What? Keys to an apartment?

Well, apparently the squeaky wheel does get the grease. After 8 weeks, multiple hotel rooms, multiple moves with multiple bags (and other collected things along the way), it seems we are actually getting our own place. 

It is in a place called Greenland Complex. We feel so fortunate because what we walked in last night and it was actually relatively clean considering the last people had moved out in late June. Yes, you read that correctly. When Stuart received the clearance letter it was dated July 7. This most likely means that the housing department has had these keys in their office since that time. Don't ask. I don't know a logical answer as to why someone has not received placement in this place before now if the clearance letter has been in the office since early July. Welcome to our world. 

We are not going to complain, we are just going to get to cleaning our new place so we can move in and start getting some sort of routine that doesn't consist of going to bed at whatever time in the evening and eating potato chips for dinner (that's really just Millie). 

We went by the place yesterday afternoon and Stuart's head of faculty, his wife (Jack's teacher) and their kids came over with some puzzles for the kids, a tricycle for Millie and some 3T clothes for Millie. Of course she will be 7 before she can wear them, but it was so nice of them. They also brought a potty chair for Millie. Again, maybe at the age of 7 she will need that:(

This morning we are on our way to start the dreaded cleaning process. Although, this place seems to be in a much better state than many others we have heard about. I will send pictures once we have the electricity on. That is a process as well and I am sure there will be a lot of comedic blog entries about our process of getting into this place before it is all said and done. Just getting the contract to the place is going to be a challenge. 

Stuart tried to find the place to get the contract yesterday after he got the keys. No luck. Because there are no addresses here, it really is like giving directions to the blind. They would have a better chance finding some of these places. The other day I asked someone how to get to a random place. Here is what I was told: 'You know the horse roundabout? Take the second exit on that and then get immediately in the right lane to turn. After that there is an office building on your left. Turn into the driveway and then make a quick right. Look for the green sign. It's behind that building.'  Really?  It's nuts! Needless to say it will be a miracle if we actually have electricity on by the middle of next week. You can't just call and get things connected. You have to physically go to the random building, in the random place, and see the random guy in charge. Crazy!  I will let you know if it is worse than waiting, at home,between 8 and noon for the bug guy to come spray. I can only assume it is a bit more of a hassle than that. 

The kids have to do a border run again today. This time they are going to walk. Cathy, our English friend, got her passport back yesterday so she is going to take all of the kids across the border. We have yet to receive ours. 

It seems every week brings a new set of challenges yet also brings a number of things we can tick off of our never ending list of things to get done. But we got paid yesterday so it is all good. Off to clean!

Love to you all,

Dana, Stuart, Jack and Millie