Arriving in France

Amsterdam Airport - Starbucks. Really!

After five hours of glorious - repeat, glorious sleep I wake up in France feeling wonderful. I've been flying for 24 hours. Lying down on a very comfortable bed for 5 hours is just what this body needed. 

Arrived at night

Six hours ago I was alone outside Marseille airport at 1 am. I mean alone. Not a soul in sight. No cars, no porters and no taxis. I called my hotel and was answered by Andre. "Andre, can you send a shuttle?" 

"Alors, too late Madame". 

"Andre, can you call a cab?" 

"You don't understand Madame, Francois Holland, the economy, the state of the democracy, the people are having a very hard time, many are striking." 

Welcome gift from Andre.

"C'est la vie," I agreed - "but Andre, I am an optimist, you can find me something."

Ten minutes later a nice young man pulled up in an Audi. Not a taxi, but working for a different hotel, Andre sent him to find me. I asked for a fare, he suggested 10 euros. I paid 20. 

I think French food has less calories.

The hotel was comfortable. I slept well.  Refreshed and fed with not one, but two croissants.  Je suis arrivée en France!

Now, to find my delayed baggage.

I'm about to take off....

I'm about to take off.... literally. 

June 1st, I'm heading off to Europe for the Summer to paint. Most of the time I will be traveling solo. I have a few places in mind to visit. But, for the most part this trip is an empty canvas. I'm a nomad thinking about the South of France, the North of France, Italy, Scotland and maybe Sweden - not necessarily in  that order. 

As the adventure awaits the excitement builds. I have to put my entire studio and home into storage over the next 2 weeks. The to-do list is long indeed. 

So I invite you to follow me and share the journey which I will be blogging. 

Of course, I am organizing the Chateau Retreat for Artists June 19 - 28 near Avignon, and again in September 11 - 20. I believe there is still room for an artist or two.

Adieu,
Julie