After a long time of dreaming and preparation, the moment has arrived. The first departure to Greece. We are now 2 weeks further, just a throwback to the trip.

We leave in steps. Now for a month, and in mid-January a bigger move. That means going to Greece by car now, and take stuff with us for the first few weeks.

We had a rather complicated schedule with Bart first driving the car alone, dropping off luggage, and then leaving on a business trip, and Els coming by plane a week later. Finally, we met in Athens on Thursday 24/11 and drove together to Agios Nikolaos to start renting our new house from Friday 25/11.

The road trip from Belgium: 1400km to Ancona, with an overnight stay in Como in between, a wonderful 24h ferry trip to Patras, and a final 3 ¾ hours to Agios Nikolaos.

And I (Els) stayed behind in Belgium…. Another week and then I too can leave.

For weeks on end I’ve been hearing from different people, “Exciting, isn’t it?”. And then I think, and also say, “bah…. Not really exciting, I don’t feel that way. Looking forward to it though”. But in the meantime, I still found it a bit exciting.  It was nice to be able to follow Bart’s trip on Whatsapp and Instagram. I was happy that it went smoothly.

My week here consists of physiotherapy sessions, tidying and sorting (which is already done now, is less work in December/January) as well as making lists. A list of what to take with me in my hand luggage Wednesday. A list of what I will buy in Ikea, Thursday. A list of what to take in the car in January. A list of what to ask Bart when I see him again. A list of questions for the landlords regarding our new house.

And the most surprising thing about this week? I got an application to be at the Stoupa Christmas market! On 11th December. A Christmas market where all kinds of creative people sell their things for the benefit of a “charity”. And two days later I was asked if I would also accompany a children’s workshop there ? So you see…. Life goes on…. In a different place. Looking forward to it!

A varied journey: Switzerland
Como by night
Starting day 2 early
Enough space on the ferry
Cabin for the 23 hour journey.
Good morning!
A wonderful, beautiful ferry trip.
Final stretch
Dropping off the luggage