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7 years after I moved to Paris for expatriate’s adventure and a little more than 4 years managing Expats Paris, making it one of the largest Paris expatriates communities, there are plenty life lessons I’ve learned as an expat. I’ve come to realize that many of my Paris-based expatriates friends somehow learn the same lessons, but just like me, they keep forgetting them.
... and I’ll Probably Forget by the Time I’ve spent 8.
1.
Boy, some of the things you’re scared of trying aren’t scary because you shouldn’t be doing them, actually they’re scary because you love them so much and don’t want to fail. But if you don’t even try you’ve already failed!
At Expats Paris, we have, as its mission, the enablement of expats, whether new or established in the city, to be able to get together, forge new friendships and make business contacts. Expats Paris reaches out to the international community living in or visiting Paris, whether they be diplomats, foreign correspondents, students, or expatriates employed by small, middle or large multinational companies, or simply visiting or in town on business. We cater specifically to local expat residents. Expats Paris strives to give reliable information on expat-related topics in Paris.
A friend of mine recently told me that he wished that his daughters don’t go to school. He offered his oldest the very prestigious award that said: “Do precisely what I recommend you do for a year and don’t go to college”. Well, he wasn’t sure she was going to take it. He basically wanted to change her college habits into the following “ideal college program”:
This is for anyone that lives in Paris or wants to move here, anyone that’s committed to happiness and success.
You and I are creatures of habit. Have you ever realized that almost everything we think or do is actually a result of really-deep-seated habits that are etched into the mind through years and years of repetitive behaviors?
These very same habits either help to propel us forward or to hinder our progress in this life. Well, in fact, I think that the state and quality of our lives are basically a direct reflection of our daily habits.
When I moved to Paris, seven years ago, I was ready to embark on a remarkable adventure, which I knew would be engraved in my heart probably for the rest of my life.
It was an exciting feeling to arrive in Paris and see the city of light – a modern city with an amazing history. I will never forget when I first took the metro. It was like a completely new world. It was indeed loved at first sight. I knew I loved this city and I’d love to live here for an extensive amount of time.
It was dark in the evening, the Christmas bulbs gave the whole city its lights. It was shining so bright, almost like daytime. The streets were very busy, with different people shopping from one shop to another. I was enthrall seeing The Palais Garnier, which is the Paris Opera House, and so many other remarkable landmarks.
So many things around me were pretty new. New Metro stations, new currency, New language (well, I spoke a little French then, but still Parisians have their own expressions than I had to learn), no friends around, new cuisine, new, new, new…
I’ve just celebrated my birthday.
I’m in my mid-thirties now!
This birthday has made me realize how years run way-too-fast.
This year’s birthday made me think a lot about the things I’d really want to do for myself, my friends, family and my country.
Basically, things that really matter.
I’d like to live life with no regrets, and I want to truly master that mantra.
I’ve realized that experiences can easily slip through one’s fingers from time to time, leaving one wondering “what if?”.
If places on earth could be likened to heaven, then the city of Paris should be top on the list of such places. It is a city full of life, owing to its plethora of attractions that leave every visitor overwhelmed. The city, popularly known as City of Love or City of Lights, offers it all from its inexplicable Eiffel Tower to the dazzling Seine River From art to glamour, it ensures visitors are left mesmerized. The enormous beauty of the entire city has made it the dream of many to live and work here.
Living in France as an expat has taught me how beautiful other people’s culture could be.
Being an expat in a city like Paris gives you an opportunity to learn valuable lessons about life and you always have the chance to become a better version of the person you wish to become.
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