Living in Macon was many things, but exhilarating wasn’t one of them! With its population of around 30,000 people (including the surrounding villages), Macon was just too small for me. This caused a few problems, such as finding accommodation and things to do in the hours when I wasn’t working. However, my French improved dramatically as it was harder to find someone who spoke English. But the best part? Living in the wine country meant I got a new appreciation for a drink I used to despise. I can now snobbishly tell people what they should and shouldn’t drink.
The entire experience was immensely informative of how different walks of life tread the Earth...
I felt that working as a teacher in Macon meant that I was working more than anyone else in the entire town, despite myself and everybody else having Wednesday's off from working. Wednesdays, Fridays, Mondays, strikes. I don’t think I would’ve minded such a leisurely town if I was doing a job I enjoyed, but, truthfully, I wasn’t. I didn’t find teaching the rewarding mission people often say it is; it made me realise that if I’m going work a job 5 days a week until I’m 65, then I have to love what I’m doing. Which brings me to my next point...
Moving to Paris was just what I needed. A big dose of life that filled my gasping lungs. Going out somewhere different every night became a ritual and Paris delivered on every front; museums, gigs, night clubs, restaurants, wine by the seine, picnics in the park. Everything I could do, I did. I gained a new appreciation for life. It taught me that if I wanted to come back to Newcastle and feel like I never left Paris, I had to start taking advantage of what was on offer in the city- and I have. Trying new things and exploring the culture in Paris brought me just as much joy as being in Paris in general did.
So, my new life hack for returning to Newcastle: if I just live like I am in a different country for a short amount of time and try everything I can, then I will live a much happier life.
