On the Go Again
Let’s talk about comfort zones for a moment.
Google said the definition of comfort zone is a place or a situation where one feels at ease and without stress. For the past four years for me that meant the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville. Or perhaps at home with my family in Missouri. Comfort zones mean different things to different people. It could be fishing by a lake, wrapped up in a favorite blanket or eating a concrete at Andy’s Frozen Custard.
My mother loves to challenge me to expand my comfort zone, it gives her an excuse for her to use her favorite phrase, “it’s character building.” However, now that I am finished with college and unsure about what I want to do with my life, I’ve decided myself that it is time for my comfort zone to be challenged.
Anyway, all of these ramblings are leading to me finally, officially announcing that I will be spending the next year in the Netherlands as an au pair. Because who cares about comfort zones when you’re young and have dreams of traveling? I will be updating this blog throughout the year, so feel free to read and comment on what I am doing. Hailey Jo is once again, on the go.
As an au pair I will be living with a family as a cultural exchange. I will be staying with them in their house and in exchange I will help watch their kids and teach them English. The family that I am staying with has two children, a boy and a girl.
The family lives in Leiderdorp, a small town outside Leiden. Leiden is in South Holland, not far from Amsterdam. Leiden is mostly known for the oldest university in Holland and being the birthplace of famous painter Rembrandt. It is a small, charming city and I am excited to explore it!
I’ve wanted to go back to Europe since my study abroad session last year. Once I realized I would be graduating in May, I saw this as my best opportunity. Not only would I get the chance to live in the Netherlands as a local, but I would have chances to see new places throughout the Netherlands and Europe.
Frankie reminds me to stop and smell the tulips
Also, to answer most of y’alls questions, Frankie will be staying in Missouri with her grandparents. She is very excited to spend time with them, and they have already started spoiling her. I will be sending her postcards as soon as I land. I’ll miss her a lot, but this next year will be an adventure for her as well.
One last thing, if any of you have any travel suggestions for me, please reach out! Also, if you would like a postcard and to be on my Postcards from HJ page just let me know! You can reach me through the blog, on Facebook or by email; haileyjohopkins@gmail.com.
Talk soon!
