When I told people that I was coming to Spain to Au Pair, I sometimes got some strange looks. I would usually explain it to people as "similar to nannying, but not as hard out". A slightly more technical explanation is, "a young foreign person, who helps with housework or childcare in exchange for food, a room and some pocket money". So basically you are living as an older sibling. You spend time with your younger brothers/sisters and get a little bit of pocket money each week. The amount that you get paid isn't a full wage, so if you are in it for the money you are in the wrong place, honey. But if you are interested in learning about another culture, language and traveling then it is perfect! I am looking after 5 year old twins Arnau and Oriol. In my first week I didn't really have any jobs or responsibility. I was just watching the routine and letting the boys get used to having me here (I am lucky because they have had an Au Pair before so they were already used to someone being in their space, and also speaking english to them!) the rest of the time as I said previously I was being shown around Barcelona without a care in the world! |
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Hola Family and Friends! So after years of talk I have finally made my way to Spain. Some of you thought I would never make it, but here I am four weeks in and going strong! A lot has happened so I will catch you up, but first let me rewind to the beginning of my little journey for those of you who have missed out. I left NZ and headed straight to Melbourne to spend some quality time with my Wifey and Godson in Colac. I got really sick on the way home on my first night there, I think my body went into shock from traveling on the plane (what a rookie!), but after that little mishap it was all smooth sailing. I spent the entire time there getting in all the cuddles and kisses I could before I had to leave. The 5/6 days went so fast and before I knew it they were dropping me off at the Airport (there may or may not have been a few tears on my part!) From Melbourne I was in for a 14 hour flight to Dubai. I didn't enjoy the 4 hour flight to Melbourne so the 14 hour flight was next level torture! I don't think I slept a wink, unlike the french couple next to me who covered themselves with their blankets (face and all) and slept for a big chunk of the flight - lucky I had the aisle seat! The Airport at Dubai is insane, I had to catch a train to get to the terminal for my connecting flight! Maybe this isn't so strange for all the regular travelers out there but for little old me from Te Awamutu it was amazing. Mind blown! Next up was a 7 hour flight from Dubai to Barcelona. I was seated next to a couple of ladies from Australia who were traveling around Spain and Portugal together. They were lovely and told me all about their previous travels (think glamping in Africa) so this flight went by a lot quicker (so tempted to put "flew by" here haha). And then I was in Barcelona... I was originally so nervous about going through customs when I arrived (lets all be honest here, customs is an intimidating place right? Its like driving and seeing the police, you know you haven't done anything wrong but your palms start sweating just a little bit anyway). It turns out there was no need to worry, I waited in line with all the other travelers and got my passport stamped without a single question! There wasn't even a bag check! There was a little area off to the side that said "anything to declare", needless to say I didn't see anyone bothering to use this line and neither did I. My host dad Lluís was waiting for me when I arrived, so we packed my suitcase into the car and made our way to my home for the next 3 months in Sant Joan Despí. The kids were still at school and my host mum Marta was at work so I un packed and hung out until I was able to meet them. When the kids got home they were quite excited, I had brought them some treats from NZ & Australia (Pineapple lumps, books etc) so I think that helped. They also gave me a Lonely Planet Barcelona guide which was awesome! |
Author24 Year old kiwi girl with a little case of wanderlust. Archives
June 2017
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