Celebrating Europe Day

Today, 9 May, is Europe Day. And I want to celebrate.

My love affair with Europe began when I was eleven years old.

In my first year at secondary school, I started learning German with the lovely Frau Carter.

This was my first foray into language and life on ‘the continent’, seen through the eyes of two textbook children called Hans and Liselotte.

And I was captivated.

Then came:

🗼A family trip to Paris, where I bought a ‘J’❤️ Paris!’ bag that I thought was so cool

🇫🇷French classes with a teacher who adored Georges Brassens

🔁Language exchanges to Brittany and the Black Forest

🎓A degree in International Relations with languages

🚊An interrail trip across Europe, from Amsterdam to Athens

🏢 Internships in Austria, Germany… and on the Côte d’Azur

🎨 Back to Paris, and a career in corporate communications.

 
And now, Barcelona.

Where I've been for nearly twenty years.

I truly believe in a united Europe.

That my home country took a step in the opposite direction, it left me feeling sad and strangely bereft.

But today, here I am, working with clients not just from Europe, but from all over the world. 

Helping them to hop over barriers (linguistic, cultural and otherwise), and convey their messages with conviction.

It’s enriching. And exciting.

And it was my passion for experiencing and exploring ‘the continent’, that led me here.

🇪🇺  Yes, today is Europe Day. And I’m celebrating 🇪🇺

What about you? What are you celebrating today?

Photo by Waldemar on Unsplash