To really feel the whole emotion of this post, I invite you to play this playlist crafted by my superboss Clotilde as you read (I listened to it on repeat as I wrote and as it was being made).
Three years ago today, I got my acceptance letter for TAPIF. I ran into my co-worker’s office, sob-whispering that I got in, unable to stop myself from beaming. I spent the day giddily ready to give up my salary and move to a small city in France that I had never even visited before. I didn’t have a long-term plan for my life in France at the time, but knew that I was ready for an adventure.
And what an adventure it’s been.
The picture I sent to all my friends to announce my move, taken nearly instantly after I found out.
Place des Cardeurs, the first place I stumbled upon when moving to Aix.
One of my most inspiring spots, the market in Aix centre ville.
Cassis
At Château le Vaux-Vicomte
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- The time I could conduct a wine tasting in French but got the math of the cost of the bottles wrong…
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- with Alain Passard!
In the past three years, I’ve spent more time with middle schoolers than I ever imagined, have seen cheese being made from start to finish, have worked on an organic vineyard, and have visited more than five new countries with countless cities in-between. I’ve eaten Julia Child’s first meal in France, dined at two Michelin-starred restaurants, and have survived two French Christmas meals. I’ve climbed—I think—everything there is to climb in Paris. I, at last, found a job that was perfect for me, which allowed me to experience Paris through interviews with butchers and cheese mongers, and going behind the scenes at a chocolate factory (video soon, I promise!).
Photo: My Little Paris
Yesterday, I defended my thesis, the final step to procuring my masters in global communications. That’s it! I am officially a master. It’s what allowed me to stay in France, but moreover, it gave me the time to be changed by France—a change that I was seeking three years ago when I made my moving announcement.
France made me resilient, resourceful, and gave me a confidence that I was lacking, whether linguistically or professionally. France made me an expert, something I was searching for but for the life of me couldn’t understand how to find a field of expertise. France inspired me to write and create and paint. It taught me how to eat and how to cook, how to live in tiny, tiny spaces, and that sometimes all you need to brighten your day is a morsel of high-quality dark chocolate.
In moving to France, I was reborn into the person that three years ago I yearned to become—now, it’s time for the next adventure. (This, by the way, doesn’t mean my Paris story is finished yet—I’m leaving part of my soul in France, so I always have an excuse to come back and visit.)
Next stop, New York!
Do you have any questions about the move? I can’t guarantee that I have all (or any, really) answers, but feel free to send them my way!
Yay, Anne! I love checking in on your blog every so often and seeing what you’re up to in France. I love that you loved your time there so much—I hope you enjoy NYC just as much!
Kay, you are so sweet! I often think fondly of our meeting in Washington 🙂 I hope you are doing well!!
I love this post… your experiences! I’m so jealous. But I want to know why you are going to NYC. What is there? Do you have a job? Where will you live? Think of me as your nosy auntie who needs to know stuff!
Omg Anne this made me tear up while reading…and I’m in the office!! (at the job which YOU helped me land!!!) Girl I’m so happy to have met you just last year at that macaron-making class and it’s really inspiring to read how your dreams have come true over the past 3 years because of your hard work and persistence. Congratulations to defending your thesis too!!! Good luck on the big move to NYC and I’ll keep my eyes + ears peeled for any job opportunity info I may be able to send along!
xoxo & bisous, Jocelyn <3
YAY YOU’RE COMING HOME AND I’M GOING TO COME VISIT YOU ALL THE TIME!!!!
Warmest congratulations, Anne! What a wonderful way to spend three important years of your life, in creative and productive ways. I’ll echo Sheri Nugent’s questions (so now you have two nosy aunties asking) and look forward to another update soon on what lies ahead in New York. I lived in Brooklyn for about nine years before making the move to DC, with thanks to my government employers who helped make that possible. So much has changed there since I left–I’ll be interested to read about what you find there. And if you visit DC, I’d still love to make you lunch!!
Judi, I’m working on a post to answer all of your questions! I’m sure I will be down in DC to visit and would love to meet up 🙂
Yay!!! Safe journeys in the weeks and months ahead 🙂
Coucou Anne
FELICITATIONS pour ton master…
Je suis ravie d avoir fait ta connaissance et j espère que tu reviendras en France et que nous resterons en contact…
Biz
Corinne
Delightful time reading your latest post. How perfectly you tell it.
On to the NYC adventure!