And So It Begins

I'm going to throw this out there in one big ball of gushy love, and say a huge thank you for the support, words of kindness and general sweet hearted advice and messages from everyone. This journey is just beginning, and although I have made the first and potentially hardest step now, the rest is still unfolding, and during challenging moments it really truly lightens the load to have people to share the experience with.


And talking of taking those first steps into fresh newness and unknowing… Here are a few snaps from my very first weekend as a resident in the Netherlands! My wonderful parents in tow, we began by squashing my belongings in the back of our mini and off we set for a weekend of introductions, discoveries and a whole lot of food!

// And so it begins! //

// Touch down in the Netherlands, view from my parents B&B //

// Day trip to Veere, taking in the gorgeous architecture //

// Beautiful buildings and quaint shop fronts //

// Cottage chic, some serious home wear beauties //

// Easter (Pasen) was in the air with these spring time displays //

// Flowers, bunnies and piglets… Whats not to love! //

// Showing my parents around my new stomping ground,

 dad couldn't resist touching the sand and the sea! //

// Walking around Hellevoetsluis in the hazy sunshine //

// Just across from here I signed in as an official resident! //

It was such a lovely weekend, our two families became one big crazy gang and my dad kept everyone entertained with his newly acquired Dutch skills (I say entertained, he actually put me to shame with how quickly he picked it up!!). We dined like kings thanks to Rich's moms cooking and raised a glass (or two) to new adventures.


My folks are already planning their next visit over here, much to my delight, and although it has been a fairly surreal experience planting my feet firmly on Dutch soil, I have to say I am comfortable here in my new surroundings. There is much to do to continue the settling in stage, and I continue to remind myself that it can not be achieved in a day, but with the help of everyone around me and a little enthusiasm and persistence, each day feels more and more familiar.


The next step for my transition is setting challenges and goals to push myself out of the house and to build up my little world here. Continuing like a Trojan with the language, gaining a bit more confidence with meeting new people and getting re-inspired with my sewing and craft projects.

I can't wait to share more of my discoveries and snippets of adventure with you. Have you taken any first steps recently or do you have any new projects on the horizon?