Alexandra Paucescu Goes Around the World

Alexandra has traveled the world as a diplomatic spouse. Now, after 6 years away from home, she’s returned to Romania. In our last interview, we discussed her expat life and her memoir Just a Diplomatic Spouse. This time, we’re sharing her experiences on her return to Romania and her children’s book, Boni Goes Around the World.

What inspired you to write Boni Goes Around the World?

I first thought about my own children, and how I’d like them to be inspired to discover the world, to travel and to be courageous in their choices. Knowledge is the best tool you can offer them for the future. Children need to be told from an early age that they can dream big and can achieve anything in life.

Boni Goes Around the World also emphasizes the role of family and grandparents, a touching tribute to all grandmas around the world, and to my own.

Could you please tell us a bit more about Boni Goes around the World?

Boni Goes around the World is a picture book meant to increase children’s appetite for adventure and novelty.

The book presents the fantastic journey of a little girl called Boni, who travels around the world with her grandmother in a magical adventure. From Europe to Canada, Mexico or Japan, they discover beautiful places, along with the readers.

Motivational, sensitive and educational, the book teaches kids that dreams can be fulfilled!

Aimed at children aged 5-8 and ‘early readers’, it is a bedtime story to read with your kids before letting them dream and imagine their own adventures.

I take the opportunity here to thank you (Andrea) for your input editing this book. Your advice was priceless and shaped the story into what it is today.

How has the book been received?

Since the official launch in July 2021, it has been warmly welcomed, especially by the expat community. This is an international book meant for an international audience, and it has reached many different corners of the world.

It has also been translated to German, which my kids helped with extensively, before it was submitted to an experienced editor.

I included some fun activities at the end of the story, which have proved perfect for young children. It has been used in kindergartens in this way.

The book is currently supporting the United Nations Women’s Guild charity organization, which supports children in need in various places of the world.

What brought you back to Romania?

As my husband’s diplomatic mission in Germany ended in August, we returned home to Bucharest. This is a much-needed break for us, a time to reconnect with our family and old friends. It is also a chance for our children to get to know more about their native country, where they’ve only lived for a short while.

How have you found repatriation?

It is emotionally exhausting to leave everything behind and start fresh every few years. Adapting is always challenging, no matter where you move. It takes time to feel ‘at home’ even in your own country. But we are lucky to have been welcomed so warmly and gladly, which makes the transition a lot smoother. I am trying to keep focused and busy, finding the time to fulfill all my duties but also to keep writing, my biggest passion.

Can you tell us a bit about your job?

As I originally studied Economics and have a Master in Business Administration, when we returned home, I went back to work. I am lucky to have found the perfect company that appreciates my expertise and my previous experience. It is a big change from my much calmer days abroad, but being active suits me. Between reading contracts and talking to clients, I also find time for my articles. I currently collaborate with two monthly magazines.

What’s next?

The world is big, and we never know where we are going to be a few years from now. I am open to new adventures and embrace this nomadic life with passion.

Writing offers me continuity in this fragmented expat life, no matter which country or on which continent we might be. It also offers me infinite emotional rewards. There is nothing better than to get a touching message from somebody who enjoyed reading your book or article and took the time to send you feedback. Just this morning I received such a message, and I tell you, it instantly filled me with energy! So I need to keep taking my vitamin ‘W’ (from writing ☺).

You can follow Alexandra on:
Facebook: Just a diplomatic spouse
Insta: Alexandra.Paucescu
Find Alexandra’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/

Next time: Andrea’s Christmas Book List 2021
Next interview: Bob Van Laerhoven on Alejandro’s Lie, his novel with a literary warning against autocracies