…or so the saying goes. One would think with as much moving as I did as a child that getting attached to houses (or just some bricks and paint, as Adam tells me) wouldn't be a big deal. But, oh, the housing discussions we've had in the Powell house the last few weeks.
I mentioned in an earlier post the people who are assigned to help us through the process of moving internationally. Well, there are few more I should introduce you to on the housing front. We have a temporary housing agent in the UK, a permanent housing agent in the UK, a relocation specialist to assist with the move, and a housing representative in the US. A few clarifications on the roles of all these people. We get temporary housing for two weeks when we first arrive in Bristol & as we're not taking a house hunting trip, we're going to go over a week or so before I start work so we can use that time in temporary housing to look for something permanent. Which leads us to the permanent housing people (why they're not the same people, I don't know that I can answer, but they're two different companies). Please also keep in mind that "permanent" housing is for a grand total of two years, so we're not looking a magnificent mansion to settle into and sit on the back porch to watch our grandkids play. Nope, we're looking for a two-three bedroom flat (<--that was a very British word, did you see how I snuck it in while you weren’t looking?) or a row house. Enough room for us & the puppies plus the occasional visitor.
While we're talking about puppies & visitors, do you know how difficult it is to move two dogs across an ocean? If you ever find yourself in this situation, we highly recommend Pet Relocation. They are wonderful! Cara has been a lifesaver though the (MANY!) panic attacks of getting the girls ready to move. Second, anyone made their plans to come visit yet? My in-law's tell me that they won't buy plane tickets until we are actually over there. Good point, I guess. My father, on the other hand, has spent time memorizing the transatlantic cruise schedule. I, as has been my experience for the past 28 or so years, have no idea what he's planning. Some sort of 2 week cruise to England, visit some old friends, see the daughter & son-in-law, do some general sight-seeing, and fly home trip. Details to be worked out at a later date.
Oh, housing, got a little side tracked there. So our permanent housing friends have given us a few houses browse to get an idea of what we can expect. Here are a few of our favourite (<--totally gone British) sites:
According to Catherine, our housing agent, rentals in Bristol move fairly quickly so we shouldn't get our hopes up on anything we see online today because it more than likely won't be there in two and a half months when we want to move in. We're taking suggestions though. If you see any must look-at's, let us know. (I have one rule...well, many, but one that I'm stating now...I'm not living in Wales. You may think this an odd statement, but two unnamed members of the family have already suggested it.)
On the domestic front, our house in Bedford went on the market today. Anyone looking to buy a lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath house on a 1/3 of a acre in a quiet neighborhood conveniently located near two highways? Well, I have a deal for you!
