21 Apr The “impossible” made possible…
Eight months, two weeks, 5 days, 11 hours and 44 minutes seems like a lot of time, doesn’t it? As a matter of fact, it most definitely is not. They say time flies when you are having fun, I can confirm that.
Well, first of all, I did not expect to be spending my gap year halfway across the world in Europe. Getting here was not easy at all but once I set my mind to it, nothing stopped me. Arriving in Amsterdam was something I could not even begin to imagine as the flight I had just been on was the second one in my life. I had arrived in summer, and boy was it hot! I had a lovely time at festivals where I discovered many new and delicious foods as well as unique cultures.
I had arrived in summer, and boy was it hot! I had a lovely time at festivals where I discovered many new and delicious foods as well as unique cultures.
Being matched with a Surinamese host family opened me up to a fascinating cultural group that I had never heard of before. I was welcomed with warmth and hospitality and not to mention, the amazing food. I have been learning a lot about the Surinamese culture, the differences as well as similarities to my own country, South Africa. The music, people, food and the culture overall as won a special place in my heart.
Something else that holds a treasured place in my heart would be the unbreakable bond I have with my host kid, Samuel. Ever since the first day we met we shared so much laughter and fun, it was as if I met my mini best friend. Sam has become like a brother to me, someone I would protect with my own life. He never fails to put a smile on my face and make my belly ache from laughter. Our shared passion for football has also brought us closer together, and I must say I wouldn’t be surprised if he came out to be Ajax’s top player one day. He is so smart and mature, I couldn’t have asked for a better host kid.
In the time that I have been here, I explored a lot of places in the Netherlands itself and fallen in love with every bit of it. From Utrecht to Harlem to Amsterdam to Rotterdam, all with their own unique qualities. To this day I still stand in disbelief when I am facing a view I have never thought I would see in the duration of my life.
My dream has always been to travel, discover new places and people, be independent, and help others, and what better way could I have done it than choosing to be an au pair! This is a choice I have and never will regret as it is the best choice I have ever made. Having been part of The Au Pair has also made the experience all the more enjoyable and exciting.
I was a girl who felt stuck and restricted from opportunities I never thought would come to me. Yet, here I am, exploring Europe and living my best life, all because I decided to chase my dreams, get out of my comfort zone and not depend too much on people. I have never been happier in my life and I would not change a thing about my year as it has all been a huge learning experience and made me the person I am proud to be today.
~ Jesse Joy Buckley