I was completely shocked when I got the email from Beulah and Ziggy. I was never expecting to be accepted! I had applied late one night after one too many wines and thought “what the hell”- without truly thinking about the future.

Once I was accepted my brain kind of went into logistics mode and I also had a lot of hesitation about leaving my family for that long. My husband was incredibly supportive. As if I needed any more confirmation that he was the best man in the world he said “Babe, you have to do this, without question you’re going”.

There was a cost to going- we have to make our own way there and pay to help cover costs of accommodation and food etc, but the majority is covered by the Denis Diderot Grant.

The payments on my part of made in instalments over about 12 months so it’s manageable.

As it was getting closer the reality of the whole thing came crashing into me. What the hell was I doing? My main concern was my children- they are still young 6 & 8 and are quite attached to their Mumma! My husband is amazing (as I said before) and we had my Mum and parents in law to help so I knew they would logistically be alright. But 2.5 weeks without their Mum was going to be rough.

- I was pretty honest about the fact that I was going and we tried to keep it positive. I would drop it into conversation every now and then so it wasn’t a surprise when the time came to leave.

- I made up a 4 week calendar with pictures for the kids so they knew exactly what was going to happen, who was with them and special activities they could look forward to.

- I made a jar of love notes (some emotional, some funny, some silly games etc) that they could get out whenever they needed.

- During our many cuddles and special “sleep in Mummy’s bed” nights I made plans of fun things we can do together when I get back.

- I gave them a tiny hug bear each. Special tiny little bears that they can squeeze and take them everywhere.

- E-mailed their teachers and gave them the heads up.

Bought them Pop Tarts- a little bit of sugar bribery goes a long way! 

I also needed to send my art supplies over to the Chateau before I went. I was fortunate enough to have about 25 ready made stretcher frames gifted to me by a friends father who had passed away. I hope he is happy another artist can use them. I measured and cut all my canvas beforehand so I can easily paint and get started once I'm over there.

I had a lot of trouble with my usual pack and send (tried to charge me over $600!), but the cheapest option was to send canvas in a mailing tube and a small box of paint over with Australia post. It cost about $350 all up. I triple wrapped my paint in plastic just in case of any mid air explosions. Then I tightly packed it with cardboard either side and secured it all with tape.

I have also been thinking a lot about what sort of work I’m going to do while I’m there. I want to make the most of it.

Unfortunately my flights via Dubai had to be cancelled so I booked more expensive flights with Cathay Pacific. Ooft about $1500 more!!

I ended up paying for the extra legroom seats on every leg and I have to say- it was so so good. The second flight was overnight so it was wonderful to have my legs free while I attempted sleep.

I had a 9 hour layover in Hong Kong so I booked a lounge pass with Plaza Premium First. I think it was about $200. But included in that was food, drinks, massage and shower. I enjoyed it all! (Wynton made me a delightful espresso martini!) and I managed to get two hours sleep in one of the comfy chairs. I felt comfortable, safe and refreshed after a shower.

I had never flown with Cathay Pacific before and it was really lovely. (As far as economy can be lovely!)

After what felt like a million hours in transit, I arrived in Paris at 8am.

After a quick face time with the family and up I was tired and emotional. I couldn’t muster the energy for another train/ walk situation so I got a taxi from the airport to the hotel. €65. I think I may have fallen asleep on the 30 min drive.

I arrived to my hotel with the worst news you can hear after traveling for 48 hours.

“Your room isn’t ready for another 5 hours.”

I used their facilities to freshen up, get changed, brush my teeth etc and ventured out to find coffee and a pharmacy to get something for my pounding head. 1000mg of paracetamol and two (terrible) coffees later I felt slightly human again.

I found a little patisserie next to a pretty park filled with cherry blossoms. I sat there and ate my treats until I got too cold (it was about 10 degrees at that point). I was lucky enough that when I got back to my hotel around 12:30 I could head up to my room. 

I then proceeded to sleep for 13 hours!