I'm Home!

Well my travel day home was a very long day. The flight from Brussels to Atlanta was 10 hours. I was to have a 2.5 hour layover in Atlanta, but we were late leaving Brussels, waiting on passengers coming from a flight from Helsinki. I was lucky, I switched seats at the last second and was able to sit at one of the bulkheads, so I had plenty of leg room! We got 2 hot meals, snacks, watched 3 movies, several TV programs, advertisements, they kept us occupied. The flight was great, just a few patches of turbulence here and there, but fantastic for the most part. They have a GPS on the flight where you can watch and track your flight, give the altitude, speed, times, air temp, very interesting.

Mom and John came to the airport to pick me up and brought a surprise! Bob and Suzy were there, Bob with camera in hand and Suzy with a welcome home sign and a balloon. It was so nice to see them and be welcomed home like that!!

I had been told several times that John's kids were going to Chicago for the weekend and that Mary Helen was going to be busy so I wouldn't see them right away. Well, they are all liars! When I got home there was a houseful of my family, waiting with Jockamos pizza and mom's vegetable soup - it was fantastic. I was beyond exhausted but stayed up til about 10 p.m, then off to bed. I got up about 6 a.m. and did sleep all night, with the help of Ambien!!! I feel much better this morning, but I am most importantly glad to be home again! There is no place like home!

My Last Week in Brussels

Well it is now my last week in Brussels. This past weekend was a bit uneventful. I shopped on Saturday and did some photos on Sunday. They had a marathon here, so I went and watched the start and then walked down to where the finish took place, at the Grand Place. I cannot understand how those runners could run 26 miles on the cobblestone streets, it's hard enough just to walk on them. Last night I was at the local American bar/restaurant around the corner from the hotel and talked to one of the runners - he was amazed at how "hilly" it is here and then also complained about the cobblestones - he said he was in a great deal of pain - no doubt! I was able to watch the Colts beat the Seahawks last night, what a great feeling it was to see them on TV. It was rather funny....when we first got to the bar (Fat Boys) it was filled with Brits watching the "other" football. As soon as that game was over the place cleared out and then filled with Americans!! Can't believe I didn't know about this place until my last week here - oh well.

I may have my last photo op tonight - the farmers here are protesting over the price of milk - we've gotten emails here at the Embassy warning about traffic snarls due to all the TRACTORS!! I MUST get photos of this!!

Will be glad to be back on American soil - can't wait to see everyone when I get home.

One weekend to go!

Well the countdown is on, I have one weekend left in Brussels. I have mixed feelings. While this has been a fantastic experience, I am ready to get home.

This past weekend was nice. The weather has been perfect, actually, since I've been here. I stayed in Brussels on Saturday, hung out with Beth, and then had a very nice, free, dinner at the hotel. They are trying to make up for all the problems in the hotel, could never recommend this hotel to anyone, at least not this hotel in Brussels.

Sunday I took the train to Antwerp. The newest employee to the office, Sandy, and I went up. She had told me that the train station in Antwerp is where the "viral" video that is going around took place. It is a beautiful train station, took lots of photos. Then we boarded the "hop on hop off" bus and took a motor tour of the city. Sandy is 70 but she's quite a pistol! After the bus tour we took a walk over to this beautiful Cathedral. Once again people were out everywhere, bicycling, walking, being together as families. Outside of this Cathedral was a "street performer", doing juggling, fire, etc. He was quite cute, so we stayed and watched.

We try to head back to Brussels but again this weekend there were problems with the train, coming out of Amsterdam. We ended up finding a "local" train which made more stops, but it was still quite efficient. I am so impressed with the mass transportation in Europe, too bad the US can't have a system like this.

I had an interesting dinner last night. I met up with a friend of a friend (Nicolas) who is French, but lives in Brussels. He took me to dinner and we had a great time. He's very intelligent and a lot of fun.

As of this time I don't have plans for the weekend, but will probably stay in Brussels and do some souvenier shopping.

Open House at the Executive Apartments

Well last night there was a reception for all of us who are staying at the Executive Apartments of the Marriott. I think this reception was thrown because so many people are having so many problems with the hotel. This Marriott definitely is not up to par with other Marriotts. There are issues with housekeeping, holes in the towels, not getting bath towels - just hand towels, the rooms have sewer odors, etc. I thought maybe I was the only person with these problems, as it turns out the complaints are throughout, so that made me feel somewhat better. The beds are horrible, mattresses are very worn and my back has just about had all it can, I wake up everyday with a stiff back and pain in my hip - so I am more than ready to come home now, just 15 days!

So...back to the reception. They had wine and beer and some finger foods. This is quite out of the ordinary for me, but I drank a LOT! Then I went out with a couple of folks after and didn't get back until 1:30 a.m. - I am feeling it today - I figured it wouldn't matter anyway as I haven't slept for 5 nights now!!!

I am considering a trip back to Oostende this weekend, or else up to Antwerp. The train station in Antwerp is the one used in the viral video that's gone around when professional dancers broke out in a dance at the train station, so I'd like to see that. It's not that far, so will probably get that done too. Just two weekends left!!

Back to work and looking forward to getting home.

Just an update

Well not much happened last week, but this past weekend was busy. I went by train to Ghent with some co-workers. It was 80 degrees or more, and it was beautiful! Our train ride was standing room only, but we later found out there had been a previous train "accident" and passengers were being re-routed - don't know what the accident consisted of, but arrived to Ghent safely. Another beautiful, historic town. Had a great lunch and then went for a canal boat ride, just lovely. Only bad thing about it was the narration was in Dutch/French, so none of us understood a thing!!

Sunday was the annual "No Drive" day. The only cars allowed on the roads were taxis. Very neat concept. Just thousands of bike riders, walkers, roller blading and segways. There was an "eco" festival in front of the Royal Palace, so we basically spent the day there. It had the feel of a county fair, lots of food, exhibitions and just time for family/friends. It was wonderful.

Last night there was a celebration of a grand opening of a new business center, not from from the Royal Palace and the Grand Place. Beth and I went down to that, and boy were we surprised! They know how to do things here. There were dancers, ballet, the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra, singers, a piano player, too much to try to describe here. I took about 800 photos, so hopefully one or two will come out!! I was lucky in where I was standing, right next to the "runway" they were using for the dancers and other performers. They had all kinds of fireworks during the program and the grand finale was fantastic. We got about about 10:15, so I was exhausted of spending a day in the beautiful sunshine and all the people.

Now back to work. Only two weekends left. Ready to see some American football!!! I miss everybody.

Grand Place

Today was a rather uneventful day. I went to church at a nearby Cathedral - beautiful. Even though I didn't understand any of the words, it was still lovely. After church I met up with my new friend Beth, and the two of us ventured down to the Grand Place. They were having a WWII event, old time band/orchestra, people dancing, old military vehicles, etc. It was really something to see. I chose not to schlep my camera with me today, so I missed out on a great photo op. Oh well.....

Ready for another week of work, just three weekends left here. Yes, I am homesick!!!

Oostende - the North Sea

Well today I took the train up to Oostende, the North Sea. When I left Brussels it didn't look too promising, but when I arrived in Oostende, it was well worth it. The sun was shining and I was near the water. It was just what the doctor ordered. It was worth the 16 euros round trip! I'll probably go back again. I've seen just about all I can see in Brussels and now with less than four weeks to go, I want to get out and see what else is around here. I may try Luxembourg one weekend, it's not too far. I'd love to go to Germany or Switzerland, but too costly for such a short period of time. Will have to do this again sometime!

Miss everyone

Love
Julie

Paris!!

Wow! What can I say - it was fabulous and I MUST go back. There was so much to see and so little time. I used the Hop On/Hop Off bus for my transportation and it was well worth the $32 for 2 days. My hotel was near the Eiffel Tower. On Friday and Saturday nights, after they light it up, around 9 pm they put "twinkling" lights on for about 10 minutes. I got to see it and took some photos. I really can't wait to see all my photos on my computer!!

The only place I actually went into was Notre Dame. I was fortunate enough to have arrived just in time for the service on Sunday morning - how moving! All the other attractions I was only able to see from the outside - but Paris is definitely a return trip someday - so much history! I never expected to feel this way about Paris, I see why people fall in love with it.

Now it's back to reality, back to work today. I'm in my new hotel, the Marriott Renaissance, which is next door to where I had been staying - it's much nicer, but nothing like home, which I'm ready to be back in my own bed and a nice sized shower where I can freely turn without bumping into walls - LOL!! Europe is definitely not a place for BIG people!!!

I am going to try to go to the Coast this weekend. Found out you can take a train (about 1 hr ride) up to the North Sea - I MUST see the water if it's that close. Hopefully my good weather will hold out for me. They say this has been most unusual with the temps and lack of rain - it's really only rained one good rain since I've been here. There were a few sprinkles in Paris on Saturday, but I said a prayer to my grandpa and asked him to make it stop, and it did!!!

Wow! Paris!!! What can I say???

Paris

what can I say except that Im exhausted. this keyboard is driving me nuts! one and a half days is NOT enough. this is definitely a must return to location!!!! My mission was accomplished today!!!!

Not much to report today

Just wanted to check in and let you all know everything is going great. The weather is holding out for me, they say I must have brought this with me as it usually isn't this nice for so long. Was looking at forecast for Paris and I think I'm gonna luck out there too. After that I am staying put with the exception of places nearby. I may do a day trip to Luxembourg, and there is a coastal city about 1 hour away by train, can't leave here without seeing the North Sea in person! On weekends it's only $16 RT (euros), so that isn't a bad price.

Love
Julie

Brugge

On Sunday I made a VERY last minute decision to take the bus tour to Brugge. It was absolutely fabulous, the buildings are so beautiful, can't believe I'm seeing buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries, still standing!! Took another canal tour and that was great. I made friends with an older couple from New Jersey/Florida and they adopted me for the day (Fran and Bob). They had their local newspaper with them and this newspaper asks their readers to take the paper on vacation with them and have their photo taken in far off locations, then they publish the vacation photos in the paper. I was their personal photographer for the day and loved every minute of it. They bought me lunch and they were truly a joy to be around. They made up for me not having my family with me. They happen to be staying at the hotel around the corner (the one I'm moving to next week), so last night we ran into each other, they bought a pizza and brought it to my apartment! It was a truly delightful evening. Bob is 82 and Fran is 64 - but neither of them appear to be their age, they get around great and never tired!

So far I've taken around 2000 photos, I'm going to need a week off to sort through them all do some editing.

Oh - yes, I am working while I'm here!! That's going great too - everyone in the office is really nice. My partner is going to be leaving next week, but I'm comfortable enough that I'll be just fine on my own.

Now I'm preparing for Paris, leaving Saturday morning.

Amersterdam

The trip to Amsterdam was great. It started out a little shaky. We were picked up by this little "shuttle" bus, not realzing they were taking us to a bigger "luxury" bus. The trip was about 3 hours and we were all thinking "this is not what we paid for". Pleasantly, we transferred to a comfortable bus and started on the journey. We made a planned but unnecessary stop for bathroom and "snacks". Then we made another planned stop at a small cheese and wooden shoe place, in a residence, which was rather quaint. They showed us the cheese making process (the place stunk - and I was NOT the only one who thought so), then on to their "gift shop". We then proceeded into Amsterdam, passing beautiful windmills and very old buildings, many from the 15th and 16th centuries - of course I have a few photos. We then hopped on a canal cruise, but much to my dismay, it was covered in "plexiglass" - not suitable for photography. I eventually eased my way through the crowded boat up to the front next to our "captain". I sat on some steps where I had a clear view of all the magnificent buildings. Had I not made this move, I would have had no photos!!!

After touring the canals, we had about 2 hours to enjoy the heartbeat of Amsterdam. I paired up with Pierre-Luc, from Canada - he was a super nice guy - reminded me of my cousin - Peter Tomlinson!! We had lunch together and then ventured into the "red light" district - inquiring minds!!! I was able to snap a few shots of what we were told NOT to do, but I just had to do it! We really didn't have much time to see all that Amsterdam has to offer, but saw enough - I think the ONLY reason I'd go back is to see the gorgeous men Amsterdam has to offer!!

We headed back to Belgium and I plan to sort of take it easy today. There is a Bascilla I've seen off in the distance, so that may be my destination today.

Happy Birthday to my mom - 85!!! I love you!!!

Julie

2 weeks down

Well this is the end of my second full week of "working". You know, this working while on vacation is really getting in the way!!! All kidding aside, the work has been great, learned a lot of new things and have gotten everything here all caught up - I'm afraid they aren't going to let me come back home!!!

Would I do this again, YES, but probably for a shorter period of time, 30 days would be good. 60 days is a long time to be away from my family and friends. If I would have had more time to prepare for this trip, that might have helped, but I am surviving. I am moving to the Marriott Renissannce Hotel (right next to where I am now). It's a much cozier feeling room, also with a kitchen and laundry facilities. Those two combined have helped me cut back on my expenses - thus being able to afford my trip to Paris.

Love you all!

Paris - here I come!

Well I made a reservation last night to Paris for 9/5-6. Now I have to find a hotel. I had been trying to book this on the internet and encountered problem after problem. In the European site I could not put my US home adress mailing address. On the US side I could not use a Brussels mailing address, so I just walked (again) down to the train station and bought my tickets. Well, am I glad I did. They were MUCH cheaper than on the internet, plus not having to pay a shipping and handling fee! I may also go to London around 9/19, it was pretty cheap too, so if anyone has a good recommendation for a hotel in Londan, speak up!! The same with Paris!!

I am getting very comfortable now, not getting lost. Only real problem I have is my heels are cracked terribly, today I had to wear tennis shoes into the office, brought dress shoes with me, but they ARE NOT going on unless I get up from my desk!!!

I am off to Amsterdam this weekend, just bought my ticket this morning. The forecast isn't all that great, but it's a hit or miss here too, just like Indiana!!

A new experience for me

Well yesterday I had the experience of a public, coed restroom! I knew you had to pay for some restroom use, but never imagined they would be coed, so much to my surprise when I walked in to use the facility, there was a man standing there peeing!!! Was I ever shocked. At least I had a stall to use!!

I am trying to book a reservation to Paris, but it has been very difficult. I can't go through the European site, they have directed me to the American site. In the American site I can't give a European mailing address to receive my train tickets! So I may just "hoof" it tonight, or take the subway, down to the train station and just do it in person. Quite the challenge!

I assisted an elderlyBritish woman last night trying to find a particular hotel near the Grand Place. Because I have been lost so much I have found my way around and I'm getting quite good at this. Instead of continuing on to take a photo I was trying to get, I walked the lady back to where she needed to go (about 2 miles back). I thought...if this were my mom, I'd want somebody nice like me helping her - so I did. All these streets/sidewalks are cobblestone and I was concerned about her falling, plus she was carrying 2 credit cards in her hand along with a purse on her shoulder. Pick pocketing is horrible here, so I wanted to make sure she got to her destination safely, and she was very appreciative!

The weather has been fantastic thus far, and the walking continues! I still miss my friends and family, but this has been a great experience for me.

Sunday in Belgium

Well today is Sunday, heading into my 2nd week here and still alive. Yesterday I walked for 8 hours, stopping about 1 hour total. I couldn't sleep last night as my knees were killing me, but I woke up nearly painfree this morning. Dinner with the boss and his friends on Friday was wonderful, great food, great people. Even a guy from Indy was there!!! They also lived in Columbus, Indiana for a time and now live in Charlotte, he was a very kind man, so he quizzed me about being a Hoosier. Another man there is a professor at the American University, a Notre Dame graduate. He moved to Belgium 18 years ago and never went back to the states. It was an interesting group of people, all here for jobs from the US.

I found this internet cafe so I can keep everyone informed, it's a weird place, but at least I can connect to my friends.

Gotta run for now, will check in later.
Love
Julie

Survived my First Week

I have survived my first week in Europe and it is getting better. I'll admit, at first I wasn't sure, but now it's okay. It's all the unknown, and I'm not good about facing the unknown. I'm getting more familiar each day with the area and enjoying my free time. Tonight the "boss" is having all of us over for dinner; pizza, etc., so that should be fun. Everyone in this office is very nice and easy to get along with, so that makes the work part of this trip tolerable (I keep forgetting I'm not on vacation but here to work - LOL!)

I make venture out next week, will scope things out this weekend and decide what I want to do. My co-worker who is also here from US is not going anywhere as his wife is coming here close to Labor Day and they are taking a vacation at that point, so what I do is on my own, and I'm not sure about the transit system, nothing is in English. So I'll get Ky to give me as much info as possible before he departs Belgium.

Raining in Belgium

I had to work late tonight because I overslept this morning. I did NOT sleep the night before, so I tried my RX. The first one to relax, didn't work, so I took the Ambien, turned off my phone and went to sleep. I awoke to the unit phone ringing, it was my co-worker, it was 8:25, we are due in the office at 8:30!! I had to shower and get dressed, arrived around 9:15!!! I was embarrassed, but I slept. As I was preparing to leave the embassy, heard the sound of thunder, it is now POURING rain, hail, lightening, so I'm going to stay here for a bit. My co-worker is also still here, so we'll go together. Hopefully one of the permanent folks here who have a car can drive us back as it's about a 10-15 min walk, but it truly is pouring.

I have walked so much, I need another notch on my belt, have run out of notches!!! Went to the "square" last night (where all the tourists go) and had dinner with Kyriaskos. The service is very slow here, so dinners usually take up to 3 hours. We didn't head back to the apartment until after 10 pm, and I still had laundry to do. I may reconsider about moving, the apartment (sparse as it is) is very close to the embassy and now I know how to get to the square much quicker. They offer free laundry services and I have a kitchen, so I'm saving quite a bit of money, so I may just stay put.

It's very different here, but that's what makes the world go round. Kyriaskos and I may go and tour and old castle on Saturday - it's free! Not much here is free, or COLD. You all know how I am about my ICE cold water, well...... But they do have HEINZ catstup in places - YEAH!!!

I may go to Amsterdam next weekend, going to stay local this weekend and get better acclimated with where I am. The bus to Amsterdam is only about $40 and I can do it in a day, rather than paying for overnight expenses.

I miss everyone - please write!
Julie

Update

I may not be able to keep up with the blog as there is no free internet access anywhere except at work, and I need to keep it at a minimum. Not sure if I am going to have a heart attack walking in the heat and up and down steps and over cobblestone streets, or I'm just going to MELT away. Either way, I'm getting a lot of exercise and minimal sleep - ugh! Otherwise I'm doing well. Haven't made any plans to travel as of yet, most important agenda is finding a new hotel, will be looking into that this weekend as you have to give a 2 week notice to the current facility. Will keep you posted as best I can.

Love
Julie

First day on the job

Well I have reported to my new position (TDY) and so far things are great. Everyone seems to be very friendly and it's within walking distance from the hotel. May change hotels later on, after my new friend leaves, he's only here for 30 days.

I walked over 8 miles yesterday, don't know if my friend was trying to kill me or just test my endurance, either way, I survived.

Not much sleep last night, tossed and turned until 3 a.m, had to be up at 6, even with the help of ambien still had this problem. Hopefully it will get better as time goes on.

Have arrived in Belgium

Well I made it safely to Belgium, only one incident on the plane, but did not have to make emergency landing. Very lucky as there is another person here, staying at same location and he has been my guide. Dont think I could have done it without him. By the way, the keyboard Im using is European and the keys are very different - so excuse my errors.

Today I have walked more than 4 hours - getting ready to go and eat. Will report when I can, once I have free internet service, right now using a cafe.

I'm ready to go. Going to Chicago first, then on to Belgium!!

Almost ready to go

The packing is almost done and I'm almost ready to embark on one of the greastest adventures of my life.

Okay friends, the clock is counting day. Thankfully I have the day off tomorrow so I can begin the packing process. I'm almost finished with all my online arrangements. So much to do, so little time, but this should be very exciting and educational!!!