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#Established a sense of agency in life; deepened understanding of Paris #Experience as a night-view tour guide; conversations with a variety of people #A resolution that life is short, so I should do what I want
I felt a good sense of pride when guiding guests and explaining various things, and because I felt it was a shame when information was delivered only superficially, I would look up information and study on my own. Being a tour guide required me to be proactively busy, but as a university student doing this kind of work in Paris, France, it felt rewarding — somehow it seemed to make me look like a cool person, which I liked.
- France Paris, gap-year stay / Lee Young-hyun, gap-year family gapper / 8-week gap year |
Days as a Night Tour Guide
During my gap-year stay I ended up taking on the role of night-view tour guide. Unlike the morning and afternoon staff, night tour guides work outside rather than inside the guesthouse, which was both an advantage and a disadvantage for me. I could fully enjoy the Paris night views and go out, but I was physically tired and sometimes annoyed by variables like the weather.
Still, I think it was lucky that I became a night tour guide. On the first day when I was told I would be the night tour guide, I told the owner, ''What should I do? I''m not good at speaking...'' but secretly I thought I would do well. Looking back at how I have performed as a tour guide so far, it''s funny to say about myself, but I think I fulfilled the role well.
I felt quite proud guiding guests and explaining things, and because I was unhappy with superficial explanations I also researched and studied the information myself.Being a tour guide required me to be proactively busy, but the fact that, as a university student, I did this kind of work in Paris felt rewarding — it somehow made me feel like it presented me as a cool person, which I liked.
Conversations We Shared While Walking Together
At the guesthouse, meeting new people was a constant occurrence. There were people who made me think ''do such troublesome people really exist?'', but most people were kind and nice. Moreover,As a tour guide, I walked through various parts of Paris with guests, sometimes one-on-one and sometimes in groups, and the conversations we had while matching our steps remain memorable.
The most memorable guest was B-sister, who had quit her job to come here, and she and I had very similar personalities. Maybe for that reason, despite the substantial age difference I felt like I was talking with a close peer. As a life senior, she gave me a lot of good advice,Among them, the line I remember is: ''Life is short and youth is even shorter, so do everything you want to do.''
Not necessarily the right answer: living according to my own wishes
I''ve never really given up on something I wanted to do. I even rashly did things that others might see as ''this isn''t right,'' so I worried inside whether it was correct or whether I was strange. But when that sister told me that, I felt somewhat comforted. Even if the path I''m taking isn''t the correct answer, I believe living by my own will rather than passively living according to someone else''s wishes will make me less likely to regret my youth.
I want to be someone who strives to leave a mark on the world.
Also, there was A-sister who was trying to become a film director and H-uncle who was traveling the world — I realized there are many really cool and passionate people in the world.It gave me another chance to reaffirm my resolve to become, even if in a small way, someone who strives to leave a mark on the world.
The Aura of Seeing the Real Thing
I loved all parts of Paris, but when I first visited the Musée d''Orsay I almost cried. I don''t usually know much about paintings, but I was interested in them. So I took related liberal arts courses at university, and when I encountered the paintings and sculptures I had learned about in class in person, something rose up from deep in my chest — I really felt a lump in my throat.
The aura of seeing things in person that I had only encountered in textbooks or on screens since childhood made it impossible to take my eyes off them.After that, I went looking for the places that served as the backgrounds for the paintings I saw at the Orsay, and there was another kind of fun and emotion. After visiting the Orangerie I went to Giverny, and I felt a similar impression then as well.
In the heart of Paris, within walking distance, many museums and galleries are clustered together, and seeing the countless masterpieces and great works by artists who represent their century made me a bit envious and helped me understand why artists come here to study.
A Part of My Life, My European Trip, Gap Year
Despite various events, the gap year became a part of my life and my European trip.
It was a project I joined to save money, and while living this life I sometimes felt annoyed and angry, but in the end, looking at the results, I saved expenses, met many good people, and freely explored many parts of Paris.
Everyday Life in Paris Unknown to Short-Term Travelers
I also enjoyed the everyday life in Paris that short-term travelers wouldn''t know about.I got to know Paris well enough that next time, when family or friends come to travel with me, I''m confident I could perfectly plan out explanations, restaurants, and travel routes.Above all, I fell in love with Paris, the city of romance.
Still, anyway, in the end...
I would like to thank Korean Gap Year and the guesthouse owner who helped me stay in charming Paris.
Still, in the end, it was a precious and enjoyable time in Paris.
My gap year...
Experience ★★★★☆
Who gets to have an experience like this easily when they''re young? It will surely be a special and memorable experience.
Learning ★★★☆☆
There''s a lot to learn about people. However, it''s mostly limited to Koreans, and learning about the local culture is difficult.
Environment ★★★☆☆
The accommodation I''m staying at is a bit far. It''s a mixed dorm. There''s a men''s dormitory next to the women''s bathroom and it''s not soundproof.
Still, it''s not bad. It''s average.
Safety ★★★★☆
Whether in Paris or Seoul, it''s pretty much the same anywhere.
Leisure ★★★★☆
Paris is a paradise for things to do and see. A shopping paradise.
