Brussels

So, I'm just going to pretend that these last few days did not exist and did not happen. That work for you? We'll just leave it at Paris is fucking hot, crowded and did I mention sweltering hot? And in Europe you cannot find A/C, ice, cold or iced drinks, or wind. Got sick, etc. etc. rescheduled my tour for later this summer, and I'm in Brussels at the moment with Tom. Oh, and Tom is a godsend. That pretty much sums it up I think.

We took possession of our apartment yesterday afternoon and stayed the first night in it last night. Since it is completely unfurnished, Tom borrowed an air mattress from a friend and we both slept on that with no pillows and 1 sleeping bag. Needless to say it wasn't the best sleep of my life, but it was amazing and refreshing compared to Paris. The apartment is huge! A big hardwood floor living room, separated kitchen with dishwasher, little weird balcony railing thing that overlooks a courtyard, 2 bedrooms that are far away from the living room, and 2, that's right, 2 bathrooms. 1 has a toilet and the other the tub/shower with 2 sinks and a very large mirror and medicine cabinet. The only downside is that there is no laundry in the apartment or the building, but Tom is looking in to buying a cheap used washer.

The location is amazing as well. It is right across the street from a nice and decent size park. From our living room we have a view of a Chateau and can see the top of the Palais de Justice. The metro stop is literally 5 feet from our front door. We are 1 stop away from the main arrival station (for all those that WILL come visit me ;), and just a few stops away from the Brussels center. The very small block that we live on, has a fresh fruit and vegetable grocery store (as they all are very fresh and organic), a butcher shop, a bakery, a coffee shop that has iced chai lattes!, a convenience store that is open 24/7 (a miracle to find in Europe), a bagel place (also a miracle), a pharmacy, a cupcake shop, European version of a Dollarstore, and several bars and restaurants. That is only 1 block. A metro stops to downtown near Tom's office there is a big mall and streets with all the shopping you need. To top it all off, the rent and utilities split by Tom and I is exactly what I paid in Saskatoon.

To all of you in the Prairies, the heat here is so hot and humid is deathly. Brussels is much better than Paris though apparently because its closer to the ocean. The plus side to this, is that there are no mosquitoes! :)

The few downsides to our apartment are just European quirks. Such as how the fridge does not get very cold, how we have no microwave, how the nozzle for the shower is currently at about my chest height, maybe lower, and how there are only a few lights in the entire apartment, and a bunch of dangling cables from the ceiling in every room (you apparently buy and install your own light fixtures).

It is very, very different here.. yet probably the closest to North American lifestyle than any other country in the world other than the UK.I could pretty much kill for an iced chai latte from Starbucks or a bagel from Timmy's right about now.

PS It is insanely complicated to call people here, and I don't have my cell like I was supposed to. I have successfully managed to call Tom 2/4 times, and he has a European number so it's easier *eye roll*. Will keep you all updated on the cell issue.

Click here to see some pics of our apartment. Just picture it without the furniture, appliances, plants and stuff.