So we have now been here just over a week, we are registered ( the kids and I,dave will takelonger as he is not an EU citizen), we are waiting to hear about an apartment and we have the paperwork for the girls school.
So it has been such a productive time so far.
We are learning to adapt to so many changes:
The cold! We ignorantly thought that it would be warm so we left the kids coats in America. It is so cold here,and the houses don’t have heating,so you can see your breath as you eat your dinner with your scarf and ninelayersof clothing on.
The pipes are too small,so you cannot flush your toilet roll down the toilet! This has been a huge thing, especially for the girls to remember. I have to say,I dread going to the loo,it just grosses me out so much,but we will adapt……
There are no tumble dryers here,so after you wash your clothes in the washer ( which holds about 1/4the amount of an American one) which takes2 hours per load, you hang it on lines and wait about 4 days for it to dry. Seriously, we came dangerously close to no clean underwear. I have now found a system that will work…little and often.
BUT, it is good for us,andit makes us appreciate all the little things…..hot cups of tea andfresh bread. Life is good!!!
I also went to the grocery store and ordered ‘eyes’ instead of garlic, ojos instead of ajos:o)
but the store keepersare very graceful andhelp me out. Aslong asI keep trying, they keep teaching me. I carry a smallnotebook around to write down new words and sentences, so in just a week,I have learnt so muchmore than I anticipated.
So hopefully, this week wecan finalise an apartment,and get the girls in their classes.
we will also start getting the school ready for students, which means a terribly arduous task ofgoing to IKEA for bedding etc.(it is hard actually,asI will be gazing longingly at stuff that I would love to put inmy apartment!!) The school has no moneyfor these things yet,so if you feel like it, you can buy some…..I will make a “donated by….” sticker for above the bed s:o)
I will keep you updated, and let you know all my faux pars….I’m sure there will be plenty.
Bec
Sounds like you’re becoming accustomed to the area!! sounding way different than being military in europe!!! facebook me when you get a chance!!! I hope you continue to enjoy your time there, and when we get back to europe (probably later than sooner) we’ll have to meet up! you do realize we have the exact opposite in children??:) HAHAHA! we’re praying for y’all! give dave a hug for me, and a high five for brian!;)