Today we received the keys for our new apartment in Courthouse.

The moving company will unload our belongings tomorrow morning. Our rent in the current apartment is paid for through the end of the month, so we're not moving immediately but have some time to arrange things before we move in.

Our new apartment is very light with large windows, and a great view over Virginia. It's on the 7th floor, so it overlooked the tree tops of Arlington. From our kitchen window we can see DC with the National Cathedral.

The apartment we're staying in now is furnished, which is a great luxury. It includes everything from silverware, dishes and cups to towels and sheet.

However, from our stay in Somerset last year we learned that even in a fully furnished temporary apartment there are still things that are worthwhile bringing in. Most important is the big box with spices and herbs and a good kitchen knife (the knifes that come with the apartment are not very good). We also brought our favorite coffee mugs.

When we left Durham, now almost 6 weeks ago, we prepared a few boxes with things, mainly cooking equipment. Unlike last time, we did not have to get a new coffee machine.

Here's the list:

- Salad spoons
- Good garlic press
- A good large kitchen knife
- Small kitchen knife
- Dutch cheese slicer (kaasschaaf)
- Dutch masher (for stamppot)
- Box with spices
- Oven mits
- Extra glass bowls
- Our favorite mugs
- Peeler (one that works nicely)
- Dutch pan
- Placemats
- Woodpins
- Solid cutting board
- Non-stick frying pan
- Graters
- Nice salt & pepper shakers