Cool. How is it compared to living in the US? Way expensive, not so expensive? Rent? Meals? What's the down side? what's the up side?
I have friends all over the EU and UK and they all have a different perspective on the pros and cons. What's yer perspective? I probably need to visit for myself but your impressions would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
VooDoo
Haven’t really been here long enough to give a solid opinion yet, especially seeing as how I haven’t traveled outside of 30mins from Chièvres. That being said...
People seem to complain a lot about the roads and their quality. The roads aren’t bad. Nothing like driving in NYC, Boston, or northern Ohio. Size-wise, it’s like driving on a single lane one way US road except that here it’s two way traffic with parked cars on the side. ...so a lot of bumped mirrors and playing the “no you go I’ll dip into this spot here so you can pass” game. I’m used to driving large vehicles in countries with pretty much zero road rules, infrastructure, or licensed drivers so driving here isn’t an issue once I started learned the lay of the land and their road signs.
Eating out here is expensive and the food quality doesn’t really match the price. That being said, it’s a military town/area so you have to kind of just accept that. Also, I’ve also only eaten locally maybe five times, so it’s by no way a definitive statement. I’m also assuming I've only eaten at the local equivalent of those shitty places located right outside of a base. If that’s the case, then the food is much better or at least on par with their CONUS equivalents. I’m also big into cooking and pretty much cook every meal for the family. I’m weird and prefer to cook rather than go out, at least in the states.
My view on the housing market is also biased as the locals charge military more than locals to rent their places, with some refusing to rent to Americans/non-Belgians. It is what it is. As for the quality of houses for the price, it’s better and also worse when compared to some of the COUS locations we’ve been. 1,400€ here gets you pretty much shit. The locals know what the housing allowances are and match their rents to it. Then, due to the clauses they have within the contract, you have to pay extra each month for certain things, even stuff as basic as screens for your window...which usually just includes one or two screens.
VAT is a whole other beast, especially with vehicles. But everything you buy is taxed out the ass, on top of the taxes the Belgian govt takes. Thankfully I don’t have to worry about the income part unless I get a non-US govt/NATO gig. It is funny though that booze is rationed here for those stationed. I feel like I’m going to make out my wife’s booze rations in a week haha!
Not going to lie though, showing you and not being able to speak French immediately makes everything more difficult, but it isn’t impossible. My wife is a bit more cultured and traveled than I, while I’m over here sounding like Aldo Raine from Inglorious Bastards lol.
Not being able to hit the range when I want (aka not at all now) is definitely a bummer, but hopefully there are some members nearby that need a spotter or someone to work fundamentals with. Gotta try to keep the skills sharp for the next three years lol. Gotta find a new hobby to replace it I guess. Maybe I’ll become a Tier One IG Airsoft Mercenary Operator Sniper and sell my bath water. ??
My free time is limited being that I have a toddler, so it isn’t like I can just catch a train while the wife is at work and just travel the continent. ? He’ll be starting school in a few weeks so that will open up my free time during business hours.
If there’s anything specific you have a question about, let me know and I’ll try to find out. Otherwise that’s pretty much it in a nutshell.
Thanks man. I’ve been on the Hide for a while now, just new to Belgium. You do any travels to Belgium?
