First Visit

For my first post, I figure I should give you a little background. I am a Food Scientist from the Chicago area. I'm sure I'll tell you more about food science as the blog goes on, so you'll have to keep reading. I just got a new job and will be going on an ex-pat assignment to the Netherlands. My husband and I will be the Netherlands for 3-5 years (which sounds oddly like a prison sentence). We don't have any kids which makes this kind of thing possible.

Some of you already know that I spent 6 months in Malaysia in 2006. Because it was such a short assignment, my husband stayed home, keeping his job and taking care of the dog and cat. At the time the thought of going to Asia was very intimidating. I had never even visited and was going for 6 months! But in the end, I did just fine. Most people spoke English and for once I felt like a tall person!

In a way, the move to Europe is harder. And in a way it's the next logical step. Because we will be there for so much longer, everything is more complicated. My husband is also going, so we are moving out of our house. We're leaving a lot of friends and a great community in Chicago. In trade, we get to live in the Netherlands, riding our bikes everywhere and exploring Europe. I hope it's a good trade.

So, next week is our first trip to NL to look at housing and get a feel for the area. I've been juggling a lot of balls this week trying to set up the travel details, getting an appointment with the realtor, getting the documents ready for the immigration lawyer, oh yeah and working, too!

I just found out that my work permit is ready now, much sooner than I expected! I had originally thought this trip would be more of a "sight-see" and now it's more of a "find a place to live for the next 5 years" trip. I thought we'd have a bit more time to get ready. In reality, I don't think I'll ever feel ready.

I'll try to post one more time before I leave on Monday. Mybe I'll tell you about the Superbowl party my boss is having on Sunday.