An imaginatively titled Belgian thread...
Sep 15th 2019, 1:10 pm
#137
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10
Re: An imaginatively titled Belgian thread...
That’s great to hear.
As Ive now been a year here I’ll give an update as well. Completed my B2 Dutch now moving onto A1. Things are making sense when proper Dutch is spoken, but is it in west Vlaams?! Not really.
Ive finally given notice to the Navy. So by June next year I’ll be applying for job in BE. As a third country applicant probably giving other hurdles to jump through.
Overall I’m loving Brugge, it’s 10min from beach which is probably windy. Fondly reminds me of my childhood home in Cape Town. People are friendly and getting on good terms with the butcher and baker which starts making the neighbourhood feel like home.
Expecting our first soon, so we have had a good run down of medical procedures and things to expect. Just hope the little one arrives before I have to get back in the Eurostar.
As Ive now been a year here I’ll give an update as well. Completed my B2 Dutch now moving onto A1. Things are making sense when proper Dutch is spoken, but is it in west Vlaams?! Not really.
Ive finally given notice to the Navy. So by June next year I’ll be applying for job in BE. As a third country applicant probably giving other hurdles to jump through.
Overall I’m loving Brugge, it’s 10min from beach which is probably windy. Fondly reminds me of my childhood home in Cape Town. People are friendly and getting on good terms with the butcher and baker which starts making the neighbourhood feel like home.
Expecting our first soon, so we have had a good run down of medical procedures and things to expect. Just hope the little one arrives before I have to get back in the Eurostar.
Nov 23rd 2019, 6:42 pm
#138
European
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2016
Location: Brasschaat, Vlaanderen.
Posts: 3,415
Re: An imaginatively titled Belgian thread...
Had a visit to the town hall midweek to kick off the state pension (other countries) process. All they do is check that I really am who I say I am, which countries I'm due a pension from, sign this officially stamped document and Brussels will be in touch... 
I am still reeling from the level of efficiency here.
Earlier today I received a message on our Whatsapp family group:
I thought that Annetje might have a chuckle at that.
I am still reeling from the level of efficiency here.
Earlier today I received a message on our Whatsapp family group:
I thought that Annetje might have a chuckle at that.
Nov 23rd 2019, 7:24 pm
#139
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Var, South of France
Posts: 4,778
Re: An imaginatively titled Belgian thread...
Originally Posted by BuckinghamshireBoy
Had a visit to the town hall midweek to kick off the state pension (other countries) process. All they do is check that I really am who I say I am, which countries I'm due a pension from, sign this officially stamped document and Brussels will be in touch...
I am still reeling from the level of efficiency here.
Earlier today I received a message on our Whatsapp family group:
I thought that Annetje might have a chuckle at that.
I am still reeling from the level of efficiency here.
Earlier today I received a message on our Whatsapp family group:
I thought that Annetje might have a chuckle at that.
Could you read it ? Sometimes I see a text on FB with all the words back to front ... No problem
Counting I always start of in English and then somewhere switch to dutch ... Never in French
My mother used to talk like that but then just French and Dutch (Seriously !).
And with my late husband I mixed English and Dutch.
You should try that at home, great fun ! And a good way to learn the language (If your partner translates the difficult bits for you).
No too sure I'm a nerd though, maybe just a bit weird ?
.
Nov 23rd 2019, 9:11 pm
#140
European
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2016
Location: Brasschaat, Vlaanderen.
Posts: 3,415
Re: An imaginatively titled Belgian thread...
Originally Posted by Annetje
Normal language to me .... It's the way I think nowadays !
Could you read it ? Sometimes I see a text on FB with all the words back to front ... No problem
Counting I always start of in English and then somewhere switch to dutch ... Never in French
My mother used to talk like that but then just French and Dutch (Seriously !).
And with my late husband I mixed English and Dutch.
You should try that at home, great fun ! And a good way to learn the language (If your partner translates the difficult bits for you).
No too sure I'm a nerd though, maybe just a bit weird ?
.
Could you read it ? Sometimes I see a text on FB with all the words back to front ... No problem
Counting I always start of in English and then somewhere switch to dutch ... Never in French
My mother used to talk like that but then just French and Dutch (Seriously !).
And with my late husband I mixed English and Dutch.
You should try that at home, great fun ! And a good way to learn the language (If your partner translates the difficult bits for you).
No too sure I'm a nerd though, maybe just a bit weird ?
.
My response to that message was:
Agree that you're not a nerd
We do get some funny looks when we go shopping though, last weekend in Carrefour in Schoten was really funny, the cashier very quickly understood what was happening and joined in, mixing Dutch and English perfectly.
Nov 23rd 2019, 10:35 pm
#141
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Var, South of France
Posts: 4,778
Re: An imaginatively titled Belgian thread...
Once we were sitting at a terrace drinking whatever with my mother, brother, sister and her son (Gambian) mixing languages, as one does.
Suddenly from the table next door came the question : ''Welke nationaliteit hebben jullie'' ?
Was a Dutch couple who had been listening for a while.
They shook their heads when we told them all the different nationalities we have in our family !
(Counting ....counting .... 7 !
, that's called cosmopolitan)..
