Why I am Blogging...

This is my first taste in blogging. I must admit that I had no idea what this was all about until I found myself having so much time surfing the net. I am not even sure if any of my family or friends are into this. I am not much of an internet junkie either, however, my present situation has allowed me to explore this possibility. Perhaps I will enjoy it. I have recently moved to the Netherlands to join my hubby after almost six months of having a commuter marriage, which means juggling between London and the Netherlands (thanks for Ryanair and EasyJet!). I guess after 2 years of having a long distance relationship (6 months as a married couple), it has been quite taxing for both of us to spend so much time in airports, burning phone lines, taking days off from work and maintaining two households. At the end we had to decide that one has to move so we can start feeling truly married! A lot of my friends were surprised that I was actually doing the move to the Netherlands. I must admit that I delayed moving to Holland as much as possible. For one, I thought that the approval of my MVV will take more time, but was surprised that in four weeks we got the approval. I didn’t expect this because a Pinoy friend who was hired in London by a Dutch based company took 7 months to get his work permit so he can transfer here. I even had to request the Dutch Embassy in London to make the validity of my MVV start on a much later date as I had work commitments. Funny enough, the consular officer even said “the later the better”. Thus, the great move was made two months ago. I was sad to leave my cosy place, sad to leave friends and colleagues, and sad to leave London which I have grown to love. Conversely, I was also looking forward to start a “new” life with my hubby, and discover and learn more about his country and culture. Afterall, we made an agreement that we are not closing our doors to move back to England or elsewhere (perhaps the Philippines?), if necessary. At least I have to give Holland a chance. Unfortunately once I reached the Netherlands, bureaucracy took over (on top of the gloomy and rainy weather). While I am still waiting for my VTV (residence permit), I could not really do anything—not work, no entry to the inburgering course, etc. Nothing. It is really frustrating!!! I had to forego a short-term research job just because I had no idea what my status will be in the next few months. Sometimes I feel that I am in this web of a system, where I am forced to follow a certain track because of all these policies. For some people they may say that I chose to be here so I have to live by the rules. One thing is for sure, I have never experienced this kind of bureaucracy from the other countries I have previously lived in. And so the blog. I have been attempting to start a blog since I arrived here. However, summer has been busy. Friends from the UK visited and made the Netherlands as part of their itinerary. I think my hubby has already prepared himself that being married to a pinay means having guests all the time! It was fun and comforting to be with friends as it diverted my frustrations for the time being. Now that the summer is over, I guess it will be more quiet….and the reality of being in this “waiting” period will hit me again. There are times when I ask if I can truly make this country my home. There are days when I doubt about my choice of moving here. Naturally, I can make a list of what I had to give up to be with someone. But I wont. Whenever I think of the ultimate reason for my being here, I know that the little (?) inconveniences of “starting-up” will all be worth it and part of building my life with someone. My hubby’s family and close friends have been very supportive as well, and for this I take comfort. Call me mushy or whatever, but perhaps home is really where the heart is (believe me, it took me time to convince myself with this!). “Cuando amor no es locura, no es amor”. (When love is not madness, it is not love) And such, I hope that this blog will help me unveil my thoughts, perhaps some of my frustrations, my new experiences as a newly married woman, and as a foreigner in this land of windmills and tulips, which I now consider as my home…for now.