Is It Lonely?

whatdoyoudowithaBAinEnglish
Monday 20 October 2008 00:00 GMT

This weekend, Boyf came to visit. It's the first time I've seen him in six weeks - I know, seems sadistic, doesn't it? He's back in the UK and I'm out here. So it was aces to see him. It's so cool to be able to just turn to the people you love and say what's going through your head without having to reach for your mobile! Showing him round Paris he remarked that I seemed happy to be here. It was good to have someone tell you that.

So, is it lonely? Upping sticks for something abroad? At times, it is. As well as language and cultural barriers, you have to start your social scene from scratch. If you live alone, that leaves a lot of hours to fill. And you might hate the place you've moved to. (To be honest, much as I love Paris, there's only so much art you can stomach in one afternoon).

Having said all that, I wouldn't give this up for the world. I've got the hang of banishing self-pitying thoughts - not something you can rave about on your CV, but very valuable! Plus, almost everyone I have met in Paris has been really friendly. I miss the people at home. But they'll be there when I come back. If not, they'll come out for a weekend of pauses gourmandes!

So if the question is: how lonely is it?
Then the answer is: only as lonely as you feel.

Comments

Will
08 Mar 09, 11:58pm

Hiya, you alright? Sorry I didn't realise there was another blogger. Hows it going anyway? Erm I hope you dont think this is cheeky seen as though Im just some text on the internet but I also did a BA in english and am interested in how you got that job. I dont suppose I could ask you how you did it can I? I guess I just did.

Thanks, Will

English girl
08 Mar 09, 11:59pm

Hey Will, it is indeed a good question, think it maybe deserves a blog post but I'll get back to you quickly now first. I got the job after a friend of a friend (read: best friend's ex) had the job on a year abroad - he knew if would be good for someone who's got great copy, e.g. an Arts student, so offered it to her/her friends. She passed on it, and passed it on. So I came out here, lived with him for a bit while he finished his contract and he started mine. Simps. I'm on a 3-month contract but you could stay 6 - maybe 9? - months. And if you think it would interest you, I can give you someone's email address. There's a film and a TV section so you've got a bit of choice.

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