NL Move: School? Check. House? Check.
japra | May 11, 2009 | Comments 36
The little private patio off of our hotel room in The Hague.
We had a successful trip to The Hague last week. Roxi liked her school–it seems big and modern, the classrooms were bright, and everyone seemed happy and friendly. She is really looking forward to starting High School in the fall! The only drawback is she will start school a week or so earlier since she has to do placement tests, registration, etc. On the plus side–no uniforms! ;-)
The new school has a lot to offer Roxi in terms of her interests in music, drama and art. Trying to fit it all into her schedule? We’ll see.
We did find a very nice townhome not too far from Mr. DJ’s office and only 15 minutes away from Roxi’s school. It’s actually quite a bit bigger than the house we’re in here in England… same number of rooms, but the rooms themselves are about half again as big. It will be such a relief to spread out a bit. One thing I like about the new place is it has balconies–perfect for painting, I think. We’ll also be near several parks, so I think Trudy will have a lot of fun running around and making new friends.
I am feeling a bit swamped right now. End of school year school activities + trying to organize our move + maintaining our rental here for showings = a little stress. Luckily we’ve gone through this before, so I know baby steps will help us get through. And maybe a little yoga.
So between my semi-panic moments, I think about what it will be like to live in Holland. And contemplate the realities of using a bicycle as a mode of transportation, not just for recreation. Hmmm.
Filed Under: Blog • Expat Life • Featured • Parenting
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
Oh, I’m so envious! (Not of the packing up part, of course, but of the New Adventure bit!) Also, I’ve always wanted to live in a place where bicycle travel is actually a feasible way to get around.
Balconies!
Bee, I was laughing at myself, thinking about cycling home after overloading at the grocery. It will take me a little while to get used to cycling with things.
In addition to painting, balconies are also nice for morning coffee and a glass of wine in the evening ;-)
Hague!Wow!That is so nice.And travelling with bicycles seems so cool and ecological too!
Chaitra, it’s been more than two years since I’ve been on a bike. I’ll have to do a little bit of practising before I venture too far away from the house ;-)
I am sending you calming stress relieving vibes. I know you guys will make it to Holland just fine, but I remember the stress of moving.
Sounds like you have found a good school for Roxi over there. I hope she has a good time, even if she has to start a week early.
Thank you, Kat! I will need those stress-relieving vibes in just a couple of weeks…
Good luck with all of this… it makes my heart beat faster just reading about it! I really embraced the walking I have to do here in the UK. I walk a total of 42 minutes a day here between train stations and work and home. I think I would happily embrace cycling too if I had to but for now it seems too much hard work!
I am going to try take up pilates or yoga or something this week. We’re trying to fall pregnant again so I think it will be a super idea.
Emm, walking, public transport, and cycling seem so much better than driving a few minutes and then trying to find a place to park just so one has a way to get the groceries home. Plus one may also run the risk of losing one’s parking spot on the street.
Oh, that is exciting (trying for a baby!). Yoga is wonderful and I always seem to turn to it in times of stress. I’ve not tried pilates, but I know people who have and have loved it. Keeping my fingers crossed for you, friend!
I can’t imagine doing all of that at this time of year – I keep thinking “you’re almost done…just a few more weeks”. The end of school is always such a pain.
So, I’m so jealous about the bicycle thing. But, just had a thought, it gets really cold there right? That bit, on a bicycle, I’m not so sure about!
Julia, yes, the cold, the wind, the rain… These are things I wonder about. Mr. DJ says people cycle in all sorts of weather. But I would think I would need to thicken up my blood a bit first.
Good luck with the rest of the school year! It really is one of the busiest times of the year, isn’t it?
I’m eagerly anticipation no more school. I have dreams of sleeping late. Reality will wake me up in the form of the 3 yr old (at 7am) yelling “PANCAKES!!!”
wow, things have started moving quickly. the new townhome sounds nice, especially with more room.
Christine, I am SO looking forward to that extra space.
Remembering how small the average room is in the UK, I would be so thrilled at looking forward to larger ones, I probably wouldn’t be thinking about much else!
The townhouse sounds like it’s in a fabulous location and with a balcony! How great is that?!
GastonStudio, I’ve got my art studio picked out. It’s on the top floor (3rd level), in back and has a balcony overlooking the patio. There is also a sink nearby. And the washer and dryer–lol!
And yes, the rooms are very small here in the UK. I have a photo of my then 12 year old daughter standing in the guest room of our first townhome. Her fingertips almost touch the walls!
It all sounds fabulous! Balconies? I’d give my right arm for a balcony! I’m sure you’ll get everything sorted.
Akelamalu, I am hoping we will have lots of lovely days to enjoy our balconies. And yes, doing a little bit every day is the way to go.
Things seem to be moving along…and how wonderful you found a house so close to everything. And with larger rooms and even balconies, and parks nearby. It all sounds perfect. So now the “fun” begins until you are settled into your new location!
One step at a time, as you say…will get you there. A new home and city to explore and discover.
Sara, I can’t wait to unpack and set up house. A fresh start is always fun :-)
I enjoyed your hippopotami Haiku today!
I think I’m rather envious that you will be living in Holland.
Always a dream place of mine.
when are you off?
Elizabeth, we are moving mid-June! We’re just waiting on word if we got the house before we book the removal company…
My oh my, it’s real. Sounds like it’s all falling into place and some of that is the benefit of having done the same sort of thing fairly recently. I don’t recall it being any colder or wetter than the UK but that was years ago. Seriously years ago. We all learn to cope with the weather as the locals do if we want to be content. You know the drill so you’ll do just fine.
Glad to hear the school situation is pleasing to all.
Maureen, did you live in the NL too?!
Wow, JAPRA. You guys are amazing. This sounds so organized and efficient, even though I’m sure there are a dozen things in the air at all times right now. It’s great that Roxi likes her school. Everyone must speak English there, huh?
I think if I had to ride a bike everywhere I’d need more liability insurance…
Chris, everyone does speak English, but I really want to learn enough Dutch to get around in the shops, etc.
And LOL about the bike! The Dutch cruise along on theirs, making it look too easy. If you hear on international news that some Yank caused a terrible collision in Holland, that’ll be me.
Sounds like everything is moving along well.
I am sure it will be great once all the dust settles.
Susan, I tend to want to rush things along at this point. But I’m making an effort to enjoy each day and each, um, challenge. Looking forward to the dust settling, though.
Good luck getting everything done! I love being able to bike to the farmer’s market during half the year. The trick is buying good panniers and being careful with tomatoes and eggs on the bumps.
Sarah, that is a good idea about the panniers. I’ve been so spoiled with my UK milkman who delivers so much to us twice a week (including dog food and doggie treats). My once a month bulk grocery deliveries (tinned food, TP, stuff like that) are heavenly too. So, I don’t mind the every other day shopping for the fresh items. It’ll be tricky trying to get all that heavy stuff on my bike. I’ll have to see if they have grocery deliver service in the NL!
Sarah, that is a good idea about the panniers. I’ve been so spoiled with my UK milkman who delivers so much to us twice a week (including dog food and doggy treats). My once a month bulk grocery deliveries (tinned food, TP, stuff like that) are heavenly too. So, I don’t mind the every other day shopping for the fresh items. It’ll be tricky trying to get all that heavy stuff on my bike. I’ll have to see if they have grocery deliver service in the NL!
This is great! I’m so excited for you! It sounds like this move is definitely for the best.
All will fall not place soon and you will get into a routine. Don’t forget your cycle helmet and enjoy it!
If anybody can do it, it’s you!
Just discovered your blog and instantly became a follower. I had a good friend who lived in Holland for two years (an expat from California) and she got quite good about transporting herself, two young kids and groceries on her bike. She said the bike was set up differently than the ones she’d ridden at home. Sounds like quite an adventure you’re on. Looking forward to hearing more.
Daunting and thrilling all at once. Fate has handed you a fresh new box of Crayola crayons and instructed you to live in color!
Sig, I love thinking of it like that. Yes, we are living a very colourful life right now. I think it will be hard to move back “home” ;-)