Well, I had my first ever experience of driving a right-hand drive car on the left-hand side of the road. Yes, it was a strange feeling, but I was amazed at how quickly I adapted. For the most part I had no difficulties, except for that split second when I would see a car coming and think, "he's in my lane...oh, no, we are okay."
I also used my new GPS in a totally strange place and could not believe that it actually worked, though it took me down some very "iffy" roads, LOL.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
A More Comfortable Home
Well, my own things were delivered today, and unpacked. Five hours for four guys, a truck and a fancy lift machine to complete the job.
Elevators are quite small here so instead of carrying all the items up the elevator, they simply hooked a lift machine up to the 6th floor balcony and sent it up. The movers themselves only had to move boxes a few feet, sometimes unpacking them right on the balcony and sending the large boxes back down.
It is amazing how having the rest of your clothes, photographs and linens can make you feel so much more at home. Have to say the little concrete statue of a schnauzer is absolutely one of my favorite pieces. He's my buddy, my guard dog.
The house is a total mess, but the echos are gone and it is like Christmas digging through the piles finding familiar things. Once I get it all put away and organized I will be most happy to host my friends in my (hopefully) warm and welcoming home.
Elevators are quite small here so instead of carrying all the items up the elevator, they simply hooked a lift machine up to the 6th floor balcony and sent it up. The movers themselves only had to move boxes a few feet, sometimes unpacking them right on the balcony and sending the large boxes back down.
It is amazing how having the rest of your clothes, photographs and linens can make you feel so much more at home. Have to say the little concrete statue of a schnauzer is absolutely one of my favorite pieces. He's my buddy, my guard dog.
The house is a total mess, but the echos are gone and it is like Christmas digging through the piles finding familiar things. Once I get it all put away and organized I will be most happy to host my friends in my (hopefully) warm and welcoming home.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
New Friends in Belgium
I think I have found a group of people to share some great times with here in Belgium. This is an international city with lots of people, government entities and military. With Germany and NATO being here, there are lots of military and ex-military people everywhere. I was looking to meet others to ride my motorcycle with and literally stumbled upon a Harley Davidson club of mostly American military service members.
My bike has not yet arrived, probably won't until late December, so I have nothing to ride. I was surprised to be asked to ride with someone else. I thought about it for a while and decided to go for it. While it became a bit physically uncomfortable by the end of a long day, the ride was excellent as was the camaraderie.
I have since spent a bit more time with these people and find that I always have a great time with them. As a group they are active in community events and put lots of miles under them, while emphasizing safety and mentorship of new riders.
While I'm familiar with people who ride together for safety and fun, I'm new to the idea of a official structured club, but I'm warming to the idea. Good friends make ALL the difference in how enjoyable life becomes.
While I truly miss my "old" friends (by the simple virtue of being physically separated), I will treasure new ones.
My bike has not yet arrived, probably won't until late December, so I have nothing to ride. I was surprised to be asked to ride with someone else. I thought about it for a while and decided to go for it. While it became a bit physically uncomfortable by the end of a long day, the ride was excellent as was the camaraderie.
I have since spent a bit more time with these people and find that I always have a great time with them. As a group they are active in community events and put lots of miles under them, while emphasizing safety and mentorship of new riders.
While I'm familiar with people who ride together for safety and fun, I'm new to the idea of a official structured club, but I'm warming to the idea. Good friends make ALL the difference in how enjoyable life becomes.
While I truly miss my "old" friends (by the simple virtue of being physically separated), I will treasure new ones.
Friday, October 8, 2010
King of Spain
Exploring Brussels is an experience. I've been to a few places of note in the city. One of the nicest was the La'Roy (short hand for the La Royale d Espagne' - means the King of Spain). It is a famous Tavern in Grand Place (Grote Market) built in 1697. It served as the Bakers' guild building and was named for, of course the King of Spain, Charles II who was ruler of the southern Netherlands, which included Belgium at the time. All the buildings around the Grand Place are gorgeous, this one is full of beautiful wood and a central fireplace.
Note to the older generation of those who love me: Unfortunately, virtually every place of interest in Belgium is connected to drinking in some way. Pubs are greater in number here than Walgreen's back home. Please know that I take my health seriously and will always moderate.
I went out with a local last week who explained to me that there used to be many, many little theatres in Brussels that used marionettes to entertain and inform the locals. Only a couple remain, and of course, they are pubs. He said that the content of the shows was the news of the day and usually presented in the form of comedy with characters poking fun of the politics--Boy, could we use more of that!! The marionettes can be found decorating many places around town, including the La'Roy. They are about 24 inches high and very ornately made.
Part of the character of this city is that they are a bit irreverent of what is happening outside of their daily lives. I am coming to appreciate their point of view.
Note to the older generation of those who love me: Unfortunately, virtually every place of interest in Belgium is connected to drinking in some way. Pubs are greater in number here than Walgreen's back home. Please know that I take my health seriously and will always moderate.
I went out with a local last week who explained to me that there used to be many, many little theatres in Brussels that used marionettes to entertain and inform the locals. Only a couple remain, and of course, they are pubs. He said that the content of the shows was the news of the day and usually presented in the form of comedy with characters poking fun of the politics--Boy, could we use more of that!! The marionettes can be found decorating many places around town, including the La'Roy. They are about 24 inches high and very ornately made.
Part of the character of this city is that they are a bit irreverent of what is happening outside of their daily lives. I am coming to appreciate their point of view.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Six Months
The first 6 months are always the hardest. I remember this from my last (first) post.
The tour is 2 years. You spend the first 6 months getting settled and the last 6 months preparing to leave. I've been here about 6 weeks and it is still a struggle. In my last job I knew what I was doing and how to get things done. In this job, I don't. Everything takes longer and more energy than it seems like it should. Being alone is new for me and it takes time to meet good friends. I also have never lived without a car.
As I said I'm only 6 weeks in. So I will have a bit more patience with myself and give it time. I'm sure it will all come together.
The tour is 2 years. You spend the first 6 months getting settled and the last 6 months preparing to leave. I've been here about 6 weeks and it is still a struggle. In my last job I knew what I was doing and how to get things done. In this job, I don't. Everything takes longer and more energy than it seems like it should. Being alone is new for me and it takes time to meet good friends. I also have never lived without a car.
As I said I'm only 6 weeks in. So I will have a bit more patience with myself and give it time. I'm sure it will all come together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
