Joe, John and Tom hosted the party in their Sablon apartment on the rooftop terrace overlooking Brussels' skyline. The view was beautiful and Joe outdid himself with appetizers and savory yummy treats.
It felt like everyone from Kirk's work teams came to bid him au revoir. I was surprised at the turnout for a weeknight - there must have been 30 or 35 folks there. It was one of those nights where I was especially overwhelmed with compliments on Kirk and his work. It strikes me as funny that I can love and know Kirk for over 15 years now and still not totally know him as a professional. This was a great window into his professional demeanor and accomplishments.
The Coke team presented Kirk with a stereotypical "Belgian" basket - Belgian beer, Belgian endives, three of the most beautiful Belgium coffee table books they all signed like a yearbook and several bottles of wine.
The guys were very dear to host a fun and lively party in our honor. I was able to peek into Kirk's work life and it made me all the more grateful for the opportunity and privilege we have had to live abroad and for Kirk to work and do business on an international level. The conference call between colleagues will no longer be faceless deals and translated negotiations, rather a call between friends and familiar coworkers across the ocean.
It felt like everyone from Kirk's work teams came to bid him au revoir. I was surprised at the turnout for a weeknight - there must have been 30 or 35 folks there. It was one of those nights where I was especially overwhelmed with compliments on Kirk and his work. It strikes me as funny that I can love and know Kirk for over 15 years now and still not totally know him as a professional. This was a great window into his professional demeanor and accomplishments.The Coke team presented Kirk with a stereotypical "Belgian" basket - Belgian beer, Belgian endives, three of the most beautiful Belgium coffee table books they all signed like a yearbook and several bottles of wine.The guys were very dear to host a fun and lively party in our honor. I was able to peek into Kirk's work life and it made me all the more grateful for the opportunity and privilege we have had to live abroad and for Kirk to work and do business on an international level. The conference call between colleagues will no longer be faceless deals and translated negotiations, rather a call between friends and familiar coworkers across the ocean.
I felt like a bad guy calling the police and then having them towed, but what's a moving girl to do? The recovery fees are rumored to be $400-500. I am sorry whoever owns this car!
The movers were a whirling dervish of packing mayhem. It was almost relaxing to turn our mess over to them to box away and deliver. They were pros and seemed to have a special box for every type of item - wardrobe boxes, mattress box, and book boxes. Our entire apartment was boxed up within a few hours! 108 boxes. How did we have so much stuff?!?
Down she goes!
And into the boat carton. I had often seen these cartons stacked on boats in ports, but never thought twice about what was inside. Now I know!
Connor charmed the movers. They thought she was pretty cute and kept flashing their muscles at her. I thought we might lose out on the cute factor when they had to pack up all of her toys. It took a lot of explaining but she finally caught on. 
Each box was labeled and documented. We are spoiled with such exact and precise movers. Connor attempted to nap but after an hour of unrest I just pulled her crib into the main room so she could watch the action. There was no napping on this day!
We couldn't believe it when everything was gone. It started to feel real that we were leaving. Very bittersweet. This apartment has been good to us - many memories here. It was hard not to feel sad and nostalgic about the life we were leaving behind.
We got out and bid goodbye to our street too...
On Rue Des Poissonniers our most friendly neighbor is Michel the hairdresser. They cut our hair, but more importantly they were good neighbors. Every time we passed they stopped and waved and smiled with a hearty "Bonjour" - this could happen 10 times a day and they always seemed genuinely happy to see us.
Michel speaks not a lick of English, but was always patient with my French. He gave Connor a going away gift and I know I will miss his kindness. I always felt safer knowing Michel was nearby.
I will also miss Gracine the grocer, the lady who fed the birds every morning and the kind young pharmacist down the road. And oh the Restaurant de la Bourse...the best mussels and frites in town!
We passed the Whittamer chocolate window display too...springtime in chocolate. I will miss you wonderful Whittamer!
Returning home we assessed our remaining stuff for our upcoming adventure. A month around Europe in the warmest climates and the coldest too. On budget airlines. Therefore this was all we had for 30 days for three of us! I think we deserve a packing award.
Packing is an all out exhausting, emotional process. We survived!
Back where we started. So much has changed and yet so little. There are new houses being built, new restaurants, and neighborhood children have grown up in the blink of an eye. But the trees are still blindingly green, people everywhere are still kind, I am remembering my way around town, and best of all our friends are still here. We have fallen right into their loving arms and are enveloped in their care during this time of transition. Our neighborhood still overflows with a small town spontaneous friendliness...within 45 minutes of us arriving three separate families walked by and stopped to welcome us home on the front porch. Boy it feels great to be back in the 'hood!
We decided not to risk it and took the 14 hour sure bet train trip versus the 90 minute flight. As luck would have it our afternoon flight was one of the very few that flew that day as the restrictions lessened. It was financially a big bummer - yet we have been so lucky with efficient travel that we seemed due. 
It ended up being an absolute blast on the train. It was of course packed full, but full with jovial, glass-half-full Brits making the best of things and happy to be chugging home at long last. We traded volcano war stories and by the time we were underway Connor charmed fellow travelers into taking turns reading stories to her one lap and one person after another. Until she was just exhausted and fell asleep on Kirk...
We were weary travelers to say the least after the train trip. Joe and John let us crash with them. They fed us and we were (and still are) forever grateful. If I had to face another salami sandwich dinner and a hotel...let's just say it was time for some home cookin' and the fellowship of friends. They let us completely take over their hallway to repack and organize our 8 suitcases and 3 carry on bags. Good gracious! 
Joe was the host with the most! His lasagne made my stomach smile from end to end!
Brussels to Atlanta went without a hitch. I had to snap a photo of us though at the airport. We got plenty a strange looks at the baggage carousel as we kept hauling bag after bag after bag.
Staying this first week with friends has been an amazing aspect in our reentry. They fill in every gap and need. Their daughter was precious and made us the following welcome home sign. Yay, Yay is absolutely right!
Connor is in playmate heaven. The children were all 3 in the pack n play last night reading away. Have you ever?!?
The only hiccup we have had is Connor and skinned knees. She has managed to scrape them up pretty good with all the play. At least there are Barbie band-aids to make everything feel better!
Finally, today was my little one's first day of school! With a borrowed backpack and hand me down Crocs she hip hopped her way back to full time care. Here she is all ready to go!
Truth be told I was a little lonely without my two year old buddy with me. But she did great. Not a tear and when I picked her up she looked up at me and proclaimed, "I had a fun day at school Mommy!" Yep, there really is no place like home.
The "Hintsters" group consists of friends I met through the American Women's Club of Brussels during my 'Hints for Living in Brussels' orientation class. These beautiful ladies have provided me with side-splitting laughter and incredible joy during our monthly dinners. Most of which end up lasting 4-5 hours as we hoot and holler amidst the annoyed glances of other Belgian diners. But we don't care. I will miss their gorgeous smiles and encouragement.
Karen has also taken to organizing "Ladies Night" Dinners for many months now. This last one was my fond farewell from the group. Karen was so dear to bring me flowers and we dined at "Le Fourneau" in Grand Sablon (fun French place). Our crew closed the restaurant down. It has been a while since I have done that! Karen has been not only a true friend, but a fabulous connector to the lovely ladies of the Ixelles neighborhood.
Ciara also had us over to her home for a proper British tea time to say goodbye to our La Chaise Musicale friends. Complete with Earl Grey and yummy scones. We even were able to Skype Nicky who moved to Switzerland in January to reunite all four music buddies! I am grateful to these British ladies for all they have done to guide and love our family these many months (sorry no photo). 
We loved Belga Queen and highly recommend it for a special night out.
Now all wasn't so glamorous for our final days in Brussels. Take a look at our kitchen as I tried to organize what was to go where before the movers arrived. What a mess! At least I had Karen's pretty purple tulips to brighten the load. She also showed her Southern hospitality gene by bringing us homemade lasagne during this transition time. Thank you Karen!!!
Brussels, dear Brussels. I will miss skipping through your Grand Place on a daily basis. What a fairy tale this has been. But now it is time for us to make our way back to America to "live happily ever after"!!!
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