“You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from.”
“You forget what you want to remember, and you remember what you want to forget.”
-Cormac McCarthy
Hey guys,
Another quick update (we've seen a lot of those lately). I'm currently writing you from my new and very own flat for the first time, and seeing how that's supposedly some kind of major development (I have my own place!), it felt as if I needed to dedicate an entry to it.
So, what's it like? I live in Leuven, which is a minor city close to Brussels (the capital of Belgium). It's fairly small but cosy, and mainly known as the home of one of Belgium's largest universities and my alma mater, the KUL. Unlike most cities with massive universities, this one is truly dictated by it. As a result, it has two faces. During the week, it's filled with young people either on their way to class, getting drunk or getting laid. In the weekends, it's fairly empty.
The flat I chose isn't the biggest, but it's certainly big enough for me. It's located right in the centre, in a small street leading to the Oude Markt (Old Market), the main location for festivities. Most famous for being the "Longest Bar in the World," it's basically just a collection of bars and a handful of fast-food places. It's very cosy, but also quite loud (duh). The flat itself is on the fifth floor of a building that houses a McDonalds, but as long as I keep my door shut, the odour is fine.
I had some friends over yesterday, and they seemed to like it. Because of its location, it's obviously a prime spot for everyone to gather before going out. Tomorrow I'll have someone staying over for the first time, so I should get some feedback on the couch.
The past few days I've mainly been buying stuff for the flat, when I wasn't working. Christ, I've buying so much stuff lately. It's coming together nicely, however. As of right now, I think all I really need is a drying rack for my laundry, a laundry basket and a place to store my books. They're currently standing underneath my window, and my friends seemed to like it that way (as do I, it adds a personal touch). It's not extremely convenient, however (what, with the curtains and all) so I'll have to see how I manage.
There's a one-year lease with three months' notice, so I reckon I'll find out whether I like it or not and go from there. A part of me is already aching to leave again, but I'm not 19 anymore. Besides, there's plenty of reasons why it's convenient to be living at home once again. For one, it's incredibly cheap. The Guardian posted an article just last week on London prices and how it's pretty normal to pay five pounds for a beer in the English capital (pints, obviously). The first round of drinks I paid two days ago cost me 7.40 euros. That's roughly six pounds, and absolutely ridiculous. For six pounds, I'd have one beer in Soho. Rent is more than manageable (again, the flat is not insanely luxurious), but it allows me to save some money over the next 12 months. The only thing that isn't particularly cheap is public transport (and it's ridiculously ineffective, but that's a whole different story), but I still hope I'll get to see my relatives on a regular basis. After all, they're all located within 90 minutes of me by train.
It's incredibly unfair to compare Leuven to London. It's a nice, cosy city that has everything I need, for now. My friends are here, and the top spot to go out is literally on my doorstep. Compared to London, it should (and will) be far easier to combine a social life with my work schedule. Sure, nothing compares to the Big Smoke, and it's very tempting to go back as soon as I can. I planned two consecutive days off for November, so if my bosses cooperate, I'll hopefully be able to come visit soon. I always mocked people who lost their hearts to a particular place, but perhaps I'm starting to understand. London is pretty awesome, guys.
So, to summarise. I like my flat. The lease is only for a year, which is perfect, but in general, it's a nice place. I've yet to truly make it my own (add a nice decorative lamp, put up some photos and posters), but so far, I feel okay here. It's far from perfect--it's loud, the on-suite bathroom doesn't have a toilet, storage space is limited and the constant presence of fraternities on a night out (even at 2 p.m.) is making my blood boil. But to quote the genius that is Tim Minchin: "It's not perfect, but it's mine." We'll work on a housewarming party, although I sincerely doubt my flat will hold more than 10 people.
In fact, I'll leave you with the genius himself.
Song of the Day: The surprisingly deep and very beautiful
It's Not Perfect - Tim Minchin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg3PberzvXo
Bonus: I love the BBC's cover of God Only Knows that is currently sweeping the internet, but it's still only my second-favourite cover version of the Beach Boys' phenomenal hit. So, for your enjoyment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7ogV49WGco
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