In expat shoes : From Wanderlust to Belonging.
Who knew trading familiar skies for foreign horizons would be the best decision ever?! Eighteen years ago, I, Anca Benjinaru, embarked on a journey that took me from Italy’s fashion capital
(hello, Milan!) to Australia’s sun-kissed shores (where the kangaroos are always smiling). But little did I know, the Netherlands would be the real game-changer – soft, golden light, gentle whispers of Dutch windmills, and a frame that’s finally mine!
In Milan, I honed my craft under the guidance of the fabulous Alfredo Sabatini, capturing the essence of la dolce vita (because who doesn’t love gelato?). Australia’s vibrant landscapes and
daring spirit pushed me to experiment with underwater photography and wedding shoots that left critics speechless (okay, maybe not less, but they did take lots of photos).
But Eindhoven, with its soft-focus light and tranquil canals, has been my most profound exposure yet – and not just because I finally figured out how to use my camera’s soft-focus
feature! Learning Dutch has been a puzzle, but every solved piece has brought me closer to the locals and their warm hospitality. Hello, stamppot!.
I’ve discovered a sense of belonging in this quirky, wonderful country – where time stands still, and life’s beauty is revealed in everyday moments like watching the tulips grow. In the
Netherlands, I’ve found my lens, my voice, and my home. The soft light has illuminated more than just my photographs – it’s lit up my life!
And for the first time, I’m not looking for the next horizon; I’m happy to stay here, in this beautiful, beguiling country, where the windmills whisper secrets and the canals reflect the
beauty within and also reflect how happy I am to be here.
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