Fun with Four Wheels

Ben and I continue to get accustomed to life in our new city. You could even mistake us for actual Belgian residents. Almost. I appreciate that everyone initiates a conversation in French.  Most of the time it is to ask about Maddie. She is quite exotic looking compared to most pets around town. I think it's her smile that attracts everyone. At this point, I can only respond asking if they speak English. French lessons don't normally teach you the survival terms or phrases in the beginning. Although some would debate that Je voudrais du vin, s'il vous plaitz (I would like wine, please) or y a-t-i-l de la biere? (do you have beer?) is the epitome of survival basics in a new country. Unless someone is asking about coffee or other beverages, I am plastering an awkward smile on my face. Luckily, smiling is universally understood.  :)

 Given the awful work hours and long commute, Ben's company was nice enough to give him a car.  Lucky for him, it is not the standard company car. A BMW 3 series diesel, manual, station wagon. That noise you hear is Ben screaming, "Yes!" For those non car geeks, this glorious combination is not available in the U.S. For those that don't know Ben, he has an unhealthy obsession with station wagons. Personally, I am not opposed but if I could get a European car it would be the 4-door Audi A5…not to bash the BMW. At least it has a very nice blue exterior with a butter colored leather interior.  The car, nicknamed "The Blue Devil", had an interesting first week being a part of the Rosenblum family.

Now, it's been about three years since we lived in Boston so adapting to on street parking has been a rude awaking. A very rude one. Let's be honest, Dallas has made us soft with its copious amounts of parking garages and valet parking.  The first night in possession of the car, it was towed.  Being towed is never fun but it was much WORSE than anything we've experienced in the past.

 

First, there is one central towing depository on the other side of the city. Finding your way there is an adventure alone.

Second, you have to PROVE you own the car. You would think showing up with your car keys typically meets the ownership requirement. Nope, they need a paper stamped by the police that verifies that the car registration matches your identification.

Lastly, once you run around the city, the car is yours upon showing the approved stamped paper along with a LARGE handful of cash for their trouble.

 

 Needless to say, it ended up being my adventure for the morning. Ben's office now jokes that each Bain transfer needs to come with a significant other to take care of personal and household business. Does this count as resume building?

 

Despite the craziness, I was still able to attend my afternoon chocolate class at Zaabar. Each participant was able to create their own chocolate bar and truffles, which you get to devour at home. Yum! I walked away with a good bit of chocolate for 15 Euros. Not to worry, for those planning to visit, this activity will be part of the itinerary.

 

We decided to celebrate our new car freedom with a trip to the nearby city of Ghent. Ghent is the fourth largest city in Belgium about 55km south of Brussels.  It is full of early Flemish architecture complete with the medieval Gravensteen Castle. The energy and layout of the city immediately reminded us of Copenhagen. Lots of bikes, shopping, and cute promenades.  We spent a full day exploring the neighborhoods, drinking coffee, and even squeezing in a haircut for Ben. The best part of the day was the fact that our car DID NOT get towed allowing for an uneventful trip back to the city. Thank goodness! Fingers crossed the towing fairy is good to us for the duration of our stay in Brussels.

 To be continued…