Name: Marguerite
Pronoun(s): She/Her
Nationality: Canadian and French dual citizen
Hometown: Montreal, Canada
Current location: Berlin, Germany
Occupation: Berlin Travel Blogger and Solopreneur
Hello!
I’m Marguerite, an expat and Berlin travel blogger. I lived in five other countries before deciding to commit to Germany (for now!).
The other countries I’ve lived in are: Canada, France, Australia, the US, and Switzerland.
Five years ago, I realized that marketing agency life in my hometown wasn’t for me, so I packed my studio apartment into a single suitcase and took off for Europe on a one-way ticket.
In 2020, I launched Berlin & Around, which has grown into a thriving community of expats and explorers. I’m so excited that my hobby has become my business in 2021.
Education Background
Did you attend college? If so, where, and how did you choose that school/those schools?
I attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada. I was drawn to Montreal because I had last lived in my birthplace during my pre-teen years, and was curious about life in this city as an adult. McGill being quite an international school, I also liked the idea of being able to make friends from all over the world.
How did you choose your program? Did your decision change over the course of your time at school?
I graduated with a degree in German language and literature, which shaped my life much more than I could have imagined at the time. But this was not the plan at all!
I was first set on doing a double major in economics and finance. However, after failing a statistics class twice, I decided to change course completely and turn my minor into my major, as I had more of a natural ability and interest in languages and liberal arts.
Did you participate in study abroad while at school? For how long, and with what program?
In line with my German Studies major, I participated in a summer abroad program at a university in Berlin. Although I was only in Berlin for a month, I was fascinated by the city and couldn’t wait to explore more of it – which I ended up doing a few years later.
Psst! If you’re curious about studying abroad in Germany, an American Berlin-based blogger named Claire had wonderful things to say about the city she studied in, Freiburg, during her feature! Fearless Friday No. 20 – Claire, Blogger and Berlin Freelancer Visa Holder – The Millennial Abroad
Professional Background
What has working outside your native country taught you about yourself?
I have worked abroad more than in my home country. So this is more of a norm than the other way around! While working abroad seems natural now, that wasn’t always the case.
I moved to Australia right after getting my degree and ended up working three jobs at the same time to support myself, all the while plagued by homesickness. It took me a year, but I finally found a copywriting role – and got over homesickness.
Some people back home said I wouldn’t last in Australia for three months. Well, I ended up staying for close to three years. So I’d say working abroad taught me a lot about determination and resilience. It also showed me that my desire to see the world and live new adventures was stronger than my fear.
How might your career path have differed if you’d stayed in your home country?
That’s a good question! I’ve always been very internationally-minded, so I think I would have ended up working for a consulate or other international organization, maybe as a translator. I would have tried to find a career that allowed me to travel as much as possible.
But eventually I believe I would have also gone in the same direction, that is, to build my own business centered around helping people explore the world around them.
On Lifestyle
Why do you enjoy traveling?
I love seeing new things, trying new foods, wandering new streets. I love diving into local history and getting a feel for new places. Traveling is when I feel the most alive and the most connected to the world.
Do you speak a second language? More than one other language?
I speak English and French fluently, as well as C1 level (Editor’s note: C1 is basically fluent) German. I can also get by with very basic Spanish.
Do you prefer fast or slow travel? Why?
I like a mix of both, with a penchant for fast travel while on a “slow” trip. For example, I am planning to spend six weeks in Panama shortly, where I’ll really get an in-depth look at one small part of the country, but several short breaks are planned to go to different regions within Panama.
Have you ever traveled solo? If so, what was that experience like?
I’m quite independent, so I’ve traveled solo more often than not. Since meeting my partner, I’d say it’s a 50% split between solo travel and trips together. There’s definitely something special about both!
When I am on my own, though, I tend to observe the world around me more and pick up on details I otherwise would miss. Plus, being able to navigate places like Mexico City as a solo female traveler feels amazing and empowering.
One Last Question
What advice would you give to someone who knows they want to travel but aren’t sure where that fits in with the rest of their lives?
Make sure you are the reason you aren’t sure travel fits into your life, and those are not the voices of others in your head or fears holding you back.
***
Editor’s note: This interview has been lightly edited.
Thank you for reading Fearless Friday No. 25 – Marguerite, Berlin Travel Blogger, Berlinandaround!
If you connected with Marguerite’s feature as a Berlin travel blogger, have plans or aspirations to travel to Berlin, Germany, or simply want to glean insight into the life of a woman living abroad in Germany jump on in! She invites you to connect with her on the following platforms.
Website: www.berlinandaround.com
IG: www.instagram.com/berlinandaround
A new edition of 52 Weeks of Fearless: A Friday Feature Series is posted at the end of each week. If you enjoy reading and want to keep up-to-date with the latest posts, please subscribe, share, and follow @themillennialabroad to support!
Looking for other great blogs about Germany?
Fearless Friday No. 14 – Christina from Happy to Wander – The Millennial Abroad – Canadian Christina is based in Munich and founded her travel blog, Happy to Wander, after getting her start as the winner of a contest!
Fearless in Love No. 3 – Attaliah & Robin – The Millennial Abroad – Zimbabwean Attaliah has moved across many oceans in her life, most recently to Germany for love! She also works as a consultant in social media and has great tips on how to grow organically on her Instagram.
Add your email if you want to be inspired every week and continue to safely “meet” fellow travelers even amidst this pandemic
