Many of you know that I, Liesbet, was born, raised, and educated in Belgium. But, did you know that it has been 21 years since I actually lived there (July 2003)?
That’s right, I have officially been a nomad for over two decades now. During that time of sailing, RVing, house and pet sitting, and overlanding (a fancy term for roughing it internationally in a vehicle), I tried to return to my home country once a year or every other year. During Covid, it took three years before I was able to see my family and friends again. Too long!
For me, it comes easy to leave everything behind, because I have an adventurous streak and do just fine on my own (and with my husband and furry companions). If I were to get homesick easily, miss my loved ones too much, or crave familiarity and routine, this roaming lifestyle would not be a good match! That is not to say I don’t enjoy summer visits “back home,” usually for two or three weeks at a time.
(As always, click on or hover over photos in galleries to read their captions.)
Mark, Maya, and I are currently in Belgium. For two entire months! This is beyond exciting and special. For once, there is no need to rush, have an overfull schedule, and feel more tired when I leave than when I arrived. It’s not a vacation – Mark and I still perform our jobs – but to be living in comfort with a healthy dose of routine, convenience, and luxury is something we don’t take for granted and enjoy immensely.
This visit to Belgium follows a hellishly busy three weeks in Massachusetts, USA, during which we combined tons of health visits and follow-ups (22 between Mark and me; two for Maya) with work, taking care of my mother-in-law, dealing with (extra) issues regarding her car, running errands, preparing for our trip to Belgium, buying gear for Thirsty Bella in Argentina, and squeezing in leisure time with friends.
Three weeks in the US is longer than our normal, annual or biennial visits there, but a lot more was going on than usually as well. I don’t have photos of the tedious, painful, and frustrating times, but I did gather a few pics of joy with dear friends and family members.
Mark’s niece, Josephine, threw a family party for us and we took her and her husband out for dinner.
The three of us enjoyed walks in the cute and attractive town of Newburyport, where our home base is located.
We embraced a weekend in Uxbridge with really good friends Ryan and Denise, awesome food, great conversations, and a birthday!
Our friends Holly and Kevin also live in the same neighborhood in Uxbridge, so we spent an evening at their house as well.
While, sadly, having to cancel our visit to precious family members in Connecticut due to unexpected teeth issues, we did manage to hop over to Vermont for two days to see our friends Don and Janet. They outdid themselves cooking scrumptious meals and splurging us rotten. Those were good times!
Unbeknownst to us, it was the last time we would see their dog, Max, who passed away yesterday. Another wonderful pet has crossed the rainbow bridge. Our thoughts are with Don and Janet.
Maya and her buddy, Max, by the pond in Don and Janet’s yard
As the three of us temporarily get settled into a life less challenging here in Belgium, I hope to catch up with many (internet and writing) tasks I have been behind with, reduce my social media presence, and focus on the “here and now,” spending time with the people I love and rarely see.
Our little family in Lier, Belgium
I will keep posting expense blogs and I plan to create an overview post after our summer in Belgium, once we are back in Massachusetts (stop-over of a week) or Argentina.
Thank you to everyone who keeps following our adventures and who has been supporting us along the way. Happy summer and western living! 😊
Next up: Our monthly expense report for July 2024
Curious about a previous ten-year chapter in our nomadic lives, which includes eight years aboard a 35-foot sailboat in the tropics with dogs, check out my compelling, inspiring, and refreshingly honest travel memoir:
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July 24, 2024 at 10:21
I did not know you had not lived in Belgium since 2003. I guess I could have put all your sailing and RVing together and figured that out, but wow!!!! A nomad for more than two decades! Just wow!!!! Two months with all that ‘space’… must be nice. 😉 Looking at all those photos of you three in all those large rooms kinda made me jealous. As I look around our 180 square feet, I can see how it must be amazing to have all that area to move around. It appears you had a fantastic time in the USA catching up on errands, but also reconnecting with friends and family. Thanks for the update! Jim
July 25, 2024 at 09:24
Hello Jim,
Yeah… it sure seems like I’ve been at this nomadic lifestyle for a while! Almost half my life. To be honest, I don’t remember it any other way. 🙂 Time flies! And, yes, we are literally embracing the space and comfort we have. And, Maya as well. The beauty is having our own space and privacy plus family, friends, and nature trails close by. A nice break from our usual, for sure.
While 180 square feet seems small to me at the moment, it would be big compared to our 70 square feet in the truck camper, haha. But I think we will be ready to pick up our own, real life again when we get back in September. This summer here in Belgium is all a bit surreal. And we know it’s temporary. It messes with our brains.
July 24, 2024 at 10:34
Except for the boatload of errands, you look like you’re having fun!
July 25, 2024 at 09:25
Hi Jacqui,
We are really soaking up the ease of life, especially here in Belgium. Massachusetts was crazy busy, but that’s behind us now. We will be back for a week, before picking up our lives in Argentina again, the end of September.
July 24, 2024 at 11:37
How wonderful to be in Belgium. Chocolates!!!
July 25, 2024 at 09:26
Hi Connie!
Thanks for swinging by. It’s great to be back in Belgium. Mark is enjoying the chocolate and the beer. I’m more into all the wonderful pastries, breads, and dairy products! 🙂
July 24, 2024 at 12:39
I think it’s a great idea to put aside social media for a bit and enjoy your precious time in Belgium. I do look forward, though, to your future posts about your visit.
July 25, 2024 at 09:31
Hi Janis,
I’m sure I can’t help myself but post some photos of the highlights in Belgium at some point. Being back in the Western world confirms the fact that social media and being glued to devices makes up a big part of everyone’s day. Thing is, we decide for ourselves how much time we want to waste with that habit, addiction, or attraction.
I’m torn, though. On one hand, I’d like to share my experiences, sights, and photos, but on the other hand, I’d rather not be involved with it anymore and spend my precious time doing other things, like walk my dog, soak up the sunshine in a chair, or read a book. Or even binge watch a TV series. 🙂
July 24, 2024 at 12:55
How did I not know you’ve been nomads that long? It must feel great to swoop in for a little while and be back in Belgium.
July 25, 2024 at 09:35
Time flies, Pete! My first ten years as a nomad were spent in North and Central America in a camper and on a sailboat in the tropics. The next decade found me house and pet sitting and overlanding in North and South America.
Being in Belgium feels surreal. It’s hard to explain. Everyone embraces us and life is easy, but we don’t really fit in, you know. I’ve been gone for so long that I can’t tell where my roots lie anymore. If anywhere. It’s an interesting realization and experience! Belgium feels familiar and foreign at the same time, if that makes sense.
July 24, 2024 at 13:27
Have a great summer!
July 25, 2024 at 09:41
Thanks, Anabel! You are “just across” the channel now. 🙂 Have a wonderful summer as well. One day, we will make it to Scotland.
July 24, 2024 at 14:49
Hi Liesbet, enjoy your summer in Belgium with family and friends. Maybe when you get back to Massachusetts you can visit your friends in CT? I’m from CT originally but haven’t been back in a long, long time.
My heart goes out to your friends Don and Janet on their loss of sweet Max. We never have them long enough. That’s a nice photo of Maya and Max at the pond.
Enjoy your time in Belgium with the ones you love. Hope you have lots of fun and R&R.
July 25, 2024 at 09:46
Dear Lea,
Thank you so much for your wishes, as always. We are finding a nice balance between work, fun, and R&R in Belgium. Such is the thing we are able to do when being here for two full months. It’s blissful! 🙂
You are so right about our pups not being around long enough. I can’t believe we just petted and loved on Max three weeks ago. This was a very fast, sad, and unexpected turn of events. Did you know Maya is approaching ten years of age at the end of this year? Time goes by way too fast!
We will be back in MA for barely a week in September, including more dental visits, so I doubt we will be able to make it to CT. Hopefully on our next visit to the US.
July 29, 2024 at 12:17
I had no idea sweet Maya is approaching her 10 year birthday. Time does fly by so very fast. Please give your sweet girl a hug from me.
August 6, 2024 at 04:34
Hi Lea,
Maya gets many hugs each day. I was happy to add in an extra one from you. She is one loved dog! And happy and comfortable as well, which is all that matters. 🙂
July 24, 2024 at 16:20
Enjoy your break, Liesbet! 🙂
I know the feeling – we’re going back ‘in the brick’ for a wee while in September. I’m looking forward to having a bath and not having to move every day!
July 25, 2024 at 09:48
Hi Jackie,
You bet we are enjoying the luxury, comfort, and space right now! We have a tiny house all to ourselves, so lots of privacy, many walking opportunities with Maya, and a hot, pressurized shower every day with unlimited electricity and internet. No bath, though. Plus, we are in walking distance of bakeries, grocery stores, and fries shops (and restaurants, but that’s not important). Life’s pretty good right now. 🙂
Where will you be staying in September and for how long?
July 24, 2024 at 17:04
My first comment didn’t go through: Fingers crossed this one will!
I’m glad your hellishly busy three weeks in Massachusetts are behind you and you can lead a life less challenging here in Belgium.
Yes, do focus on the “here and now,” spending time with the family and friends you love and rarely see.
July 25, 2024 at 09:52
Hi Marian,
I’m so sorry for the trouble you’re having with comments not going through. Another friend of mine, Terri, had issues as well. I don’t know what’s going on with that. Sorry. I can run some tests later, but I’m glad this comment posted. Always copy and save the comments (ctrl+A and ctrl+C) before hitting “reply!” 🙂
The three of us are soaking up our lovely time here in Belgium. I could get used to this comfort and space, haha. For two months anyway!
July 24, 2024 at 17:18
Whew! I’m glad you’re finally able to take a break and wind down in comfortable and relaxing surroundings. Enjoy your break! 🙂
July 25, 2024 at 09:53
Hi Diane,
Finally, right? How we’ve been craving this and I’m so glad it is happening. All we need to do now is get our jobs done, fit friends and family in the schedule, take Maya on long walks, and buy and cook food plus do the dishes and the cleaning with easy. Aaaaah…
July 24, 2024 at 17:24
Here’s to a life less challenging – every once in a while. It looks like Maya did a lot of socializing too. I’m so glad she can be with you in Belgium. I hope Belgium is super relaxing!
July 25, 2024 at 09:56
Cheers, Duwan. I think that’s why we enjoyed house and pet sitting so much. That’s certainly a life less challenging – longterm, haha. No, you know us. It’s like you write. This kind of break is wonderful, once in a while. I think the trick for us is to take those breaks more often.
Maya has been super happy – in the US and here in Belgium. The dogs in my home country are not as nice as in MA, though. An interesting observation and experience. And, yes, life has been much more relaxing here.
July 25, 2024 at 13:39
Hi, Liesbet – I am delighted that you have given yourself ample time in both the US and Belgium. The older I get, the more I am aware the importance of family and old friends.
July 26, 2024 at 06:07
Hi Donna,
It seems like you and I are both focusing on family, friends, and food this month. Not a bad combination!
July 31, 2024 at 16:34
https://apple.news/AMZe_8M0yTheLHGNUv46NRA https://apple.news/AMZe_8M0yTheLHGNUv46NRA
Lisbet, hope you can open this. Important news that this week changes have been made about bringing pets into US. New regulations.
August 6, 2024 at 04:48
Hello Mar,
Thanks for the note and the info. The link brings me to the Washington Post, which is a paid prescription service, but that’s okay.
Mark and I are aware of the changes and new policies regarding traveling with dogs to the US (and elsewhere). The CDC has been going back and forth about some of the details, this summer. We try to stay on top of this as it’s super important for our travels and decisions.
I appreciate the heads-up!
July 26, 2024 at 01:45
Liesbet, I’m glad you are spending time with friends and family and catching up with health maintenance and other issues. Hopefully you will have lots of downtime in Belgium and be spoiled by your family.
July 26, 2024 at 06:08
Hi Suzanne,
You seem to know my family (and friends) in Belgium. Lots of spoiling going on! 🙂
July 27, 2024 at 16:57
What a nice post! You guys look so chilled, and happy. We have a Boston to Eastern Canada trip on the back burner and will add a stop to Newburyport. Hugs to you both and Maya, and enjoy your well deserved break.
July 28, 2024 at 04:14
Hi Susan!
I’m glad you caught the happy and relaxed times, as there weren’t many in Massachusetts. We are in a better place now, here in Belgium, in our own tiny home with good weather, good food, awesome trails for Maya, lots of space, friends and family around, and a decent amount of time! 🙂
I hope you manage to stop in Newburyport! It’s a very cute, historic waterfront town with heaps of walking opportunities on rail trails and a nice vibe. For a different dining experience, check out The Cormorant, which is co-owned and co-ran by my sister-in-law, Kristen. It’s a creative, slightly gourmet twist on a diner and they are innovative by paying their staff a decent wage and encouraging people not to tip.
July 30, 2024 at 21:49
Wow, you guys are always so busy. This is your grand vacation to relax and live like a tourist. 🙂 I’m sorry about the loss of your friend’s dog. I hope you have an amazing time in Belgium. Hugs xox (PS your site is taking forever to load) <3
August 6, 2024 at 04:38
Hi Debby,
Your comment posted, but I’m sorry you are struggling with my blog, still. I always resize all the photos, but maybe I’m still adding too many, which prevents easy loading. I appreciate the feedback.
Belgium has been nice, but it’s no vacation. We are still busy (as always and as you pointed out), but we are trying to find a balance between work, leisure, dog walks, other tasks, and visits to/from family and friends. We have a comfortable place to live, which is awesome! So, that’s our “break part.” 🙂
August 6, 2024 at 09:47
Perhaps I was referring then to having ‘the comforts of home’, lol. And yes, imagine that, I am actually commenting on your blog post, lol. <3
August 9, 2024 at 05:03
Positive! 🙂
July 31, 2024 at 11:34
Hi Liesbet! Wow! You put my recent “recap” to shame with yours. I LOVE your photos of all your visits with friends and family. You clearly have a much better photo sharing app than I do! So much fun. But yeah, certain hiccups always happen whenever we travel (actually they happen when we stay home too–right?). But that has never been a reason not to get out there and adventure while we can. Thanks for so many smiles this morning and I look forward to your next installment. And yeah, like I said in my post after 30 days off FB, I’ve missed it. Certainly a double edge sword. And like you said, I think a key is balance. May we prevail!!! ~Kathy
August 6, 2024 at 04:43
Hi Kathy!
I’m glad you’re having a nice break away from the “ordinary” as well. I take way too many photos and I’m trying to give that some “easement” in Belgium at the moment. No photo sharing apps. I take photos with my phone (which I pretty much only use as a camera), move them onto my computer, archive them in folders, select the ones I want for WordPress and the blog, put those in a separate folder, resize them, upload them, caption them, and add and organize them in each blog post. It’s a job! Facebook is easier. 🙂
August 9, 2024 at 10:27
I hope you picked up plenty of Belgium chocolates while home, Liesbet. Even your holidays seem to be packed with things to do and people to see. I hope you had a great time catching up with everyone. Did you remember everything you ordered from Amazon?
I’m sorry to hear about Max. How old was he? And how did Maya cope with the plane journeys?
Newburyport looks so quint, and I love that there is also an Uxbridge nearby. Enjoy the rest of your stay.
August 12, 2024 at 06:34
Hi Hugh!
Good questions. No, we didn’t remember everything we ordered from Amazon, so we had to compare orders and actual deliveries, haha. We belong to the Amazon Vine program, which lets us order items for free, so we went a bit crazy with that right before we returned to the US. When we leave Belgium in September, we will “swing by” Massachusetts to pick everything up. And to prepare Maya for the journey home.
And, yes, we plan to buy and bring back a lot of Belgian chocolates. Mostly as gifts, but some for ourselves. You are right about us being super busy, especially those three weeks in Massachusetts. In Belgium, we are finding a better balance, because we are here much longer. And we have our own accommodation.
Dog Max made it to 14, I believe, so not too bad. He had an amazing and adventurous life! Maya did great on the plane rides. After six years of working with her daily, she is super well behaved; almost perfect! 🙂
You would love Newburyport, Hugh. It’s a very quaint, clean, and friendly historic riverside town that keeps improving its green zones and attraction.
August 13, 2024 at 10:21
I’ve never heard of Amazon Vine, Liesbet. But what a great way to try out products.
Newburyport sounds beautiful. Does it get too hot and humid during the summer, though?
September 5, 2024 at 06:38
Hello Hugh,
Sorry for the late reply. It’s been a busy summer, especially August.
I think Amazon Vine might only be available in the US, so it works great for us when we have visits there planned. It would be too good to be true if they would ship their free products worldwide! 🙂
I think you would really like the waterfront town of Newburyport and its history, architecture, green spaces, and walking trails. But, it usually does get hot and humid in the summer. That being said, my mother-in-law just reported that last month, the weather has been unnaturally pleasant the entire time! Let’s hope this is still the case in a week from now, when we return for a handful of days…
September 5, 2024 at 10:53
We’ve just had the coolest summer in Wales since 2015, Liesbet. It has also been very wet, but I’m not complaining as you know how much I hate the heat and humidity. I’m enjoy the early signs of autumn, too.
You have a week left in Belgium. I hope you enjoy it as much as you have been. I bet the time seems to have very quick.
Have a great trip back to Newburyport. It sounds such a quaint town.
September 9, 2024 at 09:25
Wow, Hugh… the coldest summer in Wales in almost ten years. The weather must have been very different there from Belgium, as it had been quite hot here over the summer. The spring and beginning of summer were really wet, but Mark and I lucked out. We arrived just after that period. And you are right, these last two months have flown by. I can hardly believe that we fly back on Friday! 🙁