Saturday, 13 December 2014

Nice Côte d'Azur: The Hidden Homeless

I've been in Nice now for 10 months and it has completely changed my life. I can't stress enough how beautiful the South of France is... it really has everything. There are wonderful beaches and lots of stunning mountain scenery. I have to admit that I love it for these reasons. Of course the beautiful weather also helps!

Something that has however struck me as incredibly sad (and surprising) is the significant number of people suffering on the streets. Often these homeless people are immigrants who have not been able to find jobs or housing, and have consequently turned to alcohol and drugs to drown their sorrows. This I don't find surprising speaking from experience. Even as an English woman with a permanent contract, I found it incredibly difficult to find an apartment when arriving here in the Côte d'Azur!

I can't help thinking that the cause for this suffering is an imbedded racism that has not yet weened itself out of modern society. To reflect upon this ongoing issue, please read my poem below, written on 11th November 2014:

Immigrant Nightmare

Do you see me as a person,
Or as a colour, a race?
Do you see me as an equal,
Or an animal with a strange face?

Why must I battle,
For that which is my right,
When those from your own country,
Must not put up the same fight?

I pay all my taxes
I work and pay my way
Yet a roof over my head
You won't accept, won't give me a place to stay.

You believe I will steal
Or not pay my rent
You see only my shell, my face
Not beyond it, a life well spent.

You see not my high morals
Nor my commitment to this community, this life
You see but my passport, my visa
This racism, it's like being stabbed in the heart with a knife.

Do you see me as a person,
Or as a colour, a race?
Do you see me as an equal,
Or an animal with a strange face?

....................

As a last note, I'd like to say a big thank you to all those courageous people that work in the Social Sector trying to provide a better life for these people. 

Friday, 4 April 2014

New Horizons: From Lille to Nice


So I have a big announcement to make - I now live in Nice, the second most popular city in France! It’s incredible to think of how much my life has changed in the space of 8 weeks. In fact, until the beginning of February I was even contemplating moving back to the UK in the near future, but instead I’ve moved over 1000 km further south to pursue my career within Booking.com. I can’t say that being that much closer to the equator is a bad thing! In fact I’m really starting to like it…

After a month in Nice, I’m finally starting to settle in, slowly but surely. For those wishing to visit, or maybe even considering moving to Nice on a more permanent basis, I’d like to discuss a few of my initial observations of life in Nice.


Positive Remarks

The weather – moving from the North of England, to the North of France, and finally the South of France… well, it’s simply bliss! It’s been raining today and it’s cloudy, but the balcony door is still wide open and it doesn’t feel cold. This time last year, I’m sure we were engulfed in snow in Lille.

National health insurance (CPAM) and housing benefits (CAF) were much more efficient in their management of paperwork here than in Lille. The palaver I had when changing from one area to another in Nord Pas-de-Calais was slightly ridiculous. So far, so good…

The people seem so much more relaxed. Naturally there’s a large retired population here and when they see me on my rollerblades (often struggling on the many hills), they seem to love to stop and chat. I seem to have one of those faces that just invites conversation… And of course the sun helps improve people’s moods. I’m a strong believer of this fact.

Even though the centre of Nice can be rather noisy from tourists and restaurants etc, the residential areas are surprisingly calm and well kept. 

The parks are really beautiful, with monuments, fountains, children’s play areas, palm trees and generally lots of people sat around talking and relaxing. Promenade des Anglais is also amazing for rollerblading along the sea front, with the sparkling blue sea.

The mountains and nature in general nearby are sensational. I climbed Mount Chauve last weekend (literally walking from my apartment) and the views from the top were outstanding. Needless to say, I suffered for a few days after, after a few months of not doing a lot of sport (well, none at all).

Negative Remarks

This is a city full of small dogs and inevitably small dogs’ excrement is littered over the pavement at regular intervals. A lot of time walking is therefore spent looking down. I really do think France should introduce fines for people who don’t pick up their dogs excrement, as they have done very strictly in the UK. It makes for much more pleasant surroundings. 

Motorbikes/Scooters. They’re everywhere and seem to think that rules of the road don’t apply to them. They’re always seen on the pavement or going against the flow of traffic (literally on one way streets).

Pedestrian crossings mean nothing most of the time to motorists. You just have to take a risk to get over the road. Particularly with the above mentioned motorbikes and scooters, who just cut red lights if they feel like it.

The price of living is fairly expensive, but if you know where to shop, then you can find reasonably priced items. Shopping in the centre of town is not advisable, but just slightly North of the Railway line is a Lidl and other cheap supermarkets. 


Overall, I think that it is fair to say that the positives in Nice far outweigh the negatives. The city is welcoming and beautiful as a whole and I just know that there is so much more to discover in Nice Côte d’Azur. This discovery will begin with my lovely parents who arrive tomorrow night for 2 weeks.

As I learn more and more about what Nice and the region has to offer, I will share it with you. I wake up most mornings and come home after work most afternoons feeling as though I must be in a dream. I’m floating in the clouds. What can I say… I’ve been very fortunate to end up in this corner of the world.

I’ve come a long way since leaving university and moving to France. EVS and Service Civique allowed me to establish my life in France and to realise what I enjoy doing, along with the help and guidance of my wonderful manager, Yves Bourdérou. Now I’m able to begin developing a career in a company that I love – Booking.com. I’m helping to paint the world Booking Blue!

I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading and I will update you again very soon. Keep smiling!

Friday, 10 January 2014

Happy New Year – 2014… A time for change!


It’s been nearly a full year since I last wrote… and how things have changed! Since February 2013 I’ve been working at the one and only Booking.com, where I’ve spoken with both sides of the globe on a daily basis as a part of my role within Customer Service… Awesome or what?! I’ve therefore plunged headfirst into my first full time job since finishing university.

It’s so great that my voluntary experiences in Lille, both with my European Voluntary Service (a European Commission scheme) and Service Civique (a French scheme), have really given me a taste of working within an international environment. I’ve therefore carried this passion forward into my work at Booking.com.  I’m surrounded by people from many different cultures, speaking so many different languages that I can really learn something new every day... Talk about an eye opener.

But guess what… I’m still living in Lille, more than 2 years after my European Voluntary Service ended in November 2011! I could never have imagined that I would have stayed so long after finishing, but what can I say… there’s something gripping about this beautiful city.  I would definitely recommend it for a weekend away.  It’s so easy to get to from London, Paris and Brussels… You just need to jump on a train.

Lille from the sky. December 2013. Copyright David Warburton
So here’s to 2014. I hope that many more new faces appear in 2014 in Lille to say a quick “Hi” to the locals. I want to wish you all a wonderful new year, full of surprises, happiness, personal fulfillment, ambition, personal development and of course…. Love!

I want to share with you the following poem I wrote in 2011.  Remember, embrace change with open arms and learn from any mistakes you may make – We all make them!

Changes

Any change
However large or small
May feel like a mountain
Or nothing at all

Individual differences
Leaps of faith
Changes in life
Mustn't be lost in the race

Moving on forward
For better or worse
Moving into new pastures
Resisting the curse

Change of environment
Everything unknown
Challenge to ignite
The seeds already sewn

Making new friends
Lighting new fires
Sharing your story
Within your history, crossing wires

Any change
Helps in life to grow
Willing to succeed
Forever more seeds to sew

Keep smiling everyone and look forward to better things in 2014. You will be hearing from me soon :-D

Wednesday, 30 January 2013

The End of an Era


So here I am… the last day of my volunteer life.  I can’t believe I’m actually finishing today (well officially on Friday but… small details lol).  I’m just completely in shock.  A sad moment, I have to say.  I have spent a total of 15 months volunteering at La Mission Locale de Lille in the North of France, with the helping hand of Yves Bourdérou guiding me along the way. 

It has been a rollercoaster of a ride and I cannot hide the fact that it has been incredibly challenging at times, but worth every single minute.  Learning a language can be daunting and difficult.  That combined with the new skills I have learned and others that I have developed, my 15 months have been a challenge well worth accepting!!!

I have become more and more attached to the world of European Mobility.  The ability to give a volunteer an opportunity of a lifetime is just so special.  In the past 2 weeks I have been able to find projects for 2 volunteers in Turkey, one who will be going for 8 months and another for 9 months.  Another volunteer whom I’ve been working with for months had a positive reply for a project in Slovakia, where she will be for 9 or 10 months.  Another will be attending a short term project for 2 months with a project in Turkey.  How amazing is that?!

This is my last group of volunteers that I have been working with in my English workshops :

My last English workshop ever ... So obviously we had to have a mini party ;-)
A meeting with the volunteers departing on Léonardo projects
Me with the volunteers who have improved so much in English in the last 2 months
So there you go…. I’m leaving on a high as I know that I've helped some people to have a chance to go far away which will inevitably change their lives, as volunteering has my own.  I cannot count on 2 hands the number of people that have asked me when I’m going back to England .  The answer is that I’m not. I’m still loving this region and my new job is here, so why not stay ;-)

Lille is a city perfectly located between London (1h30), Paris (1h20) and Brussels (45m), as well as having easy access to Germany (3h), the Netherlands (3h) and Luxembourg (4h).  10 minutes walk from my house I also have a big park with lakes and LOTS of herons :-) So nice !!!

I’m going to head off for now.  I shall update you on how my situation is going once I’m settled into my new job.  One last thing… I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to the one and only Yves.  I’m rubbish at saying personal things out loud but can write (yes it's easier on a blog for the world to see... crazy right?), so thank you so so much for everything.  My parents are also incredibly grateful for the opportunities you have given me.  These voluntary projects have opened so many doors up to me and I will be forever thankful for that :-) THANK YOUUUUUU :-D :-D :-D

Peace out ;-)  

Tuesday, 15 January 2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013


Heyy everyone !!!

What can I say … It’s been a very long time since I last posted and for that I’m sorry.  I just seem to get lost in what I’m doing and completely forget about my poor blog !!!

As for me, my Christmas and New Year were great, spent skiing in the French Alps and with family and friends in the UK.  It all passed in a flash and now I’m back into life in Lille, France (where I love).  It’s good to get back into some kind of routine.

At La Mission Locale de Lille where I’m doing my Service Civique voluntary project, EVS (European Voluntary Service) applications are on over drive as the deadline for processing all the documents is the beginning of February.  That means that our volunteers here are desperately trying to find projects abroad. Stick at it everyone still searching; you never know J

I still love my project and am creating more and more interesting and diverse activities for my English workshops every week.  Saying that, I only have 3 weeks left !!! It’s going to feel so weird to no longer be at La Mission Locale …. That will be 15 months in total here… Think I’ll feel homeack about La ML.  What great experience and language skills I have gained.  But working life awaits J

In terms of volunteering, anyone that is thinking about it and has never really known how to do it or the guts in general, just go for it.  It really does change your life and your perspective on society in general.  You can research into programs provided within Europe such as EVS and Leonardo da Vinci Program.  For example, if you are in North of England, check out this website:


This organisation is based in Leeds and is the reason I’m in France in the first place.  Great people and so so helpful !!!! :-D

Furthermore, if you look on the following website, you can see the database for EVS projects.  You could easily find a sending organisation (near you in your country who would help you and do the necessary paperwork) and then a hosting organisation (where you would do your project):


For EVS, you have to have a sending organisation in your own country, otherwise it’s not possible J

It’s actually really quite simple if you’re patient.  Find your sending organisation, prepare your CV and motivation letter, apply to hosting projects (as many as you can), then when you find your project, you depart 3 months after the deadline.  Everything is paid for; including flights, accommodation etc, and you can do all kinds of different types of projects.  For example, you could be working with turtles in Turkey or with elderly ill people in Spain.  The world really is your oyster!

I hope that this information is at least a bit useful.  I just want other people to share the amazing opportunities that I have had in the last 2 years since finishing university.  In June 2011, I moved abroad and have never really looked back.  I think it’s safe to say that 2013 will be my first full year living away from the UK and I’m so excited at what’s to come.

So here’s to wishing you all Happy New Year 2013.  I hope that all of your dreams come true and that if something in your life isn’t right, you decide to MAKE A CHANGE.

And always remember…. Keep Smiling !!!! 

Tuesday, 4 December 2012

STEREOTYPES – Volunteers at La Mission Locale de Lille


During my English workshops with La Mission Locale, I love to discuss topics that are relevant to everyday life and draw attention to reality.  I therefore find discussing stereotypes particularly interesting.  We all have stereotypes about different countries / people / cultures etc…. About everything! It is important to understand what these stereotypes are.  We can then consider which stereotypes are actually facts and which are generally just stereotypes of a large group of people where in fact only a minority are concerned.  This is where prejudice and racism can stem from. 

Considering this, I spent a lesson discussing with a couple of advanced learners what they thought were different stereotypes associated with certain countries.  It's important to remember that stereotypes can be positive and negative.  See what you think of the ideas below: (Note they are not necessarily their own stereotypes, but stereotypes that others may have)

France

  • Suffer from depression and stress BUT this makes them stronger – They use the rage to progress in life
  • Shy and quiet
  • Never smile, particularly in the metro
  • Always thinking about earning money
  • Always talking about holidays

United States of America

  • They are all XXL – they love cheeseburgers too much (or fast food in general)
  • Have lots of guns on the street
  • Always have money on the mind
  • Think that they are the best in the world
  • Have good movies but naturally because they have lots of money to achieve this
  • Love basketball
  • “The American Dream”

Australia (easily the most positive stereotypes)

  • Lots of kangaroos
  • Love surfing
  • Have lots of jobs
  • Active and dynamic due to business

England (naturally this was the easiest category…)

  • Proud of their culture
  • The island is the centre of the world
  • Very cosmopolitan
  • Romantic (this is inspired from Shakespeare…hmm)
  • Rock n’ Roll lifestyle – make good music
  • Hardworking
  • Mr Bean
  • They drive on the left and believe that it must therefore be the same in the rest of the world
  • Love singing “God Save the Queen”
  • Not boring
  • Nice accent (!)
  • Very posh and clean
What do you reckon to these?? Do you agree? Do you have others to add... Really interested to know !!!

Take care everyone :-D

Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Poetry..... in French !!!

I've got so many thing I want to say and do on here but I never seem to find the time doh !!! This is just a quick one to say I succeeded in writing my first French poem the other day... Ok don't judge the grammar, but it's the thought that counts ;-)

La solidarité de la rue

La solidarité de la rue
Comment je souhaite que j'avais su
C'est quoi cette folie qu'on vie ici
La solidarité existe? Mais apparemment, si !

La solidarité de la rue
Les yeux ouvert, j'ai éventuellement cru
Il regards mais il ne voie pas
L'homme invisible sur le terre; il est humain, il est là !

La solidarité de la rue
C'est cassé et ne marche plus; je n'avais pas su
Il n'existe ni le soutien ni les esprits ouverts
Faut sonner les réveils et entendre les alertes !

La solidarité de la rue
Il faut aider maintenant mais on ne l'a jamais cru
C'est chacun pour chacun dans ce monde
Mais on doit rester tous ensemble car ce monde, il est ronde !


Qu'est-ce que vous pensez?? What do you reckon?

Hope you are all doing great out there in the big wide world anyhow and take care ;-)