Spinning Round and Round

Today was kind of a sour day on this lemonade trip.  We spent the afternoon at the city building trying to register as temporary residents. Apparently the Belgium Consulate and web site is a little off.  We were told we, as a family, could "piggy-back" on Brent's work visa and information while staying here, but really we can't.  We need our marriage license, birth certificates for children and a background check for me done, all authenticated by someone (Maybe the Leuitenent Governor in Utah like we had to do for Brent?)  All good things to know before our arrival here.  I had a month to wait around in Arizona.  I do have the birth certificates.  So, that was a bust.

On to the bank so we can get Brent's check deposited later this month and not pay anymore currency exchange charges.  Maybe we will have better luck there.  No can do.  You can't create a bank account without your letter stating you are a resident of the city and the police coming to your door to verify that you live there.  Craziness.  I think I need a piece of Belgium chocolate for my headache (or maybe the whole box).

©ColleenFisher

Beach Trip

Today we went to the North Sea, somewhere near Brugge. I remember from high school German class (which honestly I don't remember much from) that lots of Germans took Holiday there.  I also remember thinking they were crazy.  Sun bathing and swimming in the North Sea?  Wouldn't they practically freeze to death?  What fun is that? I found myself  pleasantly surprised.  The weather was wonderful.  The water about as cold as the Pacific Ocean near California.

Mentioning California brings me to another point.  I am thinking this kind of beach is my beach.  I saw no abnormally sized breast and lipo-suctioned bodies.  What I did see was that most of the people had cellulite and/or stretch marks.  Normal looking bodies.  I felt right at home in my bikini.

©ColleenFisher

Rocking Leuvan Parties

Every Friday night in July the city blocks off their Markts (city centers) and sets up stages with bands rocking the night away.  We visited three different stages and then one kid was tired, another had a tummy ache and the third wanted to go wee, wee, wee all the way home because he was bored.  We just got home (11 pm) and the party is still going strong. That was our happening night.

©ColleenFisher

The coolest playground EVER.

The people who we rent the house we are staying in suggested a park near their home that they thought the kids would like.  We went and checked it out tonight.  They sure know how to make the kids imaginations soar.  We were there until the guards locked the gate at 9.

Ecohaus

©ColleenFisher

A New Day

Brent got up early  this morning to get some food from the bakery down the street.  Bakery is still closed. Called a taxi to pick up Brent for work and to get our car.  Kids are still asleep.  No one grumpy yet. Phew. I join the kids back in slumberland and we are all still sleeping when Brent comes home after lunchtime.

We find a place called the Lunch Garden to eat.  "Mom, we want breakfast". Sorry kids it's even past lunchtime and there is no Denny's in sight.  Can't read much of the menu.  This language barrier might be tougher than I thought.  Settle on what looks like hamburger.  Pretty safe. "We will take 4 hamburgers, fries and a small cup of soup." That is exactly what we got.  Hamburger (no bun or fixings of any kind) next to a bed a fries.  Ketchup is extra.

On to our next adventure.  Grocery shopping.  Normally I am pretty good.  I have my scheduled menu and know what I need at the store.  That is great when everything is in English and you can make your way around a store.  My usual shopping trip of 30 minutes, took 2 hours and I am still not quite sure what we are having for dinner the next couple of nights.  I need the software for the Minute Menu Plan done Yesterday!

©ColleenFisher

Now, Where did I Put that Panic Button!

Surprisingly the flight from Phoenix to London went great.  The layover was tolerable and the flight to Brussels just fine too. Arrived in Belgium early evening...1st stop, the bathroom with Shea.  A sign on the door warning of child prostitution, no lie.  Freaking Out a little bit.  Walked out of the airport to find a taxi to take us to our new home.  No taxis big enough to handle our crowd of five.  Walked back into the airport.  Asked every single rent-a-car place for a lease, none available.  Went to the info desk, placed a call to a taxi service company.  They had to call in the BIG van that fit 7.  Phew.

Got to our rental house.  Little, but cute.  Found out that all the stores/restaurants around close at 8 pm.....past 8 pm, CRAP.  Kids starving.  Brent raids the owners cupboards and find rice and some sort of spinach dish.  Try to serve to the kids.  Guess they aren't that hungry after all.  Go to sleep, we will get food in the morning. Everyone getting grumpy.  "I hate Belgium" is already echoing of the walls.  DOUBLE CRAP.  Feeling paniced.  Forgot to pack the panic button.  CRAP, CRAP, CRAP.  Got to go to sleep.

©ColleenFisher

Launch Date

Last night I was laying in bed, feeling the realization that tomorrow is the day.  I am excited, scared, nervous and just plain second-guessing this decision to move my family 1/2 way across the world.  We have had a great time in Arizona this past month, especially my oldest.  He does not want to leave his cousins. I feel his pain.  Saying goodbye is just one of my least favorite words in the English dictionary.

But, after all is said and done, the reasons to go still outweigh the reasons to stay, as it is in any relationship.  So I say, "Bring it on Belgium, I'm ready for you."  (I think/hope)