When I first received my visa paperwork in Miami, there was a half-sheet of paper attached to my visa. It stated that I had to register with
the police within 30 days of entering the country. Three weeks ago, when I first went to the police station, I was given a ticket that was personally more important that Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket. It was my entrance to the police office station.
(Actually, it was for 25 November at 19:00… can you imagine any official office in the US being open at 7:00 in the evening? Me, either. Image courtesy: http://goo.gl/ih8vZS)
 I was prepared. I had all of my official documentation, my rental agreement, my visa paperwork, my “certificado de empadronamiento” (obtained fairly painlessly at a different police station near the city center), my passport (and a copy of each page), my Spanish bank account information, my receipt for the €15.15 I paid to the bank, a set of passport-size photos, and my ticket.
Thirty-seven minutes later, I walked out of the office with my official letter indicating that I had officially ordered my residence card. I have to go back in 30 days to pick it up… in person, of course. Not so bad, considering some of the drama I have had to endure for my driver’s license.
At the end of the day, though, this means that I am now an official resident — for one year, at least — of Spain. The adventure is now fully underway!
Congrats my friend!! It’s gonna be a ride……
Heh. Yep, with all of the screaming I can muster! Miss you! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks for sharing more good news. We may live in a small world, but it certainly requires a not so small amount of administrivia.
Hah! Maurice, you are SOOOOOOO right! It is something of an art form here, and I am learning more than a little patience. I am already loving the extra time for writing, though. That has been lovely! Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy the ride! I love reading your posts.
I miss you! Happy Thanksgiving!
Just starting following your blog. You’re living a life many of us wish we had the courage for – at least in a small way. Viva la vida.
Kathy, I appreciate the encouragement. I am really learning a great deal about myself in this transition! Hmmmm, maybe there is a book idea in there after my dissertation!
Congratulations Christopher. I have officially retired but not fully detoxed yet! I will now have more time to read your blog!
Hi, Gale. The detox will take a while, I am sure. Making new patterns for your days is kind of fun, but also a little unnerving. I reflected on this last night as I fixed dinner at 10:30 after going grocery shopping with a friend yesterday evening. A little surreal, but a lot of fun! Happy Thanksgiving!
So happy for you Chris! Have a great time in your new adventure!
Thanks, Teri. “Adventure” is really the best way to describe many of the things that I have been experiencing. From negotiating in another language to figuring out the best way to orient myself in a strange city, I am slowly starting to get used to this new “groove”. Happy Thanksgiving!
Congratulations friend. Hope you have a great year. One more item to add to your Thanksgiving list.
Exactly what I was thinking, Jj! I hope you are doing well, and have a GREAT Thanksgiving yourself! Miss you!