Coming to America

At the end of the month, my niece Rock Grrrl will arrive in Brussels. She’s a high school science teacher in America, and last year I had the brilliant idea of arranging a house swap with her. This way we have a place to stay while we’re in the U.S. this summer and she has an opportunity to see a bit of Europe and live like a local.

Of course, when we agreed on the swap, I didn’t realize she only had one bedroom in her condo. Now E and I are thinking that as long as she’s staying here and taking care of Pete the Black Cat and our friendly fish and frogs, we could leave the kids with her as well. House sit, pet sit, and baby sit. That works, right, Rock Grrrl? No problem?

I haven’t been home to America since moving here more than two years ago, and I’m both eager and anxious about my first trip back. We’ll be staying there for nearly five weeks, a long time to live out of a suitcase and be together 24/7, but I’m excited about seeing friends and family and getting a chance to shop. I’ve been making a list of things I want to buy at home, a typical expat thing to do.

Many items on the list are less expensive in the U.S., and some items just aren’t available here. I’m counting on the list to keep me focused so I don’t lose all sense of perspective and go overboard while cruising through the aisles of Target and making rounds in the mall. (Stick to the list, V! Stick to the list!)

What’s tops on my list? New glasses! In the U.S., these cost about HALF of what I’ve paid in Belgium. I desperately need stronger lenses, and I’m pumped up about the idea of new frames.

Some days it’s all I can think about, and yes, I know that sounds pathetic. Trust me, I never expected to be this dull nor did I ever expect to be this BLIND. I’m hoping a jazzy pair of new glasses will help mitigate both problems. Yes, I 'm counting on new glasses to CHANGE MY LIFE. Go ahead and laugh.

The other shopping experience I’m especially psyched up for is a trip to Michael’s craft store. Here in Belgium, arts and crafts aren’t a big deal, and there are very few stores that sell supplies. Most just have a small offering of basic products to choose from. I can’t wait to see the selection of tools, stamps, inks, markers, paints, and paper available in the U.S. I know I’ll be poring over product displays, buying how-to books, and gathering items for future projects. I’ve really come to enjoy indulging my inner artist.

I expect to come home to Belgium inspired and ready for a month of rainy days and an excuse to hole up at home. I'm sure that Belgium, being a wet and wonderful place, will oblige me regarding the weather.

June 3, 2007

Comments

[Neil]

Welcome home soon! But new glasses? Is that what American means to you now? You can buy new glasses online!

[RD]

Oh, I can relate to your anticipation. I still remember the initial shock of returning to the US (and we were away only a year) and the tingly feeling when I walked into my favorite stores. The selection of clothing (in my perfect size!) seemed endless, the prices dirt cheap, and the entire experience just thrilling. Can't wait to read about your trip. (I suggest you arrange some time away from the kids while you're sharing a one-bedroom condo; you want to return to Belgium with GOOD memories!) And Michaels--don't get me started. It was too much for the senses.

[V-Grrrl]

Neil,

What does America mean to me? Low, low prices! Low, low sales tax. I can see that clearly now--even without glasses.

[Shirley]

Oh, I understand the glasses totally since you explained the cost difference (surprising, since I think glasses are very expensive here). You have to try on every possibility at the optical center to find the most flattering ones! You know the quality that's there and you also know that if there are any problems, you can deal with a person and get the issue resolved quickly. (I love online shopping, but some things I have to do in person.)

You'll be happy to know that we have another craft store in Fredericksburg now, A.C. Moore (in Central Park). This chain is well known for their variety of scrapbooking supplies. Hope you find lots of goodies at both spots!

Re: weather, yes, it's definitely dry, hot, and humid here already. We are getting a bit of rain here today due to Barry's leftovers and every one is very thankful.

I am sure you will have a great visit!

[Ortizzle]

Ha! I spent 25 years getting that feeling when I came back to the U.S. to visit. For me, it was visiting family and hitting the discount stores. Now that I have been back here for 8 years and gone back to Spain for visits... I make the same kind of list for things can't get over here, LOL. Too bad socialized medicine won't fit in my suitcase. That's one thing that was a whole lot cheaper and easier in Europe.

[V-Grrrl]

Ortizzle,

I will definitely miss the Belgian medical system--and Speculoos cookies, Manzilla olives with feta, and all the beautiful brick and stone buildings.

[V-Grrrl]

Shirley,

I paid about $400 for READING glasses here at an optical shop associated with the Belgian equivalent of Wal-Mart. No, they don't have designer frames!

[Annie]

Good luck sticking to the list. I always found I went overboard when I'd come home from overseas. It's just that there are so many things that you didn't even realize you needed.

I think new glasses could easily change your life. Like a new haircut or a new pair of shoes. Can't wait to see your new frames.

[Shirley]

V--Wow, on that price for reading glasses (and not even the kind that the hip girls wear)! I am not feeling anything is very discount priced here today though ... hit big 2 for 1 sales today in prepping my son for a trip to Australia tomorrow (where he has to wear both dress and casual clothes) amd the final cost was still pretty surprising. Have you ever noticed how when you do the math in your head before you get to the cash register it's far below the real total? Seems with the tax and a few last minute necessities like socks and such near the cash register, you get blindsided. At least, this shopping trip also doubled as the majority of his back to college shopping. It was painful to the pocketbook though. Can't hardly imagine buying any clothing anymore at the regular price. I sympathize with you on having to get everything home once you buy it ... we just had a hard time meeting the baggage allowances just for vacation.

[AP in UK]

I've just returned from my own first trip back to the US since moving here. Despite having a very specific and sensible list of things to buy in the US (such as 8.5"x11" file folders, good sunglasses, and jog bras) the temptation and excitement of shopping in the US was simply too much for me. Among other things, I came back with a cute new bathing suit, some great pants from the Gap, and soft cotton t-shirts in an array of colors. I'll look forward to hearing what temptations you are unable to resist!

[Flubberwinkle]

I can sympathize with the glasses issue. My mom (a US ctizen) did the same thing when she went back for a visit (better prices, better frames, better lenses). She's planning to go back again this summer and eyeglasses are on the top of her list. She's hyped about a new pair of glasses too.

p.s. We'll be expecting photos of your new sexy, sophisticated glasses V!

[Peace]

I say, don't pack a thing.....bring an empty suitcase and fill it with all your shopping spree goodies.

Yea, I think I would be panic stricken if I didn't have my weekly trip (fix) to Target and Michaels. Especially, Michaels. I get on new "artistic" kicks every month. Scrapbooking, beads, painting, flower arranging, mosaics, knitting, crocheting, the list is endless and so is all the supplies at Michaels. And then I need all the cute storage units/containers to keep all the stuff in once I move on to the next project! :)

[Rock Grrrl]

Oh sure, leave the kids with me! I'll leave out a bowl of water and some dry kibble for them and they'll be just fine, right? :)

[furiousBall]

Do they have scrapple in Belgium? If not, I'd stock up while you're here. That stuff sure is tasty.


Not.

[Amber]

Yeah. Ha. Good luck with that not going over-board at Target thing, babe. I live here, and I can NEVER stick to the list! Are you KIDDING?

:)

[Di]

I do love coming over to visit ... no matter how 'blah' things are over here, I leave with a smile on my face.

[Tera]

A suggestion? Pack very little as you'll be buying there, and in place of suitcases, bring stuff back in those rubbermaid crates. Duct tape them closed and you'll be amazed how much you can fit in one of those things...and then you have extra storage once you get back too! That's what we always do...and with 4 people you've got 8 huge crate allowances...yipppeee! But, be careful going through customs...don't look too suspicious! Ha! On a side note there, make sure to strip new clothes and new stuff of all packaging materials and prices. They can't charge you taxes if they do stop you on personal use stuff.

Have a great time, and don't get toooo overwhelmed at Target, Wally, or Michaels...you'll be shocked at how much adrenaline pumps through your body. Let me know how the house exchange goes. We've been considering that ourselves for the future...dunno about strangers, but we're thinking about it. I'd like to hear your experiences.

[Nance]

I'll show my stupidity here: if you can shop online for Eddie Bauer and Lands End, why not online Michaels and Target? Especially Michaels? I know it's lots more fun going there, but isn't a lot of the stamping and scrappy stuff available online?

[V-Grrrl]

Nance,

I do buy rubber stamps online and also get supplies through a friend in the States, but there's nothing like seeing and handling the products to get an idea of color and scale. There are also tons of tools and materials I've never seen because when I lived in the U.S., I was not into paper crafts at all. It will be educational to go to a store like Michael's.

As for the rest, some online stores will ship here, some won't. Some that say they will but actually won't. I'll be filling out the forms and as soon as I fill in my phone number the whole thing shuts down because while the software supposedly allows international shipping, it blocks international phone numbers. You can't leave it out and you can't "fake" it or it will reject your credit card. There are all sorts of things that will halt the transaction.

The worst part--I usually don't discover these problems until I've spent an hour filling my online shopping cart and then can't check out. GRRRRRRR! Can't place an order by e-mail because it's not secure. Blah, blah, blah. LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, and Lands End are great.

Still sizing is tricky so I avoid buying anything but tops, shirts, sweaters, and jackets by mail. Pants, skirts, jeans, dresses--forget it. I have to send too much back and it costs too much. Likewise, unless I have a big order, it's not worth it to pay shipping and handling charges.