Okay, it has happened, it is official, reality is really sinking in. Rein and I are homeless in Belgium and our life (in the form of furniture) is in storage somewhere in the The Netherlands. We hope.
The packing and move took three days. Starting Sunday (after the party) we cleaned and started to collect items for easy packing etc. We did have the movers coming in on Monday but learning from the last time this happened, we knew a few tricks which was best for both parties. Apart from the movers forgetting a few draws to pack within the LAST 10 MINS of departure (Rein and I got a little worried for everything else) which then had to be hurriedly packed not in boxes (these had ran out about 10 boxes ago), but in our Carrefour bags to be packed correctly later. Again, we hope.
Rein and I were not emotional about leaving the apartment. We do not really know why, we had many a happy times there, we had met and will remain friends with many people, so it was not Brussels, but something told us both then that the move was needed, the time had come (we also got word other 'outsiders' moving to Brussels, And from Berchem of all places, so it is probably for the best). With the house empty, cleaned to a high level, final inspection completed and keys handed over, Rein and I drove away in a heavily laden car to our temp home in Kapellen, Antwerpen.
Today, waking around 10am to the sound of the cleaner trying to gain access the house of Rein's parents, Rein and I awoke to a new start. Surrounded by the 500 peices of 'crap' surrounding us, the journey had begun.
All this 'crap' is what I planned that we needed to last us for the 10 months (probably even longer) ahead. With this one week still in Northern Europe, the three to six months in India, anywhere in between, we had to think what was best. It turns out I think I have packed thinking I had four people coming. I had visions of me and Rein dragging all this luggage down some busy streets, realising at the train station we lost one on the way, loading it one the train, arriving 36 hours later with just one suitcase and getting to our new home with the suitcase containing the northern Europe clothes. Think rationally Simon. My task therefore is to unpack the ENTIRE lot here, and half it completely and repack. I have been told this is the trick and never fails. Yeh, right. Were these people aware of the shoes which cannot simply follow this 'half measure' rule! All in all, Rein and I currently have one massive case each, two large carry bags and our 'man-sacs' (personally coined expression, combining Dutch and French. Politically correct no?). I will come back to this subject when we have made these changes.
Too, this morning, I received my first official email outlining what tasks I will have ahead of me. Well, a little daunting I must say, but exciting at the same time. They listed around 9 different tasks ranging from preparation of some power point presentations for some of their different charity arms, to conducting surveys and visits on Microfinance, etc. Will keep you posted also.
Okay people, signing off and will be in contact soon.
Simon
The packing and move took three days. Starting Sunday (after the party) we cleaned and started to collect items for easy packing etc. We did have the movers coming in on Monday but learning from the last time this happened, we knew a few tricks which was best for both parties. Apart from the movers forgetting a few draws to pack within the LAST 10 MINS of departure (Rein and I got a little worried for everything else) which then had to be hurriedly packed not in boxes (these had ran out about 10 boxes ago), but in our Carrefour bags to be packed correctly later. Again, we hope.
Rein and I were not emotional about leaving the apartment. We do not really know why, we had many a happy times there, we had met and will remain friends with many people, so it was not Brussels, but something told us both then that the move was needed, the time had come (we also got word other 'outsiders' moving to Brussels, And from Berchem of all places, so it is probably for the best). With the house empty, cleaned to a high level, final inspection completed and keys handed over, Rein and I drove away in a heavily laden car to our temp home in Kapellen, Antwerpen.
Today, waking around 10am to the sound of the cleaner trying to gain access the house of Rein's parents, Rein and I awoke to a new start. Surrounded by the 500 peices of 'crap' surrounding us, the journey had begun.
All this 'crap' is what I planned that we needed to last us for the 10 months (probably even longer) ahead. With this one week still in Northern Europe, the three to six months in India, anywhere in between, we had to think what was best. It turns out I think I have packed thinking I had four people coming. I had visions of me and Rein dragging all this luggage down some busy streets, realising at the train station we lost one on the way, loading it one the train, arriving 36 hours later with just one suitcase and getting to our new home with the suitcase containing the northern Europe clothes. Think rationally Simon. My task therefore is to unpack the ENTIRE lot here, and half it completely and repack. I have been told this is the trick and never fails. Yeh, right. Were these people aware of the shoes which cannot simply follow this 'half measure' rule! All in all, Rein and I currently have one massive case each, two large carry bags and our 'man-sacs' (personally coined expression, combining Dutch and French. Politically correct no?). I will come back to this subject when we have made these changes.
Too, this morning, I received my first official email outlining what tasks I will have ahead of me. Well, a little daunting I must say, but exciting at the same time. They listed around 9 different tasks ranging from preparation of some power point presentations for some of their different charity arms, to conducting surveys and visits on Microfinance, etc. Will keep you posted also.
Okay people, signing off and will be in contact soon.
Simon
Thank you for the party on Saturday, I can safely say all members of AmCham Belgium present there had a brilliant time!
ReplyDeleteEugh! who would live in Berchem!