Spanish Officialdom!

I've had one of those mornings today, dealing with official paperwork yet again. Spain is famous for the amount of documentation you have to carry around with you. At home, Darrell and I have a rather large file, full of paperwork that we have to keep updated and in good order; certificates for this, that and the other; identity cards, contracts and health and security numbers. Today we added another three certificates to that folder, necessary for Darrell to get his new Spanish Driving License.

Today it was a quick trip to the Padron Office in Gran Alacant. We showed the gentleman behind the desk our identity cards and new housing contract. His English, though not great, like our Spanish, was enough for us and him to understand each other. After half an hour, we had a new Padron certificate, that I could  take to the bank and use to change my address. Waiting in the queue outside Sabadell was an altogether harder, time consuming task. As usual, there was only one person behind the information desk and a disproportionate number of clients waiting to be seen. This is always the case at Sabadell and they really need to get to grips with their customer service. Customers are waiting far too long.

Darrell now has all the documentation required, to switch his British license to a Spanish one. As an Australian national, with a European license, the process he has to follow, will be more complicated than most. We remain hopeful that he can just swap his British license over, If not it will be a series of driving lessons and a written and practical test; not ideal!

If you hate the amount of paperwork you have to do yourself, spare a thought for lil old me, who married an Ozzie and decided to move to Europe. Nothing could possibly be as complicated; if it is, you are not doing it right!