Hey guys, I’m back! I’ve been busy getting ready for a big move to Amsterdam and I’m super excited! I’ve moved cities a handful of times before and I know the drill, cancel the cable and utilities, pack up the car, forward the mailing address, etc. But moving continents is a whole other level.
And in true form, I am planning every step that I can. [Me + Excel = <3] Besides a truck load of paperwork that has to be ordered between the hours of 10:30am and 3:30pm EST—I’m exaggerating here but it’s like they’re never open and you’re always on hold—there is stock piling of US medications and prescriptions to be done, two cars to sell, and an apartment search to be concluded. In all honesty I consider myself a pretty light liver. I’ve always moved with just what fit in my 4-door sedan, no more no less. And I see moves in general as a good excuse for spring cleaning. Let go of that which you do not 100% love. You can almost certainly replace it once you’ve moved.
The slight hang-up with my mantra this time around is that all my well-known, go-to places for new furnishings, winter clothes, bedding, even groceries will not be coming with me. The only store that I know exists in both the US and the Netherlands is IKEA. Don’t get me wrong I love trying new foods, new restaurants, new stores, etc., however, the reality of my go-to’s not being there if I needed them has caused me to break out the plastic numerous times in the past few weeks. It has been a bit pathetic, even Carrie-like from Sex in the City…”But what if I regret not buying these Nordy boots when I had the chance and I never find boots quite like them in all the stores that I visit in the Netherlands? I should just get them in case it’s the last time!”
Even Amazon and Ebay shipping rates and fees (from US sellers) is ridiculous. Not to mention Etsy. My poor, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts site—I will miss you. Ruelala, Gilt Group, Shopittome no more.
Do you ship internationally? How many limbs will it cost me?!
Enough boo-hoos. Somethings I will be gaining that should be celebrated and don’t require any plastic: bicycling everywhere, brodts (fresh bread and pastry shops) on every other corner, beautiful old architecture, canals, cafes canal-side, public transportation that actually makes sense, and travel at my fingertips.
In summary, the assessment here is that I will gladly give up some shoes in the short-term in order to have the long-term experience of living in Europe.
Amsterdam, hier kom ik!
Translation: Amsterdam, here I come!
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