#My role at the guesthouse
I departed on September 22 and arrived in Paris on the 23rd; after completing a one-week probation at the guesthouse, I...was assigned to morning shifts.The morning shift runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and involves waking guests during breakfast, cleaning the dining area, cleaning the dormitories, handling check-ins and check-outs, and so on.
To wake the guests at 8, I would get up around 7:30, open the front door, and quickly tidy the dining area.While guests were having breakfast, I checked their schedulesand explained routes to them; we had many conversations, and each time I realized how important the staff role is.Morning shift ended at 1 p.m., and from then on it was free time that I could use as I liked.
For the first three weeks I visited famous tourist sites and museums, and afterward I wandered the small alleys of Paris and often walked near the Seine, which I liked the most. About two to three times a week I did an evening ''keep'' shift from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. to look after the accommodation, and every Monday was the morning staff’s day off, so I used that time freely.
# A time when I could meet various people
Meeting and talking with various people was the best experience.When guests came back from sightseeing, we would make simple snacks together and drink beer to spend the evening. I met many people, but a few guests remained especially memorable.
First, there was a newlywed couple who had been married for one year; they had quit the company they worked for and were traveling around the five continents.
They traveled as frugally as possible, using the cheapest accommodations and transport. When they first quit their jobs they were very fearful, but as they traveled and felt more at ease, they said they were able to shake off a lot of their attachment to money.Seeing them say that when they returned to Korea they would set up a modest food stall together and live simply, I felt they were people who enjoy life and live it stylishly.
I also met someone my age who had come on their first trip abroad alone backpacking; they said that after a month of backpacking they planned to walk the pilgrim’s route from France to Spain. Coming alone on a first overseas trip was impressive, but hearing that they would walk the pilgrimage route made me think they were fearless and remarkable. Listening to many people''s stories and sharing my own broadened my thinking.
Besides talking with people, I spent a lot of time walking around Paris alone and thinking. Seeing Parisians live as they wanted—without worrying about others’ eyes and without harming others—made me feel how different it is from my own country.I was also impressed by how Parisians do not hold back expressions of affection to loved ones and how they often spend meals and leisure time together as families.
Also, the staff older and younger colleagues I worked with got along well, so on my days off we went out into central Paristo sightsee, eat delicious food, and make memories. It''s been about a month since we finished the project, but even nowwe keep in touch.
#The Paris terror attack that still leaves me numb
On Friday, November 13, at around 9 p.m., a terror attack occurred in central Paris.
The media called it the worst terror attack since 9/11; there were many victims and it was a deeply shocking incident. Having only ever seen terrorism on the news, I couldn''t initially believe that an attack had happened in the city where I was staying.
HoweverImmediately after the attacks public transport stopped running and tourist attractions closed, so I realized it was very serious and I couldn''t go out for about three days.It was even more shocking that the attack locations were around the Canal Saint-Martin and Place de la République, places I usually liked.
When news of the Paris attacks reached Korea, I received many messages from family, relatives, and friends asking if I was safe, and my parents were especially very worried. In fact, right after the attacks there was a strong movement in Paris to return to normal life as quickly as possible, so it wasn''t as dangerous or serious as the media made it out to be, but I think I felt firsthand how terrible terrorism is.
As the situation settled somewhat, memorial events were held across Paris and famous tourist sites began to reopen. Paris has now completely returned to normal, but when I think back to the time of the attacks I still feel strange and numb.
#Gap Year Stay, Afterwards
After participating in the project, many fixed notions and prejudices about career paths and the future disappeared, and while helping with guesthouse workI also developed a strong sense of responsibility.
I learned how to get close to people I was meeting for the first time, and how tolisten to others and share my own stories in conversation.
★Tip for the next participant★
You should never apply for a gap year stay with the purpose of traveling the city.
Yourselfspending your time doing the tasks assigned to youbecause it''s a project that requires a lot of responsibility.
Although you are given a lot of free time, basically you have tomanage the accommodation and guests, so it can be difficult if you don''t keep this in mind.
My gap year was,
an experience★★★★★
Living in Paris for two months and seeing every corner of the city and meeting various people became one of the most special experiences of my life.
Learning★★★★★
There were hard times and enjoyable times, but looking back now, they were all lessons to learn.
Environment★★★★☆
Because it was an unfamiliar and new place, not everything was comfortable. However, I was able to adapt quickly.
Safety★★★☆☆
While I was in Paris, a major terrorist attack occurred, and I couldn''t go out for about 3–4 days. Aside from that, everything was safe, but an unexpected
terrorist attack happened, and I thought that Paris wasn''t completely a safe place.
Leisure★★★★☆
I think I really made good use of my free time after finishing work. I could stroll around at my leisure and enjoy sightseeing during my downtime.
▼▼▼Want to see more diverse projects?▼▼▼
▼▼▼If you''re wondering what kind of gap year to take,▼▼▼
