Moving at the speed of Europe

We've been here now a little over three weeks, and probably the first lesson that we've had to learn is that of patience. So many things here are slower and just take more time, we've got some pretty good examples. Please see below:

1. When we arrived we discussed with the relocation consultant various items that we wanted, one of which was the Internet. We actually stunned her when we said we didn't want cable, but we really just wanted the internet to communicate etc... Much to our surprise we were told that it would be a minimum of 3-4 weeks to get the Internet installed in our house. One of my co-workers had it take over 7 weeks because the Internet company wouldn't install their Internet until the phone line was installed, and they refused to do the phone line and the Internet at the same time.

2. We also wanted to have cell phone while we're here. We had brought over our iPhone from the US so that we didn't need to sign a contract here, and went into the store to get a phone. Well, after much discussion with the cell phone clerk we were finally able to get a SIM card for K's phone. We installed the card in the store and it said no service. We asked why and we're told that it takes 3-4 days for the paperwork we signed to be mailed to the central office for their review and approval. Wow! We were stunned, it may sound a little crazy, but seriously who mails papers into an office for approval anymore, isn't everything electronic?

3. K went to work on the first day and took the usual glamor shot photo ID pictures. He stood at the counter waiting for his ID badge but instead was given this orange color blank badge and was told that he would get his final badge in 3-4 weeks.

Overall, we've been able to just sit back and appreciate a different pace of life, its been nice to simply look at each other, laugh and say OK, whenever we're told 3-4 weeks. In the end, we really love the experience so far, and the time that we've spent waiting for all the technology and "necessities" of life, have really given us a chance to take pause and reflect on what is really important in life. We're really grateful for all our family and friends and how we know if in the end we needed you, you wouldn't tell us to wait 3-4 weeks.

Love You All!

Location:Luxembourg, Luxembourg