As a trained estheticienne, I was fortunate
to secure a job at the chic Day Spa of the Hotel Costes, where I performed
beauty treatments on many models and movie stars. I loved my job, because I got to speak both English and
French with my clients. I also got
a very interesting mix of international clients from all over the world, so it
was never boring.
I found working with the French enjoyable,
mainly because they don’t get overly stressed or flustered about life. Due to the 35 hour work week
regulation, most people have a good work/life balance. Also, stopping for meals is always a
priority, so there was always someone to eat lunch with, because the French
don’t like to eat alone.
One of my favourite pastimes in Paris
(apart from shopping) was sitting at café terraces and watching the passing
parade. The Parisians spend hours
doing this, simply contemplating life, and I learned to love it too. My favourite haunt is Café Flore on
Boulevard St.Germain in the 6th arrondissement. It’s a world famous spot and you’re
guaranteed to witness and interesting parade of people while sipping coffee
there.
Living in Paris taught me many things. I learned to cook, dress better, eat
better and generally feel more comfortable in my own skin. Even though I live back in Australia
now, I continue to live the French lifestyle back home – shopping at the
market, eating by the seasons, walking everywhere and taking time out for daily
pleasures. Probably the thing I
miss most is the amazing fresh out of the oven baguettes I used to eat daily
from the “boulangerie”, but when I close my eyes, I can dream of eating them again
someday soon.
Thank you to Sally for sharing her experiences with us!
0 comments:
Post a Comment