Week Fifty Two: Leaving Christmas Goodies at a Tim Hortons and a Local Restaurant.

Well, this is it pals. My very last post. 

For my last week, I decided to fill a stocking full of candy canes, hot chocolate packages, jujubes, wafers, etc. when I was home for the holidays. I then drove out to a Tim Hortons closest to my hometown, which is in Sturgeon-Falls, to have a coffee with my brother and to leave the stocking and a card on a table. 

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Not long after I put it down, an employee who was washing the tables came across the stocking and thought someone had accidently forgot it behind. She brought it behind the counter and opened the unsealed envelope and read the card out loud to her coworker. The card said: “I hope you enjoy every delight in this stocking as well as every other that will present itself to you in the New Year. Happy and Safe Holidays to you and your loved ones.” They both immediately sported a sheer look of glee on their faces and they shared a laugh.  

I can’t however take the credit for this idea as it wasn’t mine. Véronique, a friend of mine who has been nothing but supportive throughout the length of this project, not only suggested doing this but also took a part in it. She bought a treat, wrote a note and left it at Brasseurs des temps, a local brewery/restaurant in Hull, for someone else to stumble upon it.
  

It’s unbelievable how incredible some people are. Thank you Véronique for being wonderful. 

Alas, this wraps up my year long project. I am very happy to say that I have successfully carried this through until the very end. It feels great to have accomplished this commitment that I took upon myself and in result, to witness the positive reactions and incredible support. I’d like to thank everyone who has commented, reached out to help, suggested or simply “liked” my posts throughout the year. This, amongst other reasons, acted as the best kind of encouragement to keep me going. So thank you all. 

To read my overall thoughts on the project, click here.

Thanks for reading, you’re all pretty darn great. 
Have a wonderful 2014.
G. 

Week Fifty One: Wrapping Presents with the BIA to Raise Money for the Local Food Bank.

This year, I had a bit of trouble to get into the spirit of the holidays. I’ve been busy and didn’t do much shopping since my brothers took care of most of it - which also means little to no present wrapping, which I really enjoy doing and gets me very much into Christmas. So I figured I’d lend a hand to my local BIA, (the Bank Street BIA), whom I saw were organizing a present wrapping station and accepting donations for the Centretown Emergency Food Centre. Two birds one stone, I thought!

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

They also had a food donation box as well as a clothing drop-off, which I found perfect since I could drop off the food donations I collected from the people in my apartment building in October. 

Overall, it proven to be a really fun time; I got to meet some great people and am now feeling the Christmas cheer a bit more!

Now next week will be the last act of kindness for my project. I can't believe it's already been a year since I started... It's been a good one. 
Stay tuned for week fifty two!  

G.

Week Fifty: Sending a Gift Card to the Local Fire Fighters.

As a way to thank the local men and women who puts everything on the line for the sake of everyone’s safety, I decided to send these selfless people a gift certificate for a coffee shop. Every day, these fire fighters come into work not knowing what to expect of their day, so this is my way to restore a little bit of normal in their lives – and what better way to do this over a coffee with some coworkers? 

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Here’s to wishing them a happy and safe holiday and an even safer new year.

G.   

Week Forty Nine: Surprise Shoveling a Neighbour’s Entrance While No One’s Home.

Shoveling sucks.

Everyone hates it. It’s the last thing you want to do after seeing 5 feet of snow accumulate on your front porch. Nope – I’ll tell you what you want to do. You want to curl up in a ball in front of a fire or some sort of artificial heat next to your feline friends and only wake up when spring starts to show its dewy and warm face again. I get it.

This is why I thought it would be nice to do one of my neighbours a favour. After a massive snowfall this week, I decided to grab a shovel, go over to my neighbour’s yard and shovel their entrance while they were away. I thought it might be a nice surprise for them to come home to.

G.

Week Forty Eight: Leaving Change at a Food Vending Machine.

There’s nothing worse than having a snack attack and having no change to buy anything at the vending machine closest to you. This week, I decided to take some change, put it in an envelope and then tape it on a vending machine.

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Being Hangry is not a favourable state, so knowing that there might have one less snack attack in the world makes me happy.

G. 

Week Forty Seven: Sprinkling Salt on a Patch of Ice at a Bus Stop.

I was out on a stroll the other day and I noticed that the sidewalk conditions were less than favourable for walking enjoyment. Then when I turned around, I saw someone fall on an icy patch on their way to catch the bus. This is when I decided to get some salt and lay it around the exact bus stop at which this person fell.

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Hopefully this reduced the amount of dangerous tumbles at this high traffic area, or at least preventing rips in a pair of jeans or two.    

G.

Week Forty Six: Slipping a Note in a Book at a Used Book Store.

There’s something about going through secondhand items that just brings me the best of joys. That feeling of satisfaction you get from discovering a unique gem for cheap is like none other, but the bulk of the fun comes with the imagery guessing game you create in your mind of the previous owner. Coming across markings, particular scents, signatures, etc. – you can’t help but create this mythical story of the person that it formerly belonged to. So this week, I decided to contribute to that mythical story formulating experience for someone else by slipping in a note in a book at a used book store.

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

The message was a simple yet significant one, reminding the finder of the note to live a happy one.

G.

Week Forty Five: Giving a Pair of Gloves to a Homeless Person.

“It’s so cold outside.”

The inevitable phrase that will just slip into every small talk conversation you’ll be holding for the next 6 months or so. Yep, Jack Frost is here and there’s no avoiding him.

Much like my fourth week when I started to do this project, I couldn’t help but think of that percentage of the population who don’t have the luxury to turn up the thermostat when it’s starting to get a little chilly out, or even have a shelter to warm up in. Thus, I decided to bring a pair of gloves to a homeless person in the effort of trying to help them stay warm. It was then that the woman glared at me and expressed her ardent gratitude. 

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Stay warm this winter folks.

G.

Week Forty Four: Picking Up Trash at the Movie Theatre.

This weekend, my mom and I went to go see a movie together, in good mother-daughter bonding fashion. As the movie started, the rustling sounds of popcorn and candy bags filled the room. Those familiar sounds are a must in order to fully experience the box office setting. However, the first thought that came into my mind was: “I’m pretty sure 93.9% of the floor’s surface will be covered by those bags the moment the end credits will start rolling.” I couldn’t help but think of the massive work load that the poor schmuck working the front would have to face when stepping in the dark popcorn filled room after everyone has left. So as soon the movie was ending, I decided to pick up the extra bags that my messy single serving theatre buddies left behind in my surroundings. 

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject 

It may not have been a lot, but it was that much less for the poor usher to pick up.

G.

Week Forty Three: Leaving a Pumpkin at Someone's Doorstep for Halloween.

I remember one of the rituals I enjoyed the most about Halloween growing up was carving a pumpkin. To this day, I still do enjoy it greatly. The carving, the smell, cooking the seeds, etc. I wanted to offer that experience to someone else. I was walking through the neighbourhood this week and I noticed there were plenty of houses lacking of pumpkins on their porches. So I went and bought one and left it at a pumpkin-less house with a note. I hope this enhanced their Halloween experience!

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Special thanks to Marianne who gave me this wonderful idea!  

G.

k4k Contributors!

Lately, some fellow friends have been reaching out, wishing to participate in any way they can in this project of mine. These messages encouraged me greatly, so about a week ago, I made a call out to anyone interested in contributing - to further expand this ripple effect of kindness spreading. I asked them to send me a picture of their good deeds so I could share them with everyone. Every time I will get a new picture, I will update this post! All photos can be found on my Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kcontributors

So here they are - their inspiring stories: 

1) Véronique - Bringing Food to a Soup Kitchen.

Submitted by Véronique, an old University classmate. 

Véronique selflessly brought carrots over to her neighbourhood's soup kitchen in Hull this week to help those who are less fortunate. Véro will also be doing some volunteering at this location. She is the definition of a good samaritan. 

Photo sent by Véronique. #k4kcontributors

2) Marianne - Helping Out a Stranded Stranger. 

Submitted by Marianne, my brother’s girlfriend. 

Marianne was coming back from visiting her sister late one night and noticed this gentleman stuck on the side of the road. The man had run out of gas and didn't own a cell phone, so Marianne decided to drive back to her sister's place to get a canister of gas to help the poor man out. About 40 minutes later, the man's gas tank was filled with enough gas for him to get home safely. He offered money to thank her but she had a feeling he probably didn't have much to spare. Instead, she asked that he pay it forward. 

Funney enough, the man told her that earlier that day, he had seen a post on Kijiji from a woman in the area who had lost a ring for which she held a high sentimental value. He happened to have a metal detector so he set out to help her. After a lenghty search, the man found the ring and contacted the distressed woman in order to give it back to who it belonged. A classic tale of what goes around comes around.   

Photos sent by Marianne. #k4kcontributors

3) Maxime - Heartfelt Homemade Cards to Coworkers.

Submitted by Maxime, a friend!

Maxime decided to write up some homemade card and distribute them to her coworkers as a sign of appreciation of the work they do.  

Regram from Maxime. @maxnicholas333 #k4kcontributors

Maxime will be joining me in my project and doing one act of kindness per week starting in November until the end of the year! 

I mean, how much more awesome can one get?

Week Forty Two: Giving Directions to a Stranger.

This week’s gesture is small and common, but a very helpful one. As I was rushing on my way to work one morning, a stranger stopped me on the street for directions. My bus was just about to arrive so I was debating on whether to stop or not in fear of being late for work. I figured, why not – this might help the person tremendously. So I did, and even assisted the person to her destination as it was on my way. Turns out I was able to help the person out and make it for my bus on time. 

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

Sometimes helping someone out does not require the least bit of sacrifices. 

G.

Week Forty One: Giving a Pair of Shoelaces to a Homeless Person.

Every morning, I see this homeless man sitting in front of the grocery store on my bike ride to work. Every morning, I see him compassionately saying hello to all the passersby, never disrupting anyone nor causing trouble. This morning, I decided to hand him something that we don’t necessarily think as being important but that is almost imperative to our everyday lives; shoelaces. With the cooler weather creeping up on us, I thought it would be a good thing for him to have an extra pair of in his possession. 

Instagram: @geneseguin. #k4kproject

This was the biggest smile I’ve seen anyone give in a long time.   

G.

Week Forty: Starting a Small Food Drive.

Week 40; my project will reach its end in twelve weeks. What a self-reflective journey this has been so far. Every week I strive to be more creative and original with my gestures, hoping to affect, help and inspire and the responses has been incredible. Thanks to all who have been fallowing and supporting me throughout this past year.

This week, October was my muse. A transitional and colourful month, where thanks are given and frights are had. Hunger, however, never takes a break no matter the time of year. According to Free the Children’s website, 870 million around the world go hungry and from 2008 to 2012, there was a 31% increase in use of food banks. These numbers are horrifying to me – even more than David Hasselhoff’s performance in any movie, ever. 
So I thought I’d do my share and for Halloween, instead of collecting candy like I used to as a kid, this year, I’ll be collecting canned goods and distributing them to those in need (and save my teeth the aches). I took a box, stuck a note on it and left it in my building’s entrance. At the end of the month, I’ll be bringing whatever I collected to the local food bank. 

Instagram: @geneseguin #k4kproject

Hopefully my neighbours will get in the Halloween spirit and help scare the hunger away.  

G.

Week Thirty Nine: Leaving a Single Use Camera on a Restaurant Patio Table.

I’ve been getting back into photography lately. There’s something about capturing a moment in still life that fascinates me.  Moments that can never be recreated and seen through a third party's lens. Moments that would probably pass right by you if they weren’t being documented; memories are created with a single picture. It’s a feeling and a power like no other.

So I decided to pass on that opportunity to a stranger. I bought a single use camera and wrote a tiny note. After taking a picture of the note with the camera, I left both items on a random restaurant patio table on my way to work. 

My goal was to remind the stranger who would come across it to celebrate and remember everyday moments and experiences, as they often seem to go unnoticed while being caught up in our routines. What better location to leave the camera than a restaurant, I thought, where daily and/or weekly meetings between friends and family occur.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

I’m hoping it pushed that person to enjoy and think about the pleasures and people he/she surrounded him/herself with on a daily basis. It's these little things collectively that makes us who we are.

G.

Week Thirty Eight: Paying for the Next Customer’s Coffee.

As I walked into Bridgehead to grab a coffee and read a bit before going to work one day this week, a thought went through my mind. “Why not leave a bit of spare change with the cashier to cover the next person’s coffee tab?”, I thought. The cashier looked at me when I proposed this and asked: “Why?” with a confused smile on her face. “Because I feel like it,” I said, “It’s that kind of day,” I responded. She beamed at this simple yet refreshing response and kept two dollars on the side. “Have a great day,” she said. “Oh, I will,” I replied, and went about with my day.    

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

G.

Week Thirty Seven: Buying Time for a Stranger’s Expired Parking Ticket.

As I was biking in the market this morning, I noticed a by-law officer roaming around the parked cars. He was viciously sticking tickets onto people’s windshields. “Hmm,” I thought, “maybe I could spare a poor sap from getting a ticket.” So I put a dollar in the machine and looked around for an almost expired ticket on a dashboard. I found one with 5 minutes to go so I tucked the new ticket under their windshield.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

I did a couple of errands in the area and about fifteen minutes later, I saw the owner and a friend standing next to their vehicle, laughing and taking pictures of the mysteriously newly acquired ticket. As I usually don’t see the reactions of my “victims of kindness”, this sight really put a smile on my face.

It was nice to see the affect that a small thoughtful thing can have on others.   

G.

Week Thirty Six: Leaving a Little Taste of Summer in a Random Mailbox.

This week, Summer consumed and inspired me. I wanted to do something topical so I decided to head to the grocery store and get the most summer-inspired drink there is; ice tea. I wrote a small note and dropped it off in a random mailbox in the Glebe.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

I’m hoping this gave the recipient of this beverage a little push to go out and experience the last bits of the season with the people who mean the most to them.

G.

Week Thirty Five: Leaving Change at a Pay Phone in a Bus Terminal.

Yesterday, as I was traveling back from Newmarket for the Labour Day long weekend, I noticed a couple of Bell pay phones in the Toronto Union Station Greyhound bus terminal. I figured it would be nice to leave some change behind - perhaps for someone who’s phone died and desperately needed to call a loved one to come pick them up, or for an international traveler who did not have the change in the right currency in order to call a friend? 

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

Who knows who actually used it. All I hope is for that one phone call to have helped someone out in some way.

G. 

Week Thirty Four: Helping Some Good Friends Move.

Losing yet another close friend to the city of Toronto! Danielle, an old friend of mine and ex-roommate of four years, got accepted in the Masters degree at York so her and her boyfriend Ryan are packing up their bags and moving to the big city. Danielle had asked me if I could help them out with packing up a load for their first trip and I agreed without hesitation. I know how physically taxing and stressful a move can be and so I thought I’d help them out. I know they would definitely do the same for me.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

Wishing them all the luck - I couldn’t be happier for the two!

G.  

Week Thirty Three: Leaving a Kind Message to City Workers.

As hard working folks, city employees who do the garbage and recycling run deserve much respect and recognition for their profession. This week I thought it would be nice to leave them a little note, thanking them for keeping our city clean.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

A working class hero is something to be.

G.

Week Thirty Two: Writing Up an Employee Review for Excellent Customer Service.

Everyone who knows me well knows that I’ve been having the worst luck with my bike lately. As I use it for long distance commuting every day, the poor thing takes quite the beating. Getting flat tires have become a regular occurrence in my life – and of course this week, it happened on my way to work. Luckily for me, I was close enough to my workplace that I could just walk the rest of the distance and was able to get a ride home from my awesome coworker after my shift.

The next morning, I went to get the tube tire replaced. I would usually change it myself, but as I was a bit short on time, I decided to go in Kunstadt, the nearest bike store to my place in order to try to get it done for me. I told the person working there I only had 45 minutes to spare (har har, bike puns) – and he responded by saying that he could have it done in 15 minutes tops.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

Sure enough, 15 minutes later, the deed was done. As I was paying, he gave me tips and tricks as well as a free spare part that would help me put air in my tires. Before heading out the store, I asked what his name was and thanked him for all of his help.

I wrote up an Employee Review for him because it’s always great to receive positive feedback from costumers. He was great at his job and he enjoys what he does, which showed and he should be rewarded for that.

Too often do people tend to focus on the negative situations that happened with clients in a day, so I wanted to have a positive impact on his day – the same way he had one on mine.

G.

Week Thirty One: Helping Out a First Time Greyhound Traveler.

Having traveled, I know how stressful it can be to have a destination but not knowing exactly where it is. 

On the bus going home from Ottawa this past long weekend, a shy young girl travelling alone sitting behind me asked me if I knew how much longer it would take to get to Sudbury. After telling her, I asked her where exactly she was going. She said that she was hoping to get dropped up in Markstay, which is a smaller town located right before Sudbury. I told her that since the bus was doing a local route and hitting small towns along the way, that maybe the town she wanted to get picked up in was already in the itinerary. I told her to follow me as I went to ask the bus driver if this was indeed already in the plan. The bus driver said: "No, not usually, but we can this time!"

After the bus driver and the girl finished talking, she came back to sit down behind me again and genuinely thanked me for the trouble I went through to help her out. 

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

As I arrived at my location, I gave my goodbyes to the girl, wished her good luck and thanked the Greyhound driver. I told him that he was the best one I've had in over 6 years of taking the intercity bus. 

Everything is so much easier and pleasant when we just help each other out. 

G.   

Week Thirty: Bringing a Bag of Food to a Homeless Couple.

This week’s big 3-0 gesture goes out to my amazing mother who always seems to inspire me to be a better person.  

Around this time last year, she was explaining to me that an itinerant was hanging around the chipstand that she owns near Sudbury. Everest was a harmless, kind and hungry man, who would keep to himself and not harass anyone for money. My mom, not being able to stand seeing anyone struggle, felt bad for the fellow and started giving a free meal once in a while. Some loyal customers started noticing this. One day, one man gave my mother some money and told her to make Everest anything he wanted. This other woman, who saw this occur, did the same, which also encouraged a kid to give the rest of his change to the homeless man. Next thing you know, Everest had a couple bucks in his pocket and was able to sustain and nourish himself for a little while. A couple of days later, a cop car drove up to the chipstand. The police were there to take Everest away in order to find him a shelter and to help him get back on his feet. As the police car drove away, Everest’s last words to my mom were: “Thank you for everything. I’ll never forget you.”

Where is Everest now? We don’t know. We can only hope that those couple of days stay at my mom’s chipstand not only gave him more time, but the right moral support to inspire him to help himself as well.

What amazed me from this story was the ripple effect that one little gesture initiated, which eventually grew to bigger and better things.

So this week, I decided to do my own version of this by prepping a little bag of food and dropping it off to someone in need. The designated recipients were a couple sitting on the street and who seemed to be struggling a lot. I asked them if they were hungry and with a despaired look in their eyes, they responded with a yes. I handed over the bag and they both thanked me repeatedly, sporting the biggest smiles on their faces. 

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

I also have to add that this week, I was also inspired by one of Herdmag’s article in their 4^th issue named HighJinx, Antiques & Vintage Oddities With A Serving Of Soul. I highly recommend grabbing one and reading that very well written piece. In a nutshell, it talks about HighJinx, a locally-owned antique shop in Ottawa who strives to help out vulnerable people in the community with the money that they raise selling unique treasures and pieces. They think and operate outside the box by adopting a very different business model, and they know how to make it work. An article well worth reading.   

It makes me happy that there are some good folks out there. I’m also delighted and feel fortunate enough that my mother is one of them.

G.

Week Twenty Nine: Bringing Cold Treats to Coworkers on an Unbearably Warm Day.

I think all of you can agree with me that this week was brutal. I think I’ve sweated in ways that I’ve never sweated before. Especially at work since our AC isn’t the best. I started noticing that some of my coworkers were getting really affected by the heat so I decided to go out and get a couple of slushies for them. They were really grateful upon receiving them and instantly felt refreshed.  

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

It’s funny how a small thing such as that can really lift up everyone’s spirits.

G.

Week Twenty Eight: No More Squeaky Doors For Our Neighbours.

My roommate and I recently moved, and we’re loving our new place. However, since it is an older building, the hinges on the doors seemed to be squeaking a lot. Since I ALWAYS have WD-40 close to my disposal (those who know me well knows that this is true), I gave all the doors in our apartment a good spray down. Good as new.

Then, when we first met our neighbours as they were stepping out of their apartment, I noticed that their door also seemed like it was one coming straight out of The Crypt Keeper. So I decided to bring out my trustee WD-40 and spray their hinges as well.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

Now they won’t have to fear imagining the worst sound ever every time they step in or out of their apartment.

G. 

Week Twenty Seven: Helping Out with a Scholarship Fundraising Car Wash.

On Sunday, my friend Seb called me up to see if I felt like giving a hand with a car wash that his friend was organizing. It was a pretty relaxing Sunday, I didn’t have too much on the go. Why not? I said. When I got into Seb’s car, he explained to me that his friend’s dad passed away about three years ago. Since then, his friend has been dedicated to raise funds for a $1000 financial aid scholarship he created in honour of his dad.

When we got to the Saint Laurent Complex, there were already a couple of friends with their cars lined up to support this cause, some offering up 20 dollar bills per wash. Seb and I stayed for a couple hours, but I was informed that from around 11am to 3pm, they raised a total of $175. It was one of three car washes that was organized.

Instagram: genesguin. #k4kproject

Truly inspirational.

G.

Week Twenty Six: Rallying Shopping Carts at the Pharmacy.

This week, when I was at Shopper’s, I noticed a ton of shopping carts scattered everywhere around the entrance. It seemed like a pretty busy night for them so I thought I might help out. I gathered all the carts and placed them in a neat row to hopefully simplify one employee’s evening.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

Might have not been a grand gesture, but in my opinion, it’s the little thing that counts and mean more.

G. 

Week Twenty Five: Recycling an Abandoned Box of Trash.

This week I was biking through Sandy Hill, and saw this apartment building with a box full of trash on the front step. Anyone who knows the area, knows that at times there can be some messy students that forget to pick up after themselves. I decided to get rid of that eye sore and recycle or throw out all the contents from the box.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

It may not have been a lot, but it’s one less box of trash lying around.

G.    

Week Twenty Four: Father’s Day Card by Mail.

To follow up last month’s Mother’s Day gesture, I decided to do the same for my papa. My father might not be fully aware of how much of an influence he’s had in my life, but every day I owe him for instilling in me the passion I now have for music and the arts. I also included one of the oldest picks I own in the card to show him my appreciation for taking the time to show me how to play guitar. 

To fathers everywhere, thank you for your continuous inspiration.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

Happy Father’s Day!

G. 

Week Twenty Three: Weeding a Flowerbed at the University of Ottawa.

As I was walking by the University this week, I noticed that the flowerbeds were really starting to flourish. I also noticed that there were some weeds that were taking away from the full potential prettiness of these said beds. I weeded an area, thinking that it might alleviate the landscaper’s work load by just a little the next day. 

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject

I left with a green thumb and the satisfaction that I might have helped someone out just a bit.

G.

Week Twenty Two: Sending a Card to a Friend’s Family Overseas.

I’ve been feeling rather nostalgic of my travels lately. So this week, I decided to write a nice letter to some people who mean a lot to me overseas to let them know that I was thinking about them.

When I was working in France in the summer of 2011, I decided to make the most of my sojourn and travel around Europe (obviously). I got along really well with one of my coworkers and one long weekend, she invited me along a trip to visit her parents in Saint Jean de Luz in the south western part of France. Her parents were amongst the nicest people I have ever met and accommodated to my every need and then some. They brought me around town, suggested some sites to go see, cooked for me, provided some family recipes and even packed me a lunch so I wouldn’t starve on my way back to Paris on the TGV (the high-speed trains in France). That weekend, I brought them a small gift from Paris to thank them, and have been sending them Christmas cards every year, but I thought it would be nice to send them a small letter two summers later to reiterate how much I appreciated their hospitality.

Instagram: geneseguin. #k4kproject 

Again, just because I have been thinking about my travels, a couple of pictures from my trip:

My coworker Caroline and I. 

The beautiful beaches of Saint Jean de Luz.

Enjoying the view.

The famous montagne Basque de la Rhune. 

Supper table.

Supper one night: Muscles in a white wine
and cream sauce with rice.

The very French lunch they packed for me:
a piece of baguette, cheese and a patisserie. 

I feel like I learnt a lot from them in terms of hosting and I have every intention to continue to make it a part of my lifestyle and to pay it forward.

G.