by David K.
Member since:
April 29, 2007

If it's Tuesday, This Must be Belgium - 4/15/08

April 15, 2008 07:48 PM EDT (Updated: May 24, 2008 04:36 PM EDT)
views: 128 | comments: 86

I know, I know...I'm running late on this weekly installment.  It was a really busy day so just now getting to it.

I mentioned last week that I was waiting for my work permit to arrive.  Well, it finally did - on Wednesday.  Only 6 days for express overnight service.  Argh.  In any case, I got it 20 minutes before the Belgian Embassy here in Washington DC closed for the day (9:30 am - Noon...worse than bankers hours).  Being as the Embassy was at least 45 minutes away, I had to put off going until the next day, Thursday.

Believe it or not I had exactly all the right information and forms with me when I went to the Embassy.  Two passport photos, original and two copies of a notarized medical certificate, my work permit, my passport, a letter proving I have a job, and at least one more thing that I can't seem to remember.  They took my forms then had me optically scan all my fingerprints and a photo scan for their "biometric" passport/visa.   Half an hour and I was out of there.

Today they called to say the visa is ready.  Tomorrow I go back to the Embassy to pick it up!!!

I also have my flight booked!  I'm on Aer Lingus flying out of Boston the night of April 27th (arrival morning of the 28th).  Less than two weeks and I'll be in Brussels - FINALLY!! (Of course, my apartment will be bare walls and floors for another week or two or three or four while I wait for my furniture to arrive).

I mentioned last week that I already had work-related trips scheduled in May/June for Paris and Rome.  I now also have a trip in May to Helsinki, Finland...the home of the new European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).  I can't wait.

Still looking for a renter for my house, but I've had more than a dozen people come through to look at it.  I need to finish emptying it out by this weekend so they can get it painted and cleaned.

That's all for this week. 

Okay...for fun (and so I have at least one photo)...here's a friendly neighborhood box turtle wishing very hard that I will just leave it alone.

See you next week.
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Comments: 86

LaRue B. Apr 15, 2008, 8:43pm EDT
That sounds like a busy schedule. I do envy you getting to go to Paris and Rome. God be with you in your travels.
Carol Lloyd Apr 15, 2008, 9:19pm EDT
I am tired just keeping up with you lol
David K. Apr 15, 2008, 9:48pm EDT
I do feel lucky that I'll have this opportunity to live in another culture. I think it's important for everyone to see the world from different perspectives.
Betsy C. Apr 15, 2008, 10:00pm EDT
Best Wishes and Safe Travels!!!!
David K. Apr 15, 2008, 10:02pm EDT
Thanks Betsy
DIANE D. Apr 15, 2008, 10:02pm EDT
Thanks for sharing, have a safe return
Tanya S. Apr 15, 2008, 10:04pm EDT
have a safe trip
Diana Raabe Apr 15, 2008, 10:09pm EDT
Keep us posted so we can live vicariously...
David K. Apr 15, 2008, 10:10pm EDT
Thanks all
Kim S. Apr 15, 2008, 10:14pm EDT
Dang, WHAT Energy! Yeah, keep posting so we can have a thrilling life through you!!

HUGS!
David K. Apr 15, 2008, 10:22pm EDT
Hugs back Kim. I'll be sure to share anything interesting (and I do have a guest room in my new apartment in Brussels).
Georgiana S. Apr 15, 2008, 10:29pm EDT
I do like your turtle!
I don't know how you can make such a move, I did at 19, took a ship to Southampton from L.A. with all my stuff! That was 1969!
David K. Apr 15, 2008, 10:37pm EDT
The turtle thanks you Georgiana.

The move has been facilitated by my company, though mostly they are just paying for the shipping and I'm doing the rest. But it's pretty cool.
Stacie N. Apr 15, 2008, 10:41pm EDT
I love the photo.

Sounds like you have it all in order...and, soon, you will be writing these from Belgium.
David K. Apr 15, 2008, 10:42pm EDT
Stacie - yep...one more from DC, then I'll be writing from Brussels
Michael Henry Apr 15, 2008, 10:43pm EDT
Getting visas from any embassy can be a bit tricky and time consuming - but sounds like you didn't have many problems :) I encourage you to explore as much of Europe as you can, it is a great place!
David K. Apr 15, 2008, 10:46pm EDT
Thanks Michael. All the lead up to applying for the visa was painful, but the visa itself was quick and easy (assuming nothing adverse happens between now and tomorrow morning).

Any particular places in Europe you can suggest I visit?
Wanda H. Apr 15, 2008, 10:57pm EDT
Wow, another crowded week. But you got it all done. That is fantastic. I know you are champing the bit to get there and get settled. Thank you for keeping us all up to date with this. I can at least feel a little of the excitement of going to live in Europe for a while.
blaine d. Apr 15, 2008, 10:59pm EDT
great job well done, everything is falling into place for you CONGRATS. keep us posted!!
David K. Apr 15, 2008, 11:02pm EDT
Wanda - I'm definitely "champing at the bit" to get there. It seems like I've been working on this forever.
David K. Apr 15, 2008, 11:03pm EDT
Blaine - I'll definitely keep everyone posted. I'm enjoying having an audience.
René Allen Apr 15, 2008, 11:21pm EDT
Hi David ~ What a turtle! Classic 'I don't want to be bothered look' ~ LOL

Wonderful to hear from you -- You're the bright spot of my evening.

Blessings ~
Rene
Karen W. Apr 15, 2008, 11:43pm EDT
Hey David,
Twelve day's till you leave.....I bet you are excited! I know I would be.
Oh, and yeah the turtle really wants to be left alone....he is cool!
Have a good night and week.

Karen
Jan C. Apr 15, 2008, 11:45pm EDT
I do agree with you about everyone needing to see the world from a different perspective! I felt so blessed to be able to visit Rome/Italy. I am jealous about your trips to Paris and Finland ... but am making plans for a family trip to France next year (summer '09) so if all goes well, we get the kids passports and I save enough money we'll get to do Giverny (Monet's Garden) and Paris...

Safe travels and enjoy your work!
Nancy S. Apr 15, 2008, 11:57pm EDT
So glad it's all finally falling into place for you David. I'll be looking forward to updates once you get there. It's so neat.
Jan S. Apr 16, 2008, 12:21am EDT
Six days over overnight express? Yikes! Good luck, David!
Dee C. Apr 16, 2008, 12:48am EDT
Good Luck with your work and keep us updared. Would love to travel but after your busy schedule I think I'll just stay here and live the experience through your eyes. :)
Kerry Dexter Apr 16, 2008, 2:56am EDT
Glad the work permit process worked out -- and you'll love flying Aer Lingus. safe travels.
Sujata (funnily 'Suji' ) S. Apr 16, 2008, 2:57am EDT
Thankyou wordy touch is all fine to be friendly ....you lead as a master managing

friends' attention in a bee-line & yet not caught or lost still !!!
Vinson T. Apr 16, 2008, 5:46am EDT
Al the best for your work. I've been to both Paris and Rome. Trust me, you'll be so reluctant to leave after you've immersed yourself in the wonderful palate of senses.
David K. Apr 16, 2008, 7:35am EDT
Thanks all for your encouragement. It's been a long process, but soon I'll be there and I'll make sure I have my camera with me wherever I travel.
Regina L. Apr 16, 2008, 7:39am EDT
Such a perfect pic. of the turtle :) thanks David.
Susan E. Apr 16, 2008, 8:21am EDT
As usual you are very busy!
Don't forget to have some fun in this schedule.
David K. Apr 16, 2008, 8:27am EDT
Yep, I plan to have some fun. Though apparently my company would like me to also do some work and bring in some business (go figure). :)
La g. Apr 16, 2008, 9:54am EDT
I envy you, your going to live in another country "lucky!"..., aren't you going to missed Washington DC, USA...to work in another country, do one must applied for the citizenship, of that country?...
Sophiya S. Apr 16, 2008, 10:11am EDT
so interesting
Diana R. Apr 16, 2008, 10:21am EDT
Good Luck David! Thank you so much for sharing your life, your experiences and photo's with us! I think you have quite a fan club here, but a host of Angels to protect you! Take care of yourself and have a safe trip! We're so proud of you David :)
Jerri H. Apr 16, 2008, 10:54am EDT
Good luck~

As a side note...poor turtle :)
sheila l. Apr 16, 2008, 11:11am EDT
i hope you have a good trip, and the turtle look good, keep up the good work.
David K. Apr 16, 2008, 11:29am EDT
Ecaterina - I don't have to apply for citizenship but I do have to get a work permit for three years (actually for one year at a time with renewals). I got my visa this morning, but I still need to go to the town hall within 8 days of my arrival in Brussels to "register," which will allow me to come and go without problem (my visa actually only lets me leave the country once...and I already have 4 out of country meetings planned for the next two months).
David K. Apr 16, 2008, 11:29am EDT
Thanks Diana. It's been fun to share the experience.
Jan C. Apr 16, 2008, 11:34am EDT
I can't wait to hear about your experiences and see your photos ...

You'll want to stay!
Vivian P. Apr 16, 2008, 11:38am EDT
So sounds like a busy life David
BTW the turtle photo is great
Ginny A. Apr 16, 2008, 11:41am EDT
An amazing experience awaits you, enjoy every bit of it!
La g. Apr 16, 2008, 11:52am EDT
A friend of mine is planning to study abroad, but she is afraid of the whole "you can only leave the country once, you can't enter the country again, you must never leave the country, ect."...one must fill a lot of papers in order to get a visa, and to live/work/study in another country...
Curt L. Apr 16, 2008, 12:57pm EDT
Be safe and enjoy your travels! God bless!
David K. Apr 16, 2008, 2:11pm EDT
I'm looking foward to the experience...and sharing it with all of you.

I'm supposed to get some sort of agreement to sign today that will specify how much they are paying me, how my home visits will work, where I'll be able to stay while I'm waiting for my furniture to arrive, and probably what I owe them if I quit and go to work for someone else after they pay to send me over there.
Nancy 67 Apr 16, 2008, 2:25pm EDT
Congratulations, David - you're almost there! Love the perturbed look on the turtle! ;-D
David K. Apr 16, 2008, 3:59pm EDT
I'm starting to feel really sorry for the turtle...I feel like I violated his privacy. :)
David K. Apr 16, 2008, 4:01pm EDT
Jenn K - Hmm, that might be it. Actually, they are definitely less concerned about personal privacy over there. In fact, within 8 days after my arrival I have to "register" at the commune (neighborhood) - and they actually send out an inspector to make sure that my name is posted on the mailbox in the building. No wonder the taxes are so high over there.
Sarah (can't believe the year's over) G. Apr 16, 2008, 5:10pm EDT
Sounds like you are nearly ready! All exciting things happening this week!
David K. Apr 16, 2008, 6:11pm EDT
Jenn - I'm don't think I'm eligible for their health care, because I'm still paying health premiums through DC (along with social security). But I did find out today that the firm is paying for some sort of supplemental health care package so maybe I will be covered. Need to clarify that.
David K. Apr 16, 2008, 6:13pm EDT
I'm getting closer Sarah. Only one week from tomorrow I start my trek up to Massachusetts and will fly to Belgium from there (with a quick stopover in Dublin).
Karolyn Q. Apr 16, 2008, 8:24pm EDT
Sounds like everything is coming together! Have a safe trip!
pamela r. Apr 16, 2008, 8:58pm EDT
Have a safe trip and take lots of pictures!
JoAnn C. Apr 16, 2008, 9:08pm EDT
I'm glad you got your visa taken care of. And you're going to Helsinki too. I'm in the wrong field. I need a job where I can travel to exciting places like that.
Donald M. Apr 16, 2008, 9:12pm EDT
My daughter went on a cruise and to Cozamel without a viza. I am so glad nothing haoppened.
Bethann K. Apr 16, 2008, 10:12pm EDT
I think you are going to really enjoy Brussels. Just be careful with people's driving. Belgians are known as notoriously bad drivers throughout Europe. If you get a chance, go to the northern part of the Netherlands (in May) and you'll see endless tulips fields the size of football fields. There is also a beautiful small Dutch island called Texel. It has amazing beaches and you can drive or bicycle around it because it's really small (but amazingly beautiful.)
David K. Apr 16, 2008, 11:05pm EDT
Bethann - Thanks for the tips. I'll definitely check those places out. It looked like I might get to a conference in the very far reaches of The Netherlands (some impronounceable city starting with L), but I think it's gotten bumped by Spain. But I've heard great things about it so perhaps later in my 3-year stint.
David K. Apr 16, 2008, 11:06pm EDT
I will Pamela. I'm glad people are interested.
Elizabeth V. Apr 17, 2008, 10:24am EDT
I linked to this article from your profile, David. (You had sent a friend request.) I see that you've written other articles that may satisfy my curiosity. Now, if I can find them . . . .
David K. Apr 17, 2008, 10:36am EDT
Welcome Elizabeth. I've been having trouble locating articles as well. I started my weekly "If It's Tuesday, This Must be Belgium" series in late December. There should be links for a few of them showing up in the related articles section below the comments. Eventually I'll find the time to put together an article linking to all the previous articles.

By this time next week I will have started the trek toward Brussels. Woo hoo.
Priscilla (wishing I was in Costa Rica) ~. Apr 17, 2008, 12:28pm EDT
Glad it is all still moving along for you!
David K. Apr 17, 2008, 12:37pm EDT
yep, still moving along Priscilla...and I'm ready to get there already.
Sharon P. Apr 17, 2008, 8:04pm EDT
Glad your able to get started at last.
Love your grumpy turtle. What an expression.
David K. Apr 17, 2008, 8:05pm EDT
I'm glad too Sharon. Seems it's taking forever.

I'm sure the turtle was thinking..."what do I have to do to get rid of this guy?"
Cheryl B. Apr 18, 2008, 12:23am EDT
Sounds like you have your work cut out for ya! Good luck on your move, that it will be sooner than you expect... :) Have a great week!
David K. Apr 18, 2008, 7:22am EDT
It's almost time. I try to get rid of the remainder of my stuff this weekend, lock up my computer and bring it to work for shipping, and get feted by folks at work taking me out to lunch/drinks/etc. (ah, parting is such sweet sorrow).
David K. Apr 18, 2008, 7:58am EDT
Phyllis - I'll be sure to do that!
Debra C. Apr 18, 2008, 12:07pm EDT
6 days for overnight express. May everything forward go more smoothly.
Harrel (Len) Phillips Apr 18, 2008, 12:12pm EDT
Sounds like you are ready and anxious to go so Bon Voyage David.
David K. Apr 18, 2008, 12:25pm EDT
Debra - that's what I said (dang DHL). But the Embassy was super efficient and I got my visa within 3 work days.
David K. Apr 18, 2008, 12:25pm EDT
Hello Harrel - I am definitely ready to get over there and get started.
Rosalyn G. Apr 18, 2008, 4:18pm EDT
You lead a very energetic life! I hope the roads are all smooth from here on, and all flights on time-I can see how anxious you are to get there!
Caro Peacock Apr 18, 2008, 4:25pm EDT
That's the best turtle photo I've ever seen.
David K. Apr 18, 2008, 4:29pm EDT
Thanks Caro. Oddly enough, the turtle didn't agree. :)
David K. Apr 18, 2008, 4:30pm EDT
Rosalyn - I would say definitely hectic, though some days I don't feel particularly energetic. But I am definitely ready to go already.
David K. Apr 20, 2008, 8:56am EDT
One more week and I'm there.
Jaime R. Apr 24, 2008, 7:27pm EDT
Congrats - how can I get your job?
Jessica I. Apr 25, 2008, 10:49am EDT
great shot of the turtle. have fun for me while your away.
Susan B. May 11, 2008, 11:46am EDT
Glad that it's all worked out :)
David K. May 11, 2008, 12:47pm EDT
Thanks all for your support during this move
Barb (Gather Site Ferret) Carlson Jun 9, 2008, 11:09am EDT
I loved the photo!!!

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