not in Paris any more and people are a lot more chilled when they go grocery shopping
• Had to remember not to subtract a percentage of the price in shops, because things are in pounds now! 

Imagine this whole list the other way round, and that's the adjustment I have to make when going back to Paris! You wouldn't think that a country so close to the UK would have so many differences. 

Let me know if you can relate/have things to add! 

K x 

Onwards and upwards: the end of BA1

A couple of weeks ago,  I had my very last exam, marking the end of the first year of my degree! Tomorrow, I'll be packing my bags for the last time this academic year. Wish me luck; I definitely have more stuff than I started with! I may have to enlist the help of one of my flatmates to sit on my suitcase as I zip it shut.


If I said that I wasn't sad about leaving for a few months, I'd be lying. I'm going to miss Paris a lot. But since exams ended I've had such an amazing time just being a tourist, going to exhibitions, concerts, and day trips (Giverny is amazing). I even went to a reception at the ambassador's residence, which was an incredible experience. I've spent so much time with my favourite people, some of whom won't be here next year. It's been bittersweet.


Everything's fixed for my return in September- I've finally got a room with a balcony, shared with the lovely Clara (cheeky shoutout). I can't wait to get back and decorate it with my postcard collection (yes, I'm ridiculous), fairy lights, and who knows, I might even go the whole way and get a houseplant. Yolo.

I see Paris as my home now. I can't quite explain this. I know that I've only been here a year, and there's a lot of people that I love back in the UK. I'll always feel at home with my family, but (and I mean this in the most sensitive way possible) my life is here now. I'm where I'm supposed to be. I feel centred, balanced, here.


I don't want to be over-emotional but I just need to say this: this year has been the happiest of my life so far. It hasn't been without its challenges, but I've had the confidence and the right people around me to help me through. When I look back at my life this time last year, I'm reminded of how much more positive I've become and the self-belief that I've gained. I'm going to do my utmost to ensure that next year is even better. Onwards and upwards!

This summer is going to be a good one. It won't be long before I'm packing my bags again, and I'm so excited. As always, I'll be posting snippets of my adventures, and all the experiences and funny disasters along the way!



Until September, Paris. You've been everything I hoped for and more.

K x