Well, not yet! But the decision has been taken - and this is will be my last winter high up in the Swiss Alps. Last week on yet another flying visit to Brussels, G and I found a lovely house to rent and will become the new tenants from mid-December. Apart from the usual criteria of area, size and price, there were a couple of things on my 'must have' list, namely a bit of garden for my little four-legged Scottish friend and an open fire, and both of those have been fulfilled. We also have a garage into the bargain which might take a car if it is not too cluttered with junk and logs for the fire, but which also means that you have a parking space outside - essential in the city.
So, a lot of excitement at the idea of my new life, but quickly dampened by the thought of the horrendous move - yet more packing cases, heavy duty tape, bubble wrap, thick felt tip pens that disappear when you need them and trying to type up the list for Customs at the same time. I can't even vaguely start to prepare a few boxes as all my family are here for Christmas (18 of us!) so I need to have things in the right places - I hasten to add that we are not 18 in this chalet, only 8!
I am of course still totally and hopelessly lost in Brussels but perhaps this is because I am not driving the car - the other day we were in the same area all day driving around and the only way I recognised it was that there was an old Routemaster bus parked on one of the avenues! We must have passed it eight times during the day, but I still couldn't work out how to get back to G's flat. I don't like driving in a city and Brussels has an excellent metro and tram service, so I shall take full advantage of it. The Bruxellois seem to be pretty hot on using their car horns and I am rather frightened of their road system where you cut right across motorway traffic to get onto another road. If I have to take the car in the city, I think I shall practice with G's car and bash the hell out of it and once I know where I am going then I shall use mine!
I am off again up to Brussels on Saturday with my son and then on Monday we all fly to New York for a week. I think this will be my last holiday for quite some time, but after the move I shall insist on going away for a few days at least!
7 comments:
Well, well, well...I wondered what you were up to!
I was an au pair in Antwerp many many years ago. I loved the architecture and the beer and...well, the beer. The Trappist monks make a good one...
It's going to be a bit flatter than you're used to though, isn't it?
Hope you'll carry on with your blog. What are you going to call it now? Belgian chocolate? Beer and Waffles? Mussels and chips?
When I eventually move perhaps I will run a competition to find the best title for a new blog! I still owe you a bottle of wine for winning a competition!
I seem to be hounded by chocolate - first Swiss and now Belgian.
And, the quartier where I am going to live in Brussels is called La Petite Suisse! Coincidence or coincidence?!
What lovely news, Louise! I hope your son won't mind too much leaving such easy access to skiing.
While you're in New York, if you meet a tall, handsome businessman called John Bosworth, please let him know that I've just written a book about him and am awaiting his call... :D
Fab news! I'd love to live in Brussels.
Moving house can be a bit of a chore even when you're not switching countries, but it'll be worth it in the end :-)
Yes, I'd agree with Gigi. Belgium has a lot to offer. I visited Antwerp on my first ever solo foreign trip and I loved it, too.
No question, though, about the new name for your blog. My vote goes to Chips and Mayonnaise.
I don't envy you the actual physical move, especially the paperwork, but the change sounds very exciting. Swiss alps to capital city..that's something.
Hope you like moules frites..
Angela
One thing I will miss here, Gigi, is definitely the mountains and the cold, crisp air, and have already bought myself an umbrella! Hopefully though I shall be travelling quite a lot for work, so won't get too depressed in the winter!
The son and heir is staying in Switzerland, Sarah! He didn't fancy the ski slopes in Brussels! But has promised to come and get his washing done in Brussels after the season has ended! Should be a smelly weekend! Didn't see JB in NY by the way!
I love moules frites but perhaps not every day of the week! Especially les frites!
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