Going Dutch!

I am excited to let you know that in about 12 hours I will be boarding a flight to Amsterdam, The Netherlands where I will live for the next 18 months!  I've accepted a position with KPMG's International Headquarters in Amstelveen.  I will be part of a team that assists companies in transferring data across International borders.  The laws are very complex and differ from one country to the next, and I look forward to what is sure to be a rewarding and challenging experience.

My first assignment will take place in nine different countries across Europe.  I plan to spend as much time as possible traveling around and seeing as much of the world as I can.  Between business and personal travel, I hope to cross a handful of items off my ever-growing list of places I want to see.

I am excited to get there - only a little bit nervous so far.  KPMG will help me with everything related to the relocation.  They will pick me up from the airport on Wednesday morning and take me to my hotel.  Then in the afternoon I'll meet with the housing agent to drive around looking for apartments.  They'll set me up with a car, a bank account, a phone, and Dutch lessons.    Most people in The Netherlands speak English, and the client projects I will be working on will be in English.  But learning the language will make it easier to adjust and I wouldn't want to pass up an opportunity to learn a new language.  I will be allowed two trips home during my stay, I haven't yet thought about when those might be.

You may have noticed I've updated the design of this blog - seems appropriate with all the changes in my life!  I'll still be using the same e-mail address to keep in touch - and I will be keeping my US phone number.  I can receive voice mail but no text messages unfortunately.

Please keep in touch and check back soon for photos and updates!