Dirk has lived in Brussels, Belgium in the past and he and his family are there once again, a place where the summers are longer and the people are amenable. It’s near enough his land of birth to prevent him from missing it too much, but far away enough for him to learn a new language and a different culture.	Dirk Manuel

July 12 2006

-Where were you born?
Hampshire, in England

-Are you living alone or with your family?
I live with my family: one wife and three children (aged 7, 5, and 1).

-In which country and city are you living now?
Belgium, Brussels

-How long have you been living in Belgium?
18 months, but this is my second 'tour' of Belgium. I spent four years here in the mid-'90s.

-What is your age?
39

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Belgium?
I fell into it by accident. I was a contract Technical Writer, and my agency offered me four months in Brussels. I accepted, thinking it really would be four months and would make a nice change before I went back to regular work back in England. But those four months turned into four years -- followed by three years in Singapore and four in America -- before I returned to Brussels. I haven't worked in England since.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
No; as a European I don't need one.

-How do you make your living in Belgium? Do you have any type of income generated?
I am working on a long-term contract.

-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I have just completed my first year of night school, and can now speak a little Flemish (which is spoken in about half of Brussels) and know a few words of French (spoken in the other half). I do believe that it is important for expatriates to try to integrate into the local culture. I have also found that locals respond much more favourably if you are at least willing to try to speak their language (even if you fail miserably!).

I believe that expats should try to integrate themselves into their adoptive home. Although this may not necessarily mean adopting local customs, I believe a tolerance for and understanding of local customs is essential. It is also important to accept that not everything will be the way you are used to - and to accept this. If you get exasperated at local customs and practices, you will never be happily settled in a foreign country. You have to accept it for what it is, and make the most of it.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Not really. Belgium is close enough to England to go 'home' for the weekend if you want to. It is also close enough for friends and family to visit.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
We hope to return to America at the end of this tour of Belgium.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We are renting. We have a four-bedroom detached house with a very large garden and it costs EUR1,250 a month. Conventional wisdom has it that it is only worth buying if you will be living here for at least four years, and we aren't sure of that.

-What is the cost of living in Belgium?
It is significantly more expensive than America (or at least Texas) or Singapore, but cheaper than England.

-What do you think about the Belgian people?
In general, the locals are very amenable. We have not had any problems, save for a few unhelpful civil servants, but civil servants are often like that everywhere.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Belgium?
The summers are longer and warmer. It is always nice to experience a different culture as it gives you a better perspective on your own. Cycling is very big here. We are not as 'competitive' as the locals, but do enjoy a cycle ride on a Sunday. The beer is also very good in Belgium, and it is possible to while away many an hour sitting in the sun, outside a bar.

The only real negative aspect is that the language barrier can be an issue.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Belgium?
Be prepared for the bureaucracy!

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Belgium?

I have a couple of posts on my Weblog (www.planetmanuel.com) that will give you a good idea on what to expect. See:
Born Free, But You'll Pay to Prove It - The Joy of Driving (Or Not)…Belgian Style

Other useful Web sites are:
http://www.expatica.com
http://www.xpats.com