bit of stress :)
Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 11:21AM So the past week has been a little stressful. Sometimes living in a foreign country isn't all sunshine and lollypops. However, there are pretty flowers here!
But no, basically we found out we have a mold problem in our little old house and that it's really not safe to be living here. Christian is out flying so bahhh... just a bit of stress. We have been talking about moving this summer for awhile now anyway but now there is just a sense of urgency.
Apartment hunting in Copenhagen is really not anything like I would expect. Here is just one of those culture shock things. To rent an apartment is very competitive and tricky. Most people buy or buy into co-ops but now that there are many people unable to loan money it makes the renters market even more competitive.
Firstly, there is no such thing as a realtor for rentals here. God I hated paying realtor fees back in Boston but at least they did the leg work for you and well with a bit of money you could find a place fairly easily. So it's a lot of website cruising on our end. Then you usually have to pay to get the contact information on these apartment listings. Which is fine, I guess. Apartments usually go within 1-2 days of being listed... so with Christian gone I can't act fast enough.
The other biggie that we're facing is my stupid residency Visa extension. I have to be on lease with 3 years minimum from when we apply for my extension (Nov/Dec this year). These leases are VERY hard to come by. So yeah bum bum bum what to do what to do.
So just feeling like I'm facing a bit of adversity plus a bit of culture shock at the same time. Just not able to grab the reins and take control (we know I like control...).
I've calmed down a lot but would still like to get this sorted asap. Keep you all posted. I can't wait to be a city girl again!
Last Sunday I made brunch for the family as a Mother's day gift to Christian's mom and grandmother, great success. At least it received good reviews :)
Menu:
Fruit Salad: blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, bananas, and pears in vanilla yogurt
Scrammbled Egg Bake: 8 large eggs, 6 slices white bread, a bunch of bacon, chopped peppers and onions, bunch of cheddar cheese > sit over night> into the oven at 325F for 45 min
French Toast Bake: 3/4 loaf white bread, 8 large eggs, apple slices, 2 cups milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, sugar > sit over night> make topping with brown sugar, 2 sticks butter, 2 tbsp corn syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg> into the oven at 325 for 45 min
Breads & Cheese spread
Champagne and strawberries
Delicious food, good company, great weather!
Just really hoping this weather holds out for when my grandparents get here. It got a little chillier this weekend so fingers crossed!
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Reader Comments (4)
aw, lover. poor thing...I hate such stressful situations. I'm thinking of you and sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Love you lots! xoxo
Jill -- your Mother's Day brunch looks fantastic - you did a great job with the menu. I'm sure everyone loved being pampered like that.
As for the rental woes......we watch a lot of 'HGTV"'s House Hunters International....they always make it look like there are real estate agents just waiting to show you rentals or new homes. The hardest part is finding a living space that corresponds to Western standards.......not every country provides the spaces we're used to. Good luck in your search, I hope you find something you can be happy with!
aw thanks to both of you for your sweet comments. it's funny you mention HHI because they did contact us when I first moved here. thought about seeing if they were still looking for casting... but there really is no such thing as realtors for rentals, only to buy... which unfortunately we're not able to do. but thanks so much, i'm sure we'll figure it out :)
Sending virtual hugs until I get to do it in person in about a week. How did you find out about the mold issue? First of all, it's summer so you can keep the house open and find a place before you need to close it up again-unless this has turned into a serious health issue.
This is actually something you want to do anyway. Now you get to do it sooner.
It's hard to do by yourself because the rules are so different. Change brings stress and frustration but you're probably the most adaptable person I know.
See you on the 26th.
Love, G'lma