You don't look a day over 16

I recently celebrated my birthday and had a great day. I got lots of cards and calls and Kyle was even sweet enough to think to get me a cake. Nothing like a Triple Belgian Chocolate cake to celebrate! We went to a nice dinner and the weather even cooperated enough that we were able to sit outside.

The big news surrounding my birthday is that we got a car!!! Anyone who has visited or knows our day to day lives here without a car can appreciate even more how much this means. We have been looking for a month now, and this past Saturday we found a great deal. Below is picture of it-- a Citroen C3. The experience of looking for a car in Belgium was quite different than in the States though. Just a few observations:
--In first dealership we went to, we were ignored for 30 minutes, watched one salesman take his lunch break while we were waiting, and then were told that he was the only guy there that spoke English.
--In another dealership, the guy kept downselling us on things. He told us that you really didn't need the full package and that the smaller car was just a good. He even told us to wait until September for the prices to get better!
--In that same dealership they told Kyle they would fax him some information about pricing and he has yet to see it.
--In the dealership where we bought the car, the guy said that (even though they only have one salesman there on Saturdays) they still sell 6-7 cars that day. I think we figured out how they are not too short staffed -- they don't help you at all! We looked around by ourselves for 20 minutes and then finally went up to him to ask him some questions. He remained seated until we finally asked him to come see the car we were referring to. He then basically read out the details about the car that were on the front windshield. We said we would think about it over the weekend. When we came back on Monday to say we would buy it, then he gave us a glossy brochure about the car. Also, he did not want to let us test drive the car. It was not because the car was a lemon, but because there have to be license plates on the car, even if it is just for a test drive. I have two friends that have both bought cars here without test driving them. He hemmed and hawed for 30 minutes and then finally let us drive the car.
--Even though we bought the car directly off the lot (it was previously driven by the dealer for three months, so we got it for a reduced price) we still can't drive away with it for two weeks. By Belgian law, first the car must be inspected, then we must prove we have insurance, then we must pick up a form from the dealership and take it to the town hall to get our license plate. The town hall gives you one license plate and then you have to go to an engraver place and buy a second (identical) one to put on the front of the car. When we finally have both plates, we can go to the dealership and get the car. The amazing part is that Kyle and I have been so warped by Brussels that we were really excited to be able to pick up the car in only two weeks. Often, when you buy a new car from the lot here, they have to order it and it can take up to three months to get it.

It has been an exciting week here, because beyond getting a car and having a birthday, I also have a new babysitting job. The family has just moved here from the States. They have a sweet 7 month old boy and 4 year old girl. It is amazing how good it feels to get paid for doing something again! The other night Kyle and I were discussing the car and finances and I said, "Well, my babysitting money will help to pay for some of the car." We both paused and looked at each other and then realized that although I am 27 years old, I am still talking about earning babysitting money and getting a new car on my birthday!