I've found 'the great Belgian novel' - I think - and am planning to read it before I go.  It's supposedly a controversial, very honest assessment of the way that Belgians dealt with WWII, told via an adolescent narrator.  The author, Hugo Claus (pictured left), is also famous for euthanizing himself rather than choosing to live with Alzheimer's disease.  It's called 'The Sorrow of Belgium' - should be a great beach read for summer!

Moving is becoming a  reality!  I've gotten rid of what I think is "lots" of clothes and books, but I know it's just the first round.  I've learned a few phrases in Dutch (there's no free 'Learn Flemmish' podcast, so I'll have to settle for Dutch).  I've set an official date: Dec 1, and I've submitted my application for an apartment (furnished, no less - would be so convenient).