Living the Expat life throws up many challenges not the least of which can be the Spanish bureaucracy, of which the Brits usually endlessly moan. Ironic as having a Spanish wife, who has lived in England, she has had the experience the other way round, so to speak. Proving the Spanish have not in fact cornered the market when it comes to officialdom and papers.
So it always gives you a great sense of achievement to visit an official Spanish government building and leave with a 'mission accomplished' especially after only one visit.
Today I took my friend to Orihuela, a lovely little city with plenty of history and government buildings. He needed a paper to confirm his Spanish national health cover entitlement. We got our ticket and waited for our turn. When it came the lady seemed a bit officious but did she come up trumps. Not only did we get his paper but also a European Health card as well - the jackpot!
I answered her questions in Spanish, adequate to give her the required information, so we came home to Torrevieja for well earned Fish and Chips feeling rather chuffed with ourselves.
Spanish bureaucracy - bring it on! And of course these experiences can always add detail to an article.
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