A Little Background.
Like I have said before, we are living in a nice but small furnished home. The size will work for a year or so, but the price is astronomical. We have this place until the 15th of August and then we can extend if we want. We have been looking for other places to stay (cheaper).
We had a nice big home in the country lined up too, but it was in such a small town that we would need to buy a second car. The nice man was going to let us rent his car, but then decided he didn't want us on his insurance (smart move), so said he would sell it to us. Not something we anticipated doing. We let that option go.
We have found a few place for rent, but the way they do rentals here in Belgium is something definitely foreign. Homes/apartments are rented for a period of 3, 6 or 9 years. That's right YEARS. If you leave early you pay a penalty. If you leave after the 1st year, you pay 3 months rent in penalties. After the 2nd year, 2 months rent in panalties, etc. An "unfurnished" apartment does not come with a refrigerator (expected) or oven (unexpected).
Back to Monday.
I find a home that has a relatively good price. The kids and I meet the homeowners, little old man and lady. They speak very little English and I speak even less French, but they give us a tour and we get along ok. The son-in-law/agent shows up and we start talking about the house and the terms. Then the little old lady says in pretty good English, "You don't speak any French?". "No I don't" I say "But we are learning and the children have been accepted at the French speaking school in Hamme-Mille." "This no work for you. You cannot live here." Ouch. A little dose of discrimination. That kinda sucks.
Every house we have found that the price could work is already rented. We might just change our plans again. Stop stressing about where to live and what school our children will be accepted at and just enjoy the 3 weeks we have left in this truly scenic country.
©ColleenFisher
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