One of the things that has been most challenging for me with moving to France is finding and making friends. I think moving anywhere new presents this difficulty. The big question is, how do you meet people?
I am fortunate that my job has allowed me to meet some amazing people. All of my colleagues are fellow expats and that gives us common ground immediately. I feel like I hit the jackpot in connecting with a co-worker, Jennifer (there is just something about people named Jennifer, on the other side of the pond a few of my BFF’s share that name).
Let me tell you about this amazingly soulful person. The instant I met her I thought, “wow, she has a lot of positive energy!!” Jennifer has a contagious laugh! From anywhere in the office she is often heard sharing joy and fun with others.
She is genuinely kind and generous. There was a day a few months ago in which there was a train strike. This particular strike was for 3 days and greatly disrupted my daily commute. Jennifer suggested I just stay at her place in Paris to avoid the craziness. Not only did she open her home to me but she went out of her way to make an Asian meal and show me some tricks in the kitchen. A bonus attribute is that Jennifer is also half Korean and is willing to share her knowledge in food and cooking this cuisine, knowing it is James’ absolute favorite.
Our friendship has continued to grow as time goes by. I love having a friend on this side of the pond to text and girl-talk with. I enjoy window shopping and grabbing the occasional lunch when our work schedules allow it. She can make me laugh and brightens my day, like all of my friends are able to do. It is truly one of the things that has made me feel more like myself here, connecting with someone in a friendship and having that social aspect of life.
So all of this is wonderful, right? Yes! However, this fabulous friend is going to be returning to Australia in a month. For reasons that have developed it is very unlikely that she will be returning to France. Australia is lucky to be getting her back! Yet, I can’t tell you how sad this makes me! I know that no matter where my friends are they are my friends, but it was nice having one a little closer to hangout with from time to time. This is bittersweet for me. I feel lucky to add another amazing person to my life but it will be difficult to say goodbye. It has taught me that I am capable of making friends here in France and I will hopefully find others. Maybe one of my friend finding strategies should be to wander the streets to find other Jennifers, from my experience they are some of the most wonderful people in my life!!!
