1. How are you liking it in Brussels?
Brussels has been pretty great so far! I am not going to lie, I was and am still very homesick for family and friends - but I cannot waste my time being sad and lonely or this whole experience is going to be ruined! Tonico and I have spent a little bit of time exploring the different areas of Brussels but we still have so much to see and do!
The second week I was here, there was a national holiday on a Wednesday so Tonico did not have to work. His boss had lent us his company car while he was away on vacation, so we decided on a whim to leave town and head to Amsterdam. Tonico had been a few times before so it would be a great place for him to show me around. They also just welcomed a new King so the whole city was decked out in Orange - their national color - and people were everywhere!
We were only there for the day but we were able to walk around much of the city and take in the uniqueness of it all. I am not sure how many of you have been to Amsterdam but it is a very interesting city - they love their pot and their sex! Tonico and I have started a tradition of buying magnets from all the different cities we visit and it was quite the culture shock to walk in to the tourist shops to see most magnets covered in XXX, topless women, joints or a combination of the three!
While their culture is much different than anything I have ever been exposed to, the city is absolutely beautiful and one I would definitely like to visit again! (Mainly b/c they have my favorite restaurant from Charlotte, it's called Vapiano and it's amazing!!!!)
2. How easy is it to get around in Europe?
Our trip to Amsterdam took us about 2 hours by car - probably only 1 hour by train but since we had the car, and the gas was paid for by the company, we took advantage!
Belgium, I have heard said, is only about the size of Maryland. With it being located between Germany, France and the Netherlands, it's only about an hour to each of the boarders if not less. The public transportation system makes it super easy to hop on a train to most any destination.
We ventured to Germany last weekend stopping in Liege, Belgium for breakfast and a walk around the city square, then Aachen, Germany for an early afternoon beer. Here's a fast fact that I love: Every beer here in Belgium/Germany has their own special glass - always. Not like in the US where you get your first Stella in a challis and each subsequent one in a plain pint glass!
Tonico does a great job of showcasing the glass for the Franzikaner beer - my favorite so far
After our beers in Aachen, we headed to Cologne to see the Cathedral - we decided not to do a guided tour of the cathedral but you can go inside and walk around the main floors. I read online you can walk up to the top of the steeple, 509 steps, but I guess we were not up for it after our beers!
We are really bad at getting pictures while we are out and about! The top picture was taken from a little cafe that had some of the best desserts - which of course I had to eat before I even thought to take a picture!
We ended the night in Dusseldorf - thanks to Tonico's frequent stays at the Marriott, we were able to book a hotel for free for the night. We walked around Dusseldorf that evening with our jaws dropped probably 95% of the time. Having done little to no research on Dusseldorf before arriving, we were stunned as we walked up and down Königsallee which means "Kings Avenue". We saw countless Astin Martin's, Rolex, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, etc. Another culture shock but very cool to people watch in such a busy and affluent place!
3. What is the weather like there?
To preface this question, I have to say that Tonico warned "It's just like Seattle" - rain, rain, rain. Normally I hate rain, but if that's what it is going to be like all the time, I better make the most of it = new rain coat and rain boots!
Once I got here, and for many days after, the weather was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! Sunny skies, warmish temperatures, not a drop of rain in sight! But the landlord warned, you never want to leave the apartment with the windows open because in one day, there could be 4 seasons. I just could not believe it!
And then....last Wednesday evening that all changed! Since then, it has rained at least 4 times a day - sometimes a soft, light rain and then later in the day a thunderstorm. The temperatures have dropped to the 40's and it's been super windy.
Here's the future cast for the rest of the week....and if you were able to keep scrolling, that keeps going until at least next Monday!
4. What was your first impression of your new home?
I still do not believe that I live here. This city is so beautiful but European life is so different. I feel like I am on an extended vacation while my husband works his butt off! He has been so wonderful in helping get me acclimated to this new life - though there is still a long way to go. I certainly could not have made this move without his constant encouragement and support that indeed I can make a new life in Brussels!
And now, the job search begins....stay tuned!
No comments:
Post a Comment