On January 28, 2023, my plane from Canada landed in Brussels.  This was it.  I was not coming to visit.  I was coming to live.

I had five pieces of luggage.  My friends Lydia and Lore were meeting me to help with all that stuff.

That day I changed countries.  I didn’t know the journey ahead.

***

On January 28, 2024 I decided to write about my one-year anniversary.  But I was writing a poem that day.  “Tomorrow.”

That night I vomited twice.  Writing anything was a universe away.  “Another tomorrow.”

The second night I vomited ten times.  And then the hospital for three nights.  And then no writing for twelve more days.

On Wednesday (Valentine’s) I had the energy to start again.

And now today.  “What about all those anniversary tomorrows?”

***

You see my apartment on the Oudburg.  My balcony is dead centre in the picture.  I have red, purple, yellow, orange, green and blue walls.  I have a terrace at the back where I watch the seagulls fly above the river that I can’t see.  A few doors down my street is Gregor Samsa – my resting place for playreading with friends, and for concerts.

It’s all here … especially me.  I wonder how this is possible – that I can feel so deeply home here in Gent.  It’s been such a short time compared to my life in Canada.  And yet the new belonging wells up in me.  It’s true and wise.

I drink cappuccinos and watch people, often feeling their joys and sorrows.  I talk to people, look into their eyes, feel their stories.  I walk the streets and find my favourite benches – sometimes perfect for more seagull watching.

I make music … singing, playing the cello, playing the piano.  The melodies live.

I’ve started Level Two of learning Dutch.  It’s so hard for me.  Oh well.  I shall persevere.

I’m no longer searching for Elise (the next love of my life, already named).  She will come into my life when she’s ready, perhaps around some corner in Gent centrum.

I’ve jumped through so many government and company hoops to have my Belgian life work.  Right now I’m impatiently waiting for the news that my visa has been renewed for another year.  Maybe in a week I’ll have good news!

There are jolts, sadnesses, disappointments.  But they are all held within the comfort of my couch, my wonderings about who lives behind far-off windows, and the sweetness of being at home.