Here is the tale of our first days in Brussel. If we didn't want a change we would be crying in our soup. But since we evidently think that change is good, we are cultivating a greater sense of humor. Upon our arrival we had reserved a car service to bring an SUV for our 9 suitcases and 4 bodies. It was really interesting to see a gentleman holding his Ipad with the name Nick Felix in large letters as a sign. However, when Nick told him that he was Nick Felix, he had a look of disbelief. He later told us that people sometimes pretend to be others in hopes of getting a free ride. But the reason he didn't believe Nick was because of the 3 other people and the 9 bags that were following him. He came expecting one person and four bags. So he had earlier turned in an SUV for a Mercedes sedan. Once he realized that he had misread the reservation and that the number 4 referred not to the number of bags but people, he was extremely apologetic. We rather he and Nick managed to cram 9 bags plus 2 backpacks and the four of us into the car. It was hilarious! We were so good humored about it and he actually promised us free passage to anywhere the next time we need it. His name was Maurice and he was very helpful. Especially because once we arrived at the apartment there was no one to receive us immediately. So we all "hung out" in his car.
The apartment is very nice and perfect for us in some peculiar ways. But it is a 4th (or 5th) floor walk up--No Elevator. We climb and descend 78 stairs every time we come or go. Imagine bringing the bags in--ALL 9 BAGS! Maurice even helped with that. So it is a workout, for real. I am almost used to it now. Actually I prefer walking up to walking down the stairs.
Yesterday we visited a school. I had looked into that school when I as in Georgia. However, the directeur made no promises and told me to just come in when we arrived. So we popped in at 2:30 pm. The girls loved it. The school is about 150 yrs old (at least the building is). Today we visited another school and before we could get to the classroom through the courtyard where the kids were playing, Karielle was surrounded by a minimum of 6 children who evidently were expecting her and wanted to know if she could play. Both girls completely forgot about the other school and told us they wanted to go here. As we talked to the secretary of the directeur (the director had already left), the girl joined their new classmates in different activities. So I guess it was somewhat decided by them where they will go.
Then there are the adventures of the STIB (the transportation system). We have yet to find a kiosk during the hours that they are open. There are machines to buy metrocards and bus passes. But, the machines accept only coins or credit cards. This is only a problem because it will not accept our credit cards. We don't know why. Yesterday we did manage to get one of the machines to accept one of my cards. But no such luck today. We actually missed a meeting because we were trying to clear up the problem but we need the phonecard to add more minutes to Nick's phone in order to call and get the address of the meeting place and find out what bus or metro to take. But the card didn't work or the service didn't work. But we figure it out. So we trekked over to the Metro station not to take the Metro but to catch a bus. But since we still didn't succeed in getting the bus ticket. We just threw in the towel and went back to the apartment. There are some sorts of travel passes for the bus and metro but we don't even know how to get them. We need a kiosk with a human inside! Soooo these are the adventures of the Felixes so far.
We have gone to a "Friterie" and had......des FRITES. Fries are available with any one of about 15 sauces. We just now tried some chocolate but the Belgian waffles have yet to be explored. We are told that there are two types of Belgian waffles and that there is a raging debate as to which is best. I look forward to trying them both.
I wrote this long story at 1:00 am. So needless to say I am suffering from Jet lag. Well until the next time. Ciao.
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