Precisely one year ago, I decided to start a blog. I was annoyed after I was late to work after a particularly long bus commute and wanted to vent. I never thought I would keep writing, that I would take pleasure in writing (and researching) and certainly never imagined I’d have readers. Over the last year, I’ve let you in on my experiences, my feelings, my feelings of inadequacy, my existential crises, my successes and my travels. Though Mr. Cheeseland would prefer me to spend less time on the computer, he’s happy I’ve found something that motivates me to get out in the city and explore – a hobby I can be passionate about.
I have really enjoyed everyone’s comments and willingness to dialogue with me and I encourage it to continue. I try to reply to each and every comment, as I read each and every one! For those that have refrained from leaving comments, please know that you can do so anonymously if you would prefer. Regardless, I appreciate that you all keep stopping by to see what I’m up to, what I’ve eaten, or where I’ve gone. I try to show you a different perspective of Paris/living in Europe because so many blogs about life in Paris already exist. My goal has been to share new things or relatively untapped topics directly or indirectly pertaining to life abroad. I will continue to strive to post about new, strange, original, innovative, and fun places/things/happenings in the city that really feels like home to me.
Recently, I was contacted by the French radio station RTL who were about to begin a summer series called “Déstination Ailleurs” (Destination Elsewhere). In essence, they interview French people expatriated abroad about their experience, the cultural differences, what they miss about France, etc. Once a week, however, they interview a foreigner who has settled in France and that’s where I was to step in. They wanted to interview me and I was more than willing. I was simultaneously flattered, nervous, embarrassed and excited by the idea of speaking in French on one of France’s most listened to stations.
This past Thursday, I called in to the station from home for the interview which went very well. Fortunately, my interviewers couldn’t see me trembling, sweating and searching for my words. It was a wonderful experience and it was a fabulous way to ring in my first blogging anniversary!
If you’d like to hear the interview, you can head HERE, and advance the podcast to the 30 minute mark. They cut to listeners who call in to participate in their contest, so you will have to advance every so often to hear the full interview. If you don’t understand French but still want to hear what I sound like speaking, here’s your chance =)
Really, thank you for reading. This has been a year full of changes, mostly positive, and I hope I’ll more to share with you throughout year 2!
Is there anything you’d like to see more of on the blog? Feel free to take this short poll so I can get an idea! Or, if there’s something not proposed in the poll you’d like to see, let me know in the comment section! I will try to accommodate.
