Charlotte Janerdahl – Wellington
My name is Charlie and I'm 23 years old. I've been an au pair in New Zealand, through Au Pair Link Ltd, for almost a year now. I've acually only got four weeks left. It's been an awsome year, the best year in my life so far! It's so sad that it's almost over...
I've been working for/living with Sven and Lara Baker and their four boys, just north of Wellington, since late April last year. When I arrived there were only three boys, Ike 7, Joe 5 and Abe 3. But two months later Ezra was born. It's been an amazing experience to be part of his first year in life and of course the other boys' too. I've learnt so much, and I've really got to know them. I feel like I'm part of the family. Sven and Lara are probably my closest friends and we've had so many great times together, the whole family. Even though being an au pair is a "job" it never felt like that to me. It's been so much fun doing things with the boys and taking them out. Wether it's been for bike rides, plays on the beach, visits to the play ground or just playing games at home, I've always enjoyed it. Even the daily chores, like getting them ready for school, cooking dinner and bathing and reading them stories has been fun. The boys have taught me how to play rugby and cricket and I've taught them how to play kubb! I've really just been an extra set of hands in the daily life of the Baker family and we've all been helping each other out.
There's been many family holidays too. Thanks to Sven and Lara I've got to see some amazing places around the country that I wouldn't have seen as a tourist. We've been on a big road trip around the north island. On the weekends, we've sometimes done day trips around Wellington. The family's got a bach (kiwi for holiday house) in the south islands' Marlbourough Sounds where we've been many times. It's the most stunning place and I've got some great memories from there. We're going down to the bach again in a couple of weeks, just before i leave, and that'll make the perfect ending to my year in New Zealand. Last Christmas, my family came over to visit. They stayed for two weeks and we did a road trip in the south island and spent New Year's at the bach with the Bakers. "My two families" got on really well and I'm sure we'll all come back and visit. Hopefully Sven and Lara will take the boys to Sweden one day...
For the first five months in New Zealand, I was the only Swedish au pair in the Wellington area. But that was a good thing for me because I made a lot of Kiwi friends. And Cecilia Hall was always just a phone call away. When other au pairs started arriving in Wellington, I got the role as team leader, which has been a great and fun experience. I've made some good friends that I hope to see again, in Sweden or in New Zealand...
My year in New Zealand has been way above my expectations and it's been an unforgettable experience. Being an au pair in New Zealand is the best thing you can do. You get the best parts of everything. Becoming a part of a new family and culture and making friends for life is the first thing. The beautiful country, the friendly people and the great food and coffee are just some of the bonuses... I'm going to miss everyone so much, especially "my family". But they'll always be in my heart.
I'll be back... :-)
Charlotte Janerdahl (Charlie)