Sun, 22 November 2009
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Having recently lost her husband to cancer, Irma Bringas Claeys is grappling with Belgian paperwork but remains positive about life abroad.Name: Irma Bringas Claeys
Nationality: United States/ Mexico
City of residence: Brugge, West Flanders
Date of birth: 24 October 1965
Civil status: Became a widow this year in January 2009. I lost my husband to cancer.
Occupation: Homemaker in the last 10 years. business owner, salesperson, make-up artist and hair design, office manager, etc, a bit of everything really.
Reason for moving to Belgium: I got married and followed my husband, work-related and simply to experience life as an expat.
Lived in Belgium: I have lived in Belgium since 1997, 6 years living in Waterloo, 1 year in Brussels and 5 years in Bruges.
What was your first impression of Belgium?
My first impressions were ‘cosmopolitan’, ‘cultural’, ‘interesting people’ and ‘art’.
It was a bit overwhelming with the cultural differences within the country, between Flanders and Wallonia, but overall interesting, to say the least!
What do you think of the food?
Simply fantastic!! We lived in France for a while and everyone has such a high regard for French cuisine, which is true, but Belgian cuisine is superb. I’ve been lucky enough to dine at some of the country’s best restaurants and at the same time I have had excellent simple and local dishes at our neighborhood bistro.
What do you think of the shopping in Belgium?
Shopping in Belgium is fun. You can find almost everything: from a great range of designer brands to the simple things, especially when the ‘Sales’ come round twice a year.
A very touching, entertaining piece. I too lost the love of my life last year, a Belgian girl, but I agree with Irma about not wanting to leave, as that would be like saying that the years I have spent here have not changed me forever, because they have, and for the best. James Drew
I wish you all the best and 'veel sterkte' as you move forward.
This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes how to write a CV, application procedure, interview dos and don'ts, Belgian management culture.
Belgium’s first alternative directory assistance services - available through the shortcode 14-14 - can now be accessed on the internet.
Moving to Belgium presents a host of challenges to expats, not least of all finding the right home.
The psychological effects of global mobility can be physically painful.
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