« Traveling seems like a profitable exercise. The mind has a continual activity to notice unknown and new things, and I do not know of a better school to form life than to constantly bring before our eyes the diversity of so many other lives, opinions, and customs. » (Essais, III, 9) quote from Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) - Translated from French.
I received this quote from a family in Brussels, which explains quite well their standpoint on adapting to their new life.
Moving OUTCAN is an adventure! It is very exciting, but also very destabilizing. We lose all our bearings and we have to rebuild our new life and a new routine very quickly, if we do not want to cross over to the dark side. We must be strong, be ready for anything and not be afraid to try new things. Keep your head high and JUMP, as they say. Sometimes, that is much easier said than done. Here are some tips to help you adapt during this adventure.
Break down isolation and create a new circle of friends.
Staying at home, concentrating on "pampering’’ can be fun for a short time, but in the long run, it's certainly one of the worst things to do. It can bring about depression and cause you difficulty when trying to adapt to your new OUTCAN posting. Here in Brussels, the Canadian community is tight and we are lucky to be able to count on each other. Personally, I was able to quickly develop deep friendships with some people in my new community. In addition, other parents at my children’s school often organize activities such as: coffee mornings, cooking activities and a walking club. The school goes so far as to organize activities for parents to get to know the city of Brussels. Do not be afraid to participate in these kinds of activities – you will be better for having done so.
Become familiar with the various public transportation options.
If I may, when you arrive, ask Military Family Services if someone can help you better understand public transportation options in your area. As access and service can vary greatly depending on where you live, it may be beneficial to speak with someone who uses public transportation frequently. Here in Brussels, Military Family Services have planned a tour, organized by two wonderful volunteers, for newly arrived families. Students are able to have their student pass processed on site and participants learn to use public transportation with confidence when traveling to key locations in Brussels.
Travel as soon as the opportunity arises.
As we travel, we immerse ourselves in the culture of the chosen destination. Our spirit opens up to this exciting journey and we thirst for knowledge; and learning from our travels and sharing our experiences helps us to adapt and connect with European life. Each adventure we embark only increases our desire to plan the next; the good news is in Europe, we have the chance to travel at a much lower price and a shorter distance than if we were living Canada, why not take advantage of it?
So what will be your next trip?