Seven months later, and I am finally tackling an update…
Before I began this entry, I reread my December 2017 post and felt some self-satisfaction that we have accomplished our intended goal. We are moving to Spain!
In March, we finally compiled all the necessary documents for a non-lucrative resident visa in Spain, and made a journey to San Francisco to submit our application. The process was more complicated and expensive than I had imagined, with several roadblocks to a smooth approval. Specifically, we had to order new birth and marriage certificates which required notaries and apostiles, get background checks, supply evidence of financial security, then purchase medical coverage for a year abroad – with all documents officially translated into Spanish. The Spanish consulate was very precise about the requirements, yet had murky descriptions on their website which were not elucidated until we could speak with a representative in person. It took months for us to satisfy the visa application, with numerous hurdles that made me question our decision. It is only now when our efforts have paid off that I can shake off the frustration; BUT, it won’t be until the moment that we arrive, that we will know in our marrow that the challenges were worth it.
On July 17th, we will fly to Barcelona and spend a month traveling around Spain until we move into our flat in Granada on August 16th. There, we will make our home in the Albaicin barrio. Stella and Gabriel will attend a local public school, experiencing pure Castilian language immersion. Dan will continue working for Airtreks (a US-based Internet company), and I will continue revisions on my historical fiction novel. Our goal is to learn Spanish and experience a new culture in-depth. Living abroad represents a fulfillment of a dream – one which I hope to share with our readers!
4 Comments
Know In your marrow! Hope to come visit in Granada.
MAZAL TOOOOV!!!!!!! WE CAN’T WAIT TO HAVE YOU CLOSER TO US!!!!!!!!
Wonderful! I’m so glad you are through the hurdles and on to your travels.
Jenn
Well it’s about damn time! ha. I know all about the process from mis amigos living in Panama/Costa Rica. A pain. However glad you hung in there and looking forward to your posts. Su primo David Hubble. Abrazo fuerte.