Police, Banks, and €15.15
The interesting thing about official business in Spain, as I found out when applying for my visa, is that the culture has different expectations and responsibilities are spread differently in society. So, when I discovered that I already had an NIE number assigned to...
I’m Trying…
A man has to live with himself, and he should see to it that he always has good company. Charles Evans Hughes
Hitting Valencia with a Thump
(Sorry, folks, this post is without pictures. I promise to make that up to you soon!) I arrived in Valencia about 48 hours ago, and so much has happened since I went through airport security in Atlanta, my head is spinning. My trips through airport security were...
Moment of Truth (and Consequences)
Gentle reader, so much has happened over the last two weeks that my head is spinning a little. First, there was a trip to Miami for the visa. I came back to Atlanta just in time to attend a wonderful party in my honor at work, thanks to wonderful colleagues. Since my...
I love stickers!
Earlier today, I traveled to Miami to pick up my Spanish visa. I seriously didn't know what to expect, but what I got was a super-cool sticker that indicates that I have a visa. Funnily enough, there is another (and better) picture of me on the visa than on the...
My Visa Just Called…
...and it wants to snuggle in my passport. I have to pick it up in the next two weeks, and I am good to go forward to Spain!
I’m freaking out, but only a little
Today is exactly six weeks from when I submitted my visa paperwork. I have a little less than four weeks before my scheduled departure. I'm trying really hard not to flip out because I only have a few weeks left before I leave. Gentle reader, before you think that a...
One month
One month from today, I will be unemployed. It's part of the process to moving to Spain, but I have worked for the same organization for over 12 years. Over those 12 years, I have enjoyed the company of some excellent coworkers, learned some valuable lessons, and...
Unexpectedly at Home
According to my original plans, I was supposed to be leaving today for Valencia. However, with my visa still pending, I am still gladly at home. Instead of being a bit angry or bitter, I have decided to take advantage of the extra six weeks with a sense of excitement....
Trust the Fortunes!
Feel free to use these for your lottery numbers.
Application Submitted!
Applying for a residence visa in another country can be heartbreaking work, and sometimes a paper tiger that may just eat you alive by the end of the process (see here and here). Earlier this week, I flew down to Miami to apply for a non-lucrative visa... again. Just...
Day Trip: The Palace of Versailles
Versaille's history is one of greed, passion, and, ultimately, tragedy. In the pursuit of French political power, an incredible complex was constructed to take the monarchy outside of Paris to a more cloistered life that was opulent beyond what could even be...
Day Trip: Orléans
Armed with a Prius and a sense of adventure, my tribe headed to Orléans. King Louis XII felt that town was the "heart" of the French royalty, a treasure to be protected. In my humble opinion, it still is such a treasure. Situated on the Loire, Orléans is both scenic...
Fumbling on the Visa
Well, gentle readers, I just spent two-and-a-half days on an unproductive venture to submit my visa paperwork. Here's what I did wrong: I did not have enough financial information. At least a year's worth of information needs to be included for a checking account and...
St George gets Good Press
In both Spain and France, I caught glimpses of St. George, often in the most unexpected of places. I only got a few photos, but I think I'll start a scavenger hunt whenever I go to new cities to find a St. George. And from Valencia, Spain:
… and I thought, “statuesque.”
Paris is full of sculpture, and it emerges in the strangest places. As an American, we have to import our really old sculptures, while Europe is chock-a-block with sculptures, paintings, and museums. (If you don't believe me, check out this map.) However, I was really...
The Cat is Smiling at Me Again
I find graffiti fascinating, especially in Europe. I am sure there are whole branches of sociological studies devoted to street art... there are certainly art classes devoted to it. One thing that caught my eye was a picture of a smiling cat, which I saw repeatedly in...
Sampling Platter of Paris
As a day trip, we went into Paris for a day for sightseeing, tourist bumping, shopping, and general city-exploring shenanigans. This time, we headed toward the area in Paris known as Le Mariais, which has some interesting cultural themes. Our walk extended over to...
Ridiculously Impressive
The Eiffel Tower is arguably the most recognizable landmark in the current world. Aside from being a symbol of Paris, of France, and often of Europe, the tower itself is an incredible monument that eclipses what I had expected. The tower is an impressive structure,...
Bring an Umbrella!
The double-decker bus, or Paris L'Open Tour, is a great way to see so much of a city before deciding where you might actually spend more of your time in the city. With a number of different routes through the city, this is a great way to experience many different...