Oil on cardboard – 12 x 12 inch – Unique work

This is my first trip to Amsterdam. I am literally thrilled. I’ve been preparing for it for six months. I painted oil paintings, some watercolors too. This is an important step.

Here I am with my huge suitcase that I can hardly carry, a large painting on my shoulder and a backpack. Straight to Gare du Nord to take the Thalys. I go through the details of a hassle-free journey, of arriving at the central station right on time and finally, of discovering a great couple, with three adorable dogs, who hosted me all week.

I get to the real subject that brings me: a collective exhibition in this nice gallery located in Berenstraat in the chic center of the city. When I leave the central station, the panic …. How do I find my way without any sense of direction? Easy: I ask nice people every ten minutes to help me. And it works wonderfully! I hang my paintings, I’m so happy to be there. It is a dream come true for me.

The second day, I decide to arrive an hour earlier to stroll through the streets. More exactly, to get lost! And there, the magic happens. Typical and unique houses of their kind. Particular shapes and colors that keep attracting my attention. I’m like a child on Christmas morning discovering her gifts under the tree. Few people in the street, they are still sleeping. And those who work are already in the office! I take this opportunity to take some souvenir photos. I don’t think about potential future paintings, I’m just a tourist who enjoys what she sees.

How lucky I am to be here. I barely realize it. The canals lead me to new adventures. I cross once, twice, three times. In one direction, then in the other and then the clock is ticking, I have to find my street. I try on my own. I know I’m not very far. This is where I should go. Ah, no, in fact, I was wrong. I retrace my steps. And then …. now I’m going to be really late. I give up and decide to ask for help. I don’t regret it, with a lot of humor and simplicity, I get help from a charming Dutchman.

I open the gallery the sun in my heart. Amsterdam, what a beautiful city!