I brought my passport to work today so I could copy the information and leave it here in Canada with someone responsible, just in case mine was stolen or something.  Someone responsible?  LOL. My parents.  That's who will have it.  I guess they're responsible.  LOL.  (You are, aren't you, J & F?) 

Anyhow, I got to chatting with one of the women I work with, and she mentioned to me........"You know about the six month rule, don't you?"   Um, no.  What six month rule?  Does anyone know the six month rule?  Apparently, your passport has to be valid for six months AFTER you return from your trip.  Really?  Am I the only one who doesn't know this?  I had NO idea.  None.  And mine expires in July.   That's only four months.  So, Houston, We Have a Problem!!   

Needless to say, something thudded in my stomach!  Yikes.  I'm leaving in 12 days!!  It takes 6 weeks to get a new passport!   I called Immigration and spoke to a very helpful lady.  Well, helpful if you consider having the six month rule validated to be helpful.  Yes, ma'am, you need to get your passport renewed.  WHAT?   AI YI YI!   

Once, a long time ago, my awful boss needed his passport renewed in 36 hours so he could to Poland.  It was literally expiring the day he was departing.  I will never forget it.  It was about -40C and blizzarding.  Very nasty weather.  And he called me, from the comfort of his bathrobe, to inform me that he wasn't coming to work and that I needed to go to the passport office for him to get his passport renewed.  Can you believe it?  Well, I could.  You had to know this guy.  Anyhow, I bundled up and out I went into the blizzard, cursing and swearing under my breath that he was making me do this.   I was a block of ice by the time I arrived - eight freezing cold city blocks later (which I had to walk outside!)   BRRRRRR.    I had all his info with me, a letter from him authorizing me to do this, and of course, my personal credit card.  Because back then they didn't trust me enough to have a company card.   $150 and 24 hours later, Mr. Boss had his new passport.  And T was still attempting to get rid of the frost-bite in her foot.  :P   Do you think he said thank you?  Well.......I'll let you decide. :P

Anyhow, despite the fact that Houston has a problem, I do know money fixes everything.   So, I've gone today to get the photos.  Tomorrow I will go to the immigration office.   With my debit card.  hehe   Hopefully by next Tuesday, I'll have a passport, or I could be in some serious trouble! 

So, that is the update for today; twelve days from departure.  Never a dull moment with me, is there?  :P

T.
xx

It's March 11.  In my head, I'm leaving for Belgium in about five or six weeks.  Loads of time, right?  Of course it is.  Except, I'm leaving in two weeks.  TWO WEEKS!  How is this even possible?  Two weeks?  I think I could be in some trouble here.  There's far, far too much to do and a whole lot to get sorted out.  Wow.  Two weeks.

True to my warped psyche, I have many moments of interal freaking out, thinking 'What in the heck am I doing?'  But, it's too late to turn back and so I must press forward.  I actually started a list - I'm on page two already! - but I think I will feel better when I start crossing some of the to-do's off the list.  This upcoming week needs to be highly productive because I don't want to be running like a chicken in the two days before I go.  That would just stress me out more.  So, in line with that, I'm putting the call out for travel tips.  Essential things to bring, ways to pack lightly, smart behaviour and practicality.  Believe it or not, despite my rambling, I am pretty clear-headed with this stuff, but I'm sure some of you have some great ideas that I haven't encountered before.  So?  Anyone?  (Buehler, Buehler?  Class?  Anyone?)  Yes, yes, another movie quote.  LOL.  And no, I don't mean Urs Buhler.  :P

So, photocopy all important documents (IE: passport, credit cards, insurance cards) and leave a copy with someone and bring a copy with me; just in case I'm pick-pocketed or robbed.   Speaking of that, I know there a lot of pick pockets in Europe.  Aside from the usual - be alert and don't go to shady areas after dark - any tips for ensuring that I'm not a victim?  I've heard people going to extremes and wearing a money belt, etc. etc.  I'm not prepared to do that.  Forget it.  I'm not turning my back and rummaging around under my shirt if I want to buy a bottle of water!  Can you imagine?  LOL.  What's WRONG with that woman?  hehe 

What else?  Four pairs of jeans is enough, si?  One pair of black trousers.  One black skirt.  Divo dress.  A fresh shirt for each day.  And maybe a spare or two.  2 cardigans.  2 pj's.  Let's not go to the unmentionables, because Papa Fred reads, but obviously I'm bringing unmentionables.  :P   Then there's the jacket issues.  And the shoes.  Always the shoes.  Still I'm in a quandry about the shoes.  Sigh.    I'll keep you posted how I work that out.     So, anyhow, that's enough clothes right?  Not too many, but just the right amount for a 10 day trip?  I think so.  And it covers all possible events that I may need to attend.  Events?  LOL.  I didn't know I was attending events, but I guess I am.  Every day is an event, right?  :)))) 

Now, my troubles.  I'm concerned.  I have a problem with my pelvis/hip.  Its a chronic injury.  Both are rotated, which sets off a bunch of other problems I won't bore you with.  Usually it's managable and it's been okay for a while now, with regular maintenance at the orthopedic doctor who has really been helping me.  Except, I've done something to myself this week - not sure what and either is the doc - and I'm completely freaking out because I am totally crippled up.  I have to be able to walk - lots - by the time I leave or what will have been the point of going all the way over there.  Imagine, sitting alone in my B&B thinking.....I can't go out because I can't walk more than two blocks before I'm crying in pain?  (Yes, it is that painful sometimes.)  How depressing, right?  So, the doc has been awesome, but fixing it means other stuff hurts while my body adjusts.  Ugh.  Its' so frustrating and becoming worrisome.   And it also plays into the shoe issue, because obviously anything uncomfortable (and nice looking) is probably out of the question to ensure I am as mobile as I can be.  So.......   I'm just moaning about this, I don't expect anyone to fix it.  But it's weighing on my mind.  It could be tricky getting around and since I'm not an elderly grandmother I don't want to be walking like one.   You know, there's probably some elderly grandmother's who are far more mobile than I am at the moment.  Wow.   

Okay, moan, moan, moan.  Enough.  It is what it is; I have to deal with it as best I can.   I must start blogging more as we draw closer to departure, but I really dont' know what to blog about.  LOL.  You wouldn't think that wasn't possible given how much I ramble, but.....*giggle*.  

So, in parting, I leave you with this.  A friend brought this back from Jamaica for me.  Isn't he hysterical?   Maybe I should throw him my bag for moments when I need a chuckle (and am crying in the public toilet :P)   Maybe I need to throw Carlos in my bag instead.  He might provide a little more courage than Mr. Rasafarian.  :P

Till next time, Brew-Meisters.

T.
xx

Isn't it though?  Life is better in Pink!  (Okay, that's kind of purple-y, but there wasn't a nice pink to pick from!)  Anyhow, I can't tell you how much this made me smile!  And to think that two little girls, aged 4 & 6, knew I would love it so they got it for me!  They have the most excellent taste!   :)   

So, what is it with us women?  This need we have to get more stuff?  Especially when we're going on a trip?  I literally have closets full of clothes.  Closets and closets.  And yet, today, I was compelled to go out in some rather inclement weather (okay, just cause I'm T and I like to ramble and enjoy weird trivia, that phrase made me think of a song lyric from the mid 1950's and I just need to put it out there.  Does anyone know what song this is from?  Bonus points if you know who sang it.  Here goes:  "Maybe the plane took off late, or they may have run into some inclement weather and had to alter their course.  I went outside and I watched the beacon light as it whipped through the dark ebony skies, as if it were searching for........."  Seriously, if you know that song lyric, without a Google search (be honest!), GOLD STAR for you!  And an honourable mention!)  Now, back on point.......  (wow, I ramble!)

So, the weather was awful, but I had to go out anyway to shop for clothes for Belgium.  Why?  The things I have already are perfectly nice.  I have loads to pick from.  No one I am going to meet or encounter would know whether what I'm wearing is old or new; it matters to absolutely no one.  But I had to go shopping.  (I have to go shopping now - movie quote.  Anyone know it?  :P)    I was in one of those moods.........you know when you go shopping for something specific and you can never find it?  I just knew it was going to be a day like that.  Given my mood and the weather and that I was going for specific items.......it just didn't feel like it was going to be a good trip.  But it was!  

I won't bore you with all the ins and outs of it (I've probably bored you enough by now!), but I was looking for a new pair of jeans, maybe a tshirt or two, and if I got lucky and the price was right.....a concert dress.  I found some jeans - two pairs actually.   Both on the sale rack; because I am all about sales!  So, for $25 each, I thought that's not bad for $50+ jeans.   Sold.  Turns out they were marked down extra and were only $17!   DEAL!   I also got a nice pair of yoga pants for the flight, since its so long and overnight, I want to be comfortable.   They weren't on that great of a sale, but I made up for it with the jeans savings, so I was okay with that.  I picked up a skirt too - for work - because it was only $7.  Regular $55.  Deal!   Are you seeing a pattern here?  I'm cheap!  LOL.   

But, the coup de gras (Is that the right term?  I think so......) was the dress!  I got a dress today!  A cocktail one.  Yes, yes, yet another movie quote!  From the same movie as above!  I just can't help myself, what can I say?  And you know you love it!  :P   Anyhoo.........I tried on several.  Saving the one I liked the best for last.  And I truly beleived that it wouldn't look nice or fit properly, but I saved it anyhow.  And guess what?  Besides two small alterations I can do myself.........perfect!  And different.  And the price was right!  Can't beat $30 for a $250 dress, right?  Except......Except......when I went to pay.........it was $10!!!!   $10!!!! (Yes, that needed to be in pink!  Because $10 is great, but everything is better in pink!  :)  )  STEAL!  

I felt like I was getting the deal of the century!  Although I did get a fancy dress once for $5.  But I wasn't going to complain about $10.  No way.  No how.  No complaining!  I probably would have paid $50 and been okay with it.  But $10?  Awesome right?   Uh-huh Uh-huh!    Wanna see a picture?   Oh, but what if you don't like it?  It is a bit different.   And it's silver.  Odd colour, really.  But it looks so nice, really it does!  Mum even said it was flattering, and believe me, she'd say if it wasn't!  Okay, here it is.  What do you think?  It's hard to get the whole effect, hanging on a hanger like that (don't worry Dad, I didn't scratch that door you just painted for me!)ut you can at least see the structure and the detail.  For $10!!!!! 

So, now I am thinking accessories and shoes and etcetera, etcetera.  I need something bold.  I want red, but Mum says it needs hot pink (LOL, of course it needs hot pink!) or purple or an electric blue or something.  I'll see what I can find!  Oh ya, and I'm wondering about my hair too.  Big and full and 60's sexy?  (Think Adele style)  Or pinned up into a french roll with some whispies?  Too much to think about!   

And that brings us to the end of the Deals and Steals blog post.  :)  Ladies (and Dad, since I think you are the only man reading this - hehe)  thanks so much for popping in and leaving your thoughts.  I'm so glad you're having as much fun with it as I am.  Because it is fun, isn't it?  Can you imagine when I actually start travelling?   May the force be with you all, because seriously.......we could be in some serious trouble.  :P  

T.
xxxx

So.........I guess musing about all the negative 'what if's' isn't such a good idea, is it?  Okay, T will try to stay away from that from now until.........a new batch of nerves kicks in.  I must admit, something has shifted this week and I am getting a little excited.  Can you believe it?  Me?  Who doesn't get excited about anything is a little bit excited about my trip?    I say that's amazing!  Or maybe I am just high on.......NO! not the Dutch Coffee Houses (who do you think I am! :P )...........I was about to say Diet Coke.  :)    DCH or DC?  You make up your own mind.  LOL  (Wow, I am silly at the moment!)

Anyhow, I have a million questions.  Questions, questions, questions.  If anyone knows the answers, please leave a comment.  This is stuff they don't tell you on Trip Advisor!  First up:  B&B Etiquette.   I've never stayed at a B&B; although I am super excited about the one I'm staying at.  It's so beautiful!   Giant bed, balcony overlooking a tree lined street, wood floors, claw foot bathtub. (Yes, I will post pictures!) But I don't know the etiquette.  For example, here in North America, when you stay in a hotel (a hotel, not a B&B) it is customary to leave a tip every day for the cleaning staff.   Does one do that at a B&B as well?  Or is it considered rude?  Or maybe you just leave a tip at the end of your stay?  I have no idea.  Also, do you make your bed?  Or do you expect the proprieter to do it?  Seems a bit lazy to me - expecting the host/hostess to make your bed when you could very well do it yourself in about 10 seconds, but is that part of the service you pay for when you're at a B&B?  Again, no idea.  Obviously the towels, etc get changed every day, but the rest of it?   Dunno.   Will you help me out, please, if you do know?  

Question Two also revolves around tipping.   I read somewhere that you only tip in Europe if the service at the restaurant is good.  Is this true?  Because in North America, its customary to tip 15% regardless.  The wait staff relies on tips since the hourly wage is not usually very good.  But in Europe?  Again, I have no idea.  What is the standard?  And if you do tip, what percentage is acceptable?  15% like in Canada?  

Question Three.  The train system.  I was googling about the trains today.  I am so confused.  Very, very confused.  Is there an inter-city train system in Brussels, plus a national train system (to get to Antwerp for example?  Oh and that makes me think of a secondary question:  Is Anterwp the same place as Antwerpen?), plus a third train system if I want to go out of the country (to Paris, for example)?  Is there really that many train systems?  How do you figure it all out?  I'm pretty smart, but seriously, I think this could just about do me in.  While we're on the topic of trains........is it worthwhile to get some kind of rail pass?  Is that cheaper?  How exactly does it work?   I need a one way to Antwerp, return to Paris, return to Leuven and a one way from Leuven.  Does that warrant getting a rail pass?  I need to be economical with some things, if I can, and I think rail travel will be one of them.  But then again, maybe I am not travelling enough by rail to justify a pass.  I don't know!!!!!  I'm sooooooooooo confused!  HELP! 

Okay, I won't bore you with any more questions today, but I will tell you about my dream.  Do you want to read about my dream? (What's your dream? Anyone know the movie quote that's from?) (Skip ahead if you don't want to read about the dream :P)   I dreamed I was leaving on my trip.  And the British Airways jet was parked out in the middle of a field; surrounded by tents and pathways and hippies.  It was sort of like Woodstock, only without the music and the mud.  I was in endless, endless lineups, twisting and turning and I couldn't figure out why there were no bathroom facilities for all the people in the line.  Including me.   They kept announcing that the plane was leaving, but I was no where near being able to board; and I really really had to to go the loo.  So, I was dancing in the line up, to distract myself, and wondering why I decided to go to Belgium since they obviously weren't civilized and didn't have any toilets.  Finally, finally.........the line snaked around to an outhouse.  I was disgusted.  One outhouse for all these people.  They couldn't even be bothered to build flush toilets for their passengers?  Really?  So, I was complaining to someone behind me, and then of course I woke up.    Guess what?   It was 2 am, and I really did need to use the loo.    I'm almost scared to know how you are all going to analyze that one.  LOL 

Okay, that is enough pointless ramblings from me.  Hope you enjoyed this upbeat, question filled episode of What's Brewin.  And yes Dad, I will phone you momentarily to tell you a new blog is up, since you ask me every day about it!  :)    See you soon, Brew-Meisters!  (What do you think of that name?)  

T. 
xxx

PS:  I won a coffee on Tim's 'Roll up the Rim' contest!  Yay me!  (But I think I've had enough caffeine today, don't you?) 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here I am again.  :)  Just popping in with a picture of Antwerp or Antwerpen or Anvers (take your pick and why does it have so many names?  More questions! )  This is the train station.  Thanks Chris!  It's so magnificent.  We don't have things like this in Canada.