After months of slowly progessing paperwork, things finally started coming together this week and then, today, success.

My work permit was finally approved this week. However, due to FedEx problems, it wasn't going to arrive in Huntsville until today. So, we made plans for leaving for Brussels on 1 May. Then, the Belgian Consulate said that we could drop off our paperwork today even though we didn't have the original of the work permit so we called the movers who were supposed to be here next week to pick up our few belongings yesterday. Today, when we went to the Consulate in Atlanta, the Visa Officer gave me my visa in an hour instead of having us come down middle of next week. So, we decided to fly to Brussels this Sunday. That meant that we had to book air, change arrival date for apartment in Brussels, figure out how to drop off car and vacate current apartment, and get all the other tasks done to get ready to move overseas in less than two days. I also had to wrap up tasks at work and clean out my office. It has been a long and successful day. {It is a 3.5 hour drive to Atlanta so we were up at 0430 and on road by 0500.)

We don't know when we will go house hunting or what day I will show up at the office; after all, these decisions were made after folks in Brussels were already gone for the weekend. We just hope someone is there to pick us up at the airport.

We will try to post when we can. Our home computer is in transit until we get to permanent apartment so Arlene and I will not be online that frequently. We will post our contact info when we get it as we want frequent visitors.

As we can, Arlene will update our blog with our latest adventures. )

See everyone on their visits to Europe!

Yea!!!! Good luck guys and safe travels. Please keep in touch when you can. Looking forward to hearing all about your new adventures.

Good luck Marc and Arlene. Tom and Mona.

Hi Marc and Arlene,


Wishing you the very best on your next venture. Am just sorry we didn't have a chance to connect in ATL, the closest you've been in many years.

Wishing you well as you begin a great new chapter in your lives! We weren't able to visit you in Japan. Maybe Brussels.

Oh my, what an adventure.

YOur ears must have been burning - your PV friends just asked about you two tonight - I said their plans still in limbo - great news I will let them know you are off for another travel adventure - best to you!!!! XXOO Joanna and Tony

You certainly are the world home lovers. I can't believe you got everything together in 2 days. Best of luck and hope everything goes smoothly
Lynn

"What an adventure" is right! Happy trails, at long last, & blessings on your path.
- Michele & Don

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The Levin's are "On the Road Again"!

Wow!!! Best of luck Marc and Arlene!

Nancy

What a whirlwind you both have been in! Hopefully all will settle down some as you arrive in Brussels and find a nice new home there. Enjoy this new segment of your life.

Good luck.

We are looking forward to meeting you on Sea to Sea

Great news, Marc and Alene--best of luck to both of you. Enjoy your adventure in Belgium and be sure to scope out the best chocolate for us.

What adventurers you two are
Looking forward to meeting you on Polar Bears, if you're still on.

Congratulations Marc and Arlene!

That's great, Marc & Arlene! Best of luck to you!

Thank you everyone for your fine wishes.

We arrived early yesterday...in one piece and with all our luggage so we are happy. We obtained new cell phones this morning, Marc is off today at his new office and tomorrow we are off to look at apartments so we are off and running. We haven't done much yet, except find a grocery and get our cell phones, but my first impressions are terrific. Brussels is very clean, and there are so many flowers in bloom I am in heaven! The lilacs! The wisteria! Even cherry blossoms to make me feel at home! One thing I didn't expect though.... I suppose I hadn't thought about it.... In Japan we were more or less lateral with Santa Barbara, then we were in the south, now we are more or less lateral to Montreal so it is much chillier than we are both used to, but a nice change from the heat and humidity. I think Marc and I are starting to get this "expat lifestyle" down to an art.

Olivia's Joanna is here this week on business so we are making plans to see her later this week... what fun!

Glad you arrived safe and sound. The flowers sound beautiful!! Yes, you two are getting to be pros at expat lifestyle... :app: :app:

You're actually more at the latitude of Edmonton or Calgary. But I'm betting the climate won't be nearly as cold as either or those places, or of Montreal. But it will be plenty nippy for you, I'm sure. I've only been in Amsterdam in the winter, and it can be pretty raw and cold. I'm sure the advantages will outweigh this tiny problem.

Hi.

Make sure you go to Bruges! The mideval city is a gem, with great chocolate!

Marcia

My daughter met Arlene and Marc for dinner tonight and had a great time! On Friday, I think they are going to meet for a bit of sightseeing.

Lucky all of them!!! I miss Joanna, Marc and Arlene -

We had such a great time last night with Joanna. We met at 7:30 for dinner and before we knew it, it was after 10:00! What fun to have already seen a familiar face over here! She is only a few hours away by train so hopefully we can get together again, this time with her Mark too. We were so busy talking I forgot to even take a picture to post. Hopefully I will remember to take one on Friday. Also, Marc had his first Belgian Beer :banana:

Arlene, how is the house/apt. hunting coming along?

This is Marc (Arlene is napping :D )

We found a great apartment at a great price. Here is a link with a description in French and some photos. It is very nicely finished and fits all our furniture. The owner had lived in Asia for a while so it has a number of Asian accents which we enjoy. We will move in 1 June.

I will let Arlene add more later.

Marc

What a fun adventure you two are having Arlene.

Give our love to Joanna when you see them, we so enjoyed them on B2B and of course the engagemen just made for so much fun.

Keep us posted on your adventures. See you next year!

Welcome to Brussels, Marc and Arlene! Your new apartment looks sensational!! What a great time of the year to begin this adventure!

The story of your mad and fast departure reminded me of our departure to Saudi. Similar 'hurry up and wait' and then bingo...the work visas arrive and the scrambling for last minute packing, flights and hurried goodbyes begins! I can hear your collective sighs from here as you boarded those flights for Europe!

We all look forward to hearing about all your experiences!! As always, thanks so much for sharing!

The apartment looks tres chic, Marc and Arlene. Glad you are on the path to getting settled. The flowers must be spectacular. We are just seeing the azaleas bloom here. It's a terrific sight.

Cheers, Anne & Gary

Best of luck with the move. Much happiness and success are sure to follow-