09 Feb Ask an Au Pair: Francesca discovers the best part of a French meal is sitting at the table engaged in conversation (although the food is pretty good too!).
What inspires you about Paris?
What inspires me most is the wide array of museums that are available for self-betterment and education.
What is the best way to meet Parisians?
Go to where they are! Go to the french bars, not the Australian or American bar. Talk to your server, insist that they speak in french!
How do you improve or master your French language skills?
Always, always, always speak French. There are a lot of people who speak English and you could definitely get by with not learning French. However if someone gives you the menu in English, ask for the one en français. When you go to the bookstore get the Hunger Games in French.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
My favorite neighborhood is definitely Bastille!
What Can you describe a best meal you’ve had in Paris?
The best meal I’ve had in Paris was during my first weekend in the City. I went to my host mom’s parents’ house and her mom had made us a fantastic pasta salad along with an “apero” and “dessert”. However, the best part of the day was getting a real extended meal, which is very typical of the french. We spent the whole time talking and really getting to know each other, no one was in a rush to leave.
A favorite bar or café?
I love the the Supersonic, located in Bastille they have tribute shows every Sunday night!
Favorite shop?
Kilo Shop near Hotel de Ville
A favorite museum?
Musee de l’Homme
What is your favorite secret Paris spot?
A used bookstore near The Oz (an Australian bar).
What do you dislike most about living in Paris?
It is hard to be away from family for this long, that’s why I think it is important to establish a great bond with one’s host family so that one can feel a similar support.
What advice would you give to incoming au pairs?
Fall in love with your kids.
ASK AN AU PAIR SERIES
Get to know Paris, from an au pair’s perspective. Our “Ask an Au Pair” series was so popular that we’ve decided to continue it with our next round of au pairs! We pose a dozen questions about the City of Light to those who are seeing it with fresh eyes and learning all of its wonderful intricacies. And, we decided to expand this series by adding a question about adapting to life in Paris after the 2015 terrorist attacks.