Meet Savannah Barber, the Aussie native bringing a bright smile and sunshine to our grey Paris winter. Join along as Savannah tours us around her very own Montmatre and enlightens us on how she took a leap of faith to follow her dreams.
What’s your Paris story?
Living in Paris is a dream come true! A city enriched with history and culture. A city epitomised by black trench coats and colourful umbrellas. A hub for social activity. The perfect scene for budding entrepreneurs and creative enthusiasts. I am not surprised that people come here and never leave. I ended up in Paris after being awarded a scholarship by my university in Australia. The scholarship was created by a bequest at my university by the late Keith Bellmaine. Mr. Bellmaine had a strong interest in the French culture and desired to give young students the opportunity to nurture friendship and communication between Australia and France. The scholarship enabled me to travel to France for one year and continue on my path towards further professional development. My decision to apply for the scholarship was largely influenced by my experiences as a Rotary youth exchange ambassador in 2011, when I travelled to Denmark for 12 months as a 17 year old. I also previously studied in England for 7 months as the study abroad ambassador at my university.
Tell us about this spot you chose.
I chose beautiful, picturesque Montmartre because for me, Montmartre is home. I am living in the most dream location overlooking the Sacre Coeur. From the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur, meaning Sacred Heart, you have the most spectacular view of Paris. I love art history and I think it is amazing to live where many famous artists including Salvador Dalí, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh once lived and worked. Just behind the Sacre Coeur, artists still set up their easels every day at Place du Tertre.
What is a typical day like for you here in France?
I usually wake up at 7. It takes me 45 minutes to walk to work. I try to walk as often as I can. I have learned infinitely more about the French culture through my observations of Parisians going about their daily grind than I ever could have learned from a textbook or tour guide. I love the aroma of buttery croissants when I pass the boulangerie. I love the old fashioned fromageries tucked away in quaint little streets. I love seeing the business men and women sipping their espressos in the brasseries. Paris is a fantastic city – beautiful, diverse and exciting. I am currently working as the Assistant Project Coordinator at the Franco-British Chamber. It is a fantastic job! I work alongside two beautiful, hilarious British girls and my French boss who I admire greatly for her work ethic, energy and enthusiasm. My role is event coordination and promotion, member relations and communications and digital outreach. When I finish work, I usually walk home or go to a yoga class. I spend most evenings socialising with friends, attending French language classes, or spending time with my boyfriend.
What do you like most about living abroad?
I love that I have the opportunity to fully immerse myself in a foreign culture. If I am not munching on a baguette or wearing a beret you can find me giving a bisous (kiss) beneath the Eiffel tower. I love that I have the opportunity to experience the city as a local. Rather than stopping in every tourist trap, I go where the locals go. Paris is a great city to explore. Each arrondissement has its own character and charm, and there is always something exciting around the corner waiting to be discovered. I believe that living abroad is character building. Every day there is a new challenge, whether it is the language barrier, finding employment or establishing a circle of friends – you need to be adaptable and resilient. When I reflect upon the months gone by, I feel a real sense of pride and accomplishment. I turned my dreams into plans and my plans into my reality. I had my share of setbacks, I had days when I felt defeated, but I was optimistic and brave and I did it. It has been a really rewarding experience.
What challenges do you face as an expat?
The weather. It is difficult to spend a lot of time outdoors when the skies are grey and rainy – and they almost always are. For me this is the biggest challenge, especially when contrasted to the glistening Australian sunshine. I love the enthusiasm for the warm weather though! You will not wipe the smile of a French person’s face when it is sunny. I have come to appreciate the weather for what it is, and it is the best type of weather for movies and cuddles and cups of hot chocolate.
How do you meet people in Paris?
I have met so many people! I have been so fortunate. I connected with a few expats on Facebook via the Expats in Paris Facebook page. I organised a picnic for expats a few months ago during the summer time and about 40 people came. It has been so great for me to have a loyal group of girlfriends I can rely on for those nights when I just want to drown myself in wine and go out dancing, or put on my slippers, order Deliveroo and watch a chick flick. My closest girlfriends come from a variety of different countries, which makes for a really great dynamic when we all get together.
What advice would you give to others wanting to move abroad?
Take a leap of faith! Travelling is such a powerful tool for self-discovery. Go to discover the world, but also go to discover yourself. Learn how to adapt. Learn how to be more considerate and culturally aware – this will help you when you return home. Go and gain some professional work experience – what better to add to your CV than your experiences as an expat living abroad? Go while you’re young. Go while you are free and while you still can. Don’t be afraid. This is the opportunity of a lifetime – don’t let it pass you by. You will have plenty of time to live in the city you grew up in and to return to your family and friends. Go and discover your dreams – find love – and gain a renewed perspective on life and the world.
How can people continue following your story?
I have a Facebook page – so feel free to connect with me on Facebook or find me on Instagram @savannah.barber.
