A Cut Above

I had my hair cut this week. This is not, under normal circumstances, an arduous challenge. However, as an expat, doing mundane, everyday tasks can be a bit of an ordeal, especially in a new land and in a foreign tongue. As a woman with short hair, I tried to...

Living with the Landlords

I couldn't shower this week because there was a retired Flemish couple in my bath tub. My landlords were repairing our shower and the stress of having them in the house for two days was starting to get to me. A few months after we moved in, I noticed a...

A Word of Advice for Expats

So, after six months of waiting, I think I have finally had my police visit. I say 'I think I had' it, because I didn't actually answer the door. After a bad night, with little sleep, I was still in bed at 9:30 when the bell rang. Andrew, who had...

Come and Knock on my Door

Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt. “Oh no… the doorbell!” Clomp. Clomp. Clomp. Clomp. Clomp. Stumble. Clomp. Thunk. Crash. Stomp. Stomp. Rattle. Screeeeeetch. That is what it sounds like, every time I have to answer my front door. I’ve commented before on the unusual architecture of my home. The front door is no exception. You...

The Belgian Style File

"What is Belgian style," friends have asked me in the past and after some thought, I've come up with one word — individuality. Some of my fellow expats and Belgians may scoff at this statement. Sure, all of the chain fashion stores are here and there is a good number...

Snow fun at all!

To everyone in Belgium who doesn't like winter, I apologize for the snow and I take full responsibility for it. The snow is all my fault. I shouldn't have shot my mouth off about moving to a 'nicer' climate. But I really hate winter. I hate snow. I hate the...

D.I. Why?

It's 7 am. I open my eyes and try to clear my groggy head. I haven't awoken to an alarm clock radio as I used to in Canada. Instead, there is a 'symphony' of noises — the whir of a cement mixer, the hum of a crane, the pounding of...

Bread, Glorious, Fresh Bread

I wake up with a start and look at the clock. It's 3am. I must have a slice of bread with peanut butter. There is no bread in the house and there are no 24 hour supermarkets here. But I don't despair; I can go to the vending machine around...

And Still More Red Tape Blues

It seems just based on odds alone I could leave the town commune at least once without feeling like I've been beaten. The odds were still against me today. While what I feel like is downing a bottle of red, gorging on chocolate and hiding under my desk, I have...

Articles About Expat Living in Belgium (Page 12)