Adamantia, a preschool teacher and a Nannuka member, got onto a plane last February to accompany a Greek family to the Dominican Republic. Yes, she was going to be the babysitter of the 5-year-old daughter of the couple that had to travel to this unique Caribbean’s country. The reason why they decided to travel to a place off the beaten track was the Survivor TV program, since both parents worked on the production. Back to Greece, five months after her journey began, Adamantia shares her amazing experience.
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What made you say “yes” and travel to the Dominican Republic?
Well, I had nothing to lose. I looked for work in kindergartens, and I was really tired of the difficult Greek reality. That’s why I got excited when I saw the Nannuka ad. I felt that this experience would be a much needed change in my life. Everything happened in a flash. Within a week I met the family and the lovely 5-year-old Myrto, we completed the necessary medical examinations and flew to the Caribbean. I saw this job as an experiment, a test, but of course I knew that I would not give up and I could carry out this amazing mission.
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Can you describe your first days there?
Well, not just the first few days but in general the first month was a period of adjustment! We actually needed 1,5 month and a lot of skills for this challenging change in our lives. I had to take care of Myrto, so I was constantly alert in order to make sure she was safe and sound; just think of a nanny applying insect repellent on the little girl’s exposed skin like crazy! I am really proud of myself; I kept her healthy and happy in an environment where adjustment was difficult for all of us.
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What impressed you in the Dominican Republic?
The locals, who were hospitable, friendly and smiley, not paying any attention to the poverty around them. The stunning seas teeming with impressive reefs. And the great multicultural environment since we had to be with Turkish and Argentinian people (who worked for the Survivor TV program too) all day long.
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How this experience changed you?
I discovered a lot of things about myself. I changed, I grew up. I realized my limits. Even though I believed I had encountered many difficulties in the 31 years of my life, I understood that as long as you live, you experience new events and things, you broaden your horizons… This experience was a huge plus to my self-confidence. I now feel that there’s nothing I can’t do.
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Would you suggest to a babysitter or nanny to accompany a family abroad?
Absolutely yes! During the last years, more and more families have been moving abroad, mainly because of professional reasons. I would recommend to all young girls who know how to take care of children to accompany these parents abroad, after making sure of course that their working conditions will be excellent. When you are in a foreign country, alone and with no one to turn to, you can’t afford to turn a blind eye to misunderstandings and problems. And you have to make sure that you can trust these people. Just a few days before departing for the Caribbean, I asked the parents of Myrto: “Will you be my family there?” You see, I had to know that I could rely on someone if anything went wrong. And, vice versa, they knew they could trust me too.
On Nannuka you can find trustworthy and verified babysitters and nannies with reviews and references, willing to take care of your children’s and family’s needs in any part of the world.