Well, well...Here we are!

So we got our keys, and can get started in here! We're pretty lucky in that the place doesn't need too much work. One thing we are going to replace is the floor. This weird-looking fakey grey tile patterned vinyl is going. Instead, we are getting cork flooring.

Standing in the living/dining room, facing the back:

 

 Standing in the same spot, looking into the bedroom, which faces the street. We bought the couch and shelves from the previous owner. But the cow came for free:

I like cork, which has been used in libraries and archives for a very long time, naturally, because it's quiet. As flooring goes, it's warmer and more forgiving than laminate, is anti-static, has mold and insect-resistant properties, and it's also a sustainable resource. We're going with this pattern below:
 

 

It's also moisture-resistant, so we're putting cork in the kitchen, living room and bedroom. It should warm the whole place up beautifully. Which leads me to one of the best parts of this apartment- the wonderful light.

The bedroom faces east, and the dining room west, so the whole place is flooded with light throughout the day. There are some great beveled-glass windows in the wall dividing the living room and bedroom, making the whole place feel airy. And there's also a huge window over the sink, facing onto the balcony. All of the windows are enormous, and in a place with long, dark winters, we're pretty excited about that. We may put double glass in eventually, for cost savings and toastiness.
 

 

The area between the houses is full of nice, big trees, and our neighbors downstairs have a series of lush gardens: 

This photo does not do it justice- there's an unusually diverse range of trees and flowers down there, and a lot of color. It's just so peaceful and lovely. You can hear crickets and cicadas at night in the heart of the city.

I think we're going to like it here.