Embarking on a whirlwind tour through the Benelux region, I discovered that even amidst a series of mishaps—including misplaced luggage and a wardrobe debacle—one can still savor the delights of a European adventure. This is the tale of a journey marked by the delivery of a precious painting, the trials of travel, and the unexpected fashion choices that ensued.
I clutched the painting close, navigating through the bustling airport crowd with my hefty carry-on. The artwork, an original piece by Lee, was a gift for Claude, a collector and an old friend of the artist. As a first-time traveler to Europe, I quickly realized I had overpacked, burdened by the weight of my belongings.
Lee, a former restaurateur turned sculptor, had already been in Paris for two days, eagerly awaiting my arrival. His work, influenced by the Art Nouveau and Deco movements, was accompanied by a lifestyle of beatniks, weed, and dry martinis.
At the gate, I was informed that the painting could not be brought on board due to its size. With a $900 ticket and a priceless piece of art in hand, I was not about to leave it behind. After a tense exchange, I managed to find a spot for the painting on the plane and settled in for the flight to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Upon landing, the reality of my overpacking hit hard when my checked bag failed to appear. Worse yet, I had made the critical mistake of placing my travelers' checks inside the missing suitcase. The airline offered a meager settlement of 375 francs for the nearly $600 loss. Fortunately, American Express reissued the checks, as I had the foresight to carry the stubs in my carry-on.
Stranded in Paris without a change of clothes or money, I embraced the opportunity to adopt a French-inspired look. After receiving the airline's compensation, I indulged in a shopping spree, selecting a black velvet leotard, spiked heels, and a red tam to complete my ensemble.
Dressed in my new attire, I dragged Lee to the Eiffel Tower, determined not to miss this iconic landmark. We also explored the Musee d'Orsay, home to a vast collection of Impressionist and Post-impressionist masterpieces. A visit to the Musée Rodin offered a glimpse into the works of the renowned sculptor, including his famous "The Burghers of Calais."
Our journey continued at a breakneck pace, driving a rented Peugeot through the French countryside to Calais. We then ventured to Brussels and Luxembourg, where a chance encounter with a local led us to a charming bed and breakfast.
The trip concluded with a drive through the Black Forest and a return to the south of France. Despite the initial setbacks, the experience was unforgettable, filled with art, culture, and the thrill of the open road.
Claude was delighted with the painting, which arrived unscathed. As for me, the black leotard became a cherished memento, a reminder of the adage, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Despite the absence of luggage and the frenetic pace of our four-day European road trip, the adventure proved to be a remarkable and memorable experience.
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