A SPONTANEOUS MOVE TO PARIS INSPIRES AN EDITOR
Becoming conversant in French wasn’t the only experience this traveller took home; she found love, patience and appreciation for the arts
Name: Caitlin Boros
Occupation: Marketing and communications manager, Raising the Roof, and senior editor at AnewTraveller.com
Tell me about your most life-changing experience as a solo female traveller.
The most intimidating leap of faith I’ve taken as a solo female traveller was spontaneously moving to Paris. I had just finished my bachelor’s degree, was working full time as a waitress, and was still feeling less than enthused about getting a “real job.” So, on a whim, I applied for a oneyear working holiday visa for France, bought a one-way ticket to Paris, arranged a two-week couch-surfing stay, and was off. I’d always told myself if I was ever going to improve my French, I’d have to ship myself off to France. I did my best to learn two new things about the city each day, exploring new streets, parks and bakeries on my bike. I found work at a Canadian pub in central Paris called The Moose (I kid you not!). I worked alongside fellow expats, serving French patrons who never could understand what exactly a Caesar was. This is where I picked up most of my working French-language skills. And I met someone. Nearly four years after a first date that can only be called disastrous on the language front, we now live together in Toronto.
What did you gain from living in Paris alone for a year?
Before moving to Paris, I’d travelled quite a bit, and had even lived in Europe briefly as a student in the Netherlands. But I’d always done these things with other people. This was the first time I’d really gone out on my own. Getting the visa, booking the flight, and arriving in Paris was easy. The things I’d always taken for granted — opening a bank account, getting a phone number, renting an apartment — were a challenge. They all seemed to depend on the prior existence of each other. Soon, I became comfortable in my own skin. I ate at restaurants alone. Went to movies alone. Biked through the city alone. I met people relatively quickly, and my social life did perk up, but I maintained at least one day or night a week where I let myself do something completely alone, and I came to really look forward to it. Paris taught me patience (and impatience), good taste (especially in bread), art (from musicians in the street to Monet’s Water Lilies), but most importantly, the idea that it’s OK to take one’s time and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
How did you handle the language barrier?
Before I left, I would have told you I could manage a decent conversation in French. But when I got there, I struggled to even order the correct loaf of bread at the local bakery in my first week. I decided to take a six-week introductory class, and I continued to practice every day with people at work. By the time I left, I could truly call myself conversant, which was good enough for me.
After living in Paris, you now return regularly to visit your partner’s fami- ly and friends. How have recent events affected the way you look at travel?
The events that have taken place in Paris over the last year have been absolutely horrific. When a place becomes not only familiar to you, but represents such an important step in your life, it becomes sacred in a way. Seeing these attacks, for lack of better words, hurt my heart. But I can’t say that the Paris attacks have changed my perspective on travel. Unfortunately, violent acts take place all over the world, and the best we can do is try to keep ourselves safe, wherever we are.
What advice would you give to solo female travellers looking to experience life in another country?
My best advice is to keep an open mind. Things may not always be as glamorous as you had imagined them when planning your journey, but keeping an open mind and positive attitude will benefit you during both low times and exciting ones. One of the best ways to make sure moving or travelling abroad is for you? Learn from others who have already done it. There are many great online communities and resources; check out anewtraveller.com. One final note: living and travelling abroad as a solo female can be tough. But it can also be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. If you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to venture abroad — my advice? Take it.