We've arrived!

After an uneventful 8 hour flight (Vinnie was great! He even used the airplane bathroom on command!) we arrived in Amsterdam and were met by a banner proclaiming "The American School of the Hague". Marianne and Henry (ASH teachers) took us to Leiden to the Hotel Minerva where we settled in. Today we got a rental car, looked at 2 apartments, got Dutch passport pictures taken (DON'T SMILE!!!) ,and visited the school. It's just like an American school, and they're working on renovations right now. We have more apartments set up to see tomorrow. I'm glad we got a U.S. Tom-Tom with European maps already loaded. It makes it much easier getting around. Tomorrow we go to the bank to set up an account, look at more apartments, and try to drive around and see exactly where we are. It rained for a while today, which apparently it does almost every day. I told them I would ride my bike to school but not in the dark, the rain, or against a strong wind. Apparently that's 6 months out of the year. The school campus is beautiful, as is the rest of Wassenaar and Leiden. Verschooten is very quaint, and we'd like to find an apartment there. Vinnie has perched himself on the hotel window and is thrilled with the canal seagulls, and all the pretty blonds biking by.

Eight More Days and Counting

I've started making lists, and quit grocery shopping. Someone came to view our house yesterday with the realtor. It would be nice, but selling the house right now would be too much! Visas and passports have been obtained. Today I downloaded a 7 page orientation from ASH for the week ofAugust 10. Someone is going to pick us up at Amsterdam Airport, and take us to Minerva Hotel in Leiden. The school is picking up the tab for that. (And also for the flight for both of us) Fred has arranged for us to pick up a rental car and go see several apartments the day we arrive (July 28). Sure hope Vinnie the cat can handle the trip!

Getting Ready For the Move!

July 11, 2008
The final countdown is coming quickly! Only 16 more days until we move to The Netherlands for three years! No bags have been packed as of yet, but suitcases have been purchased, HUGE shipments have been made, and Vinnie (the cat) had a microchip implanted. After this weekend (in Las Vegas where we'll say goodby to BJ) we'll really get down to business. Looking forward to a great adventure!