The Tydingco’s are headed to EUROPE!
I’m sure you’re asking yourself, didn’t Ty retire already? The short answer is no. Ha! Although he was ready to drop papers (again) after his time was up in Colorado, Ty’s assignment team dangled some incredible overseas “must-fill” positions in front of us and we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to live overseas to give the kids the same experience that Ty and I had growing up as military brats. So at the end of 2023, the day after Christmas, we packed our bags and started our new adventure in Brussels, Belgium for the next 3 years.
Passport appointment
Packing up the house for our 11th move in the last 20 years of marriage
Hotel life
Almost the entire family getting sick the last few days we were in Colorado…ugh!
All packed up and ready to go!
First leg of the journey – Denver to Munich, Germany
United Airlines airport lounge
Customs check-in Munich
Second leg of the trip – Munich to Brussels, Belgium
Tired, but we made it!
First dinner in Brussels – we were on the struggle bus with no cell service, in a foreign country with no ability to translate menus.
Stayed in downtown Brussels for the first several days to be close to all the tourist spots and Christmas Markets!
First Belgian Waffle
Manneken Pis
Grand Place – As we walked into this square, the girls and I just gasped, it really hit us that we were actually in Europe
Taking advantage of the drinking age in Europe
Ringing in the New Year with a firework show in the Royal Quarter
First Day of School
Trying out the public transportation system
Picking up Momo! We left the little guy in Colorado with Aprille and cousin Joy so we could get settled and also take advantage of the new military pet travel policy/reimbursement that went into effect 1 Jan 24. After several delays due to a cargo embargo and weather, we were finally reunited after almost a month of being separated.
More tourist activities – Atomium
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences
Ghent Light Festival
Finally moving into our house after almost 2 months of living out of hotels and suitcases. Really cute mid-century style home built in the 60s by an architect. Complete with 4 bedrooms, room for a home gym, library, loft, sun deck, lots of land and a pool! Come visit us, plenty of room for everyone!
Unfortunately, they were still working on several projects around the house like ripping out and installing a new kitchen, replacing pipes around the perimeter of the house, and electrical work throughout. The first day, the heat stopped working so we had to check back into a hotel that night.
Decided to take a short trip to Germany to let contractors finish up projects at the new house and, of course, have a warm place to sleep.
After returning from Germany, the heating issue was still not resolved so we got creative. We showered at the garrison gym, kept a fire going in the fireplace, and used an electric kettle for warm water to wash up.
Still managed to continue exploring our new city – Banksy Museum
Household goods were finally delivered – only took 2 months!
Fringe!
First guests in Belgium!
Road trip to Paris, France – only a 3 hour drive!
Louvre – didn’t make it inside this time since our trip was so last minute and we didn’t get tickets. Still really cool to see the glass pyramid
Arc de Triomphe – story time: I booked tickets to visit the top of the Arc right when the Eifel Tower light show started. It only happens every hour, so if we missed it you’d have to wait for the next display. The line was moving slowly and, in fear of missing the lights, we ran up 284 steps to the top. Made it just in time to catch the show!
Exploring Paris and obligatory Eiffel Tower pictures
This jet-setter checking out the Airbnb garden
Aquarium de Paris
Paris Flea Market
Back in Brussels
It was a tough PCS, probably one of the hardest moves we’ve had, but now that we’re getting things in order, it’s really starting to feel like home. We’re going to do everything we can to make the most of our time in Europe and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These next 3 years are going to fly by!
Au revoir / tot ziens for now!
