Open for Business, Unless We’re Not

Now that we have our Spanish residency visas (obtained in Los Angeles in June), the first step on the path to obtaining our residency cards is to register with the Empadronamiento (the Census Bureau).  I found the office late Tuesday morning through an archway in an ancient warren of buildings — after insisting to Jerry earlier that morning that it couldn’t possibly be found through that unassuming arch.  The woman who helped me was very knowledgeable.   She gave me the two documents we need to complete and she explained the process.  On the back of one document, instructions and office hours are clearly marked.  This is going to be a breeze.

NOTHING VERY OFFICIAL LOOKING.

THE ARCHWAY.  I WENT BACK LATER TUESDAY MORNING AND FOUND THE OFFICE.

THE BACK OF THE FORM WITH THE HOURS CLEARLY INDICATED.
CLOSED AT 2 FOR SIESTA; OPEN AGAIN 4–8 P.M.

RETURNING WITH OUR PAPERWORK TODAY.  BUT I WAS SURE
THERE WAS A GLASS DOOR AND WINDOWS TUESDAY INSTEAD OF ALL THIS WOOD.

RENOVATED IN 2002.  ART GALLERIES, FLORISTS, AND THE EMPADRONAMIENTO.

POSTED HOURS: 9:30 TO 1:30.  WE WERE THERE AT 4:15.  I GUESS WE’LL BE BACK TOMORROW.

I didn’t see the special posted hours Tuesday because the wood doors were pulled wide to allow access.  And the woman I met was so helpful.  And the information on the form was so clear.  We have repeatedly read that we should expect to be surprised (AKA, disappointed) by “regular” business hours.  We’re learning.  Afterall, tomorrow is another day!

Author: Moving with Mitchell

From Brooklyn, New York; to North Massapequa; back to Brooklyn; Brockport, New York; back to Brooklyn... To Boston, Massachusetts, where I met Jerry... To Marina del Rey, California; Washington, DC; New Haven and Guilford, Connecticut; San Diego, San Francisco, Palm Springs, and Santa Barbara, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Irvine, California; Sevilla, Spain. And Fuengirola, Málaga..

8 thoughts on “Open for Business, Unless We’re Not”

  1. Mañana, mañana – I think it's possible to get used to it, but it might take a while…… Well, it seems to me that you are getting closer and closer day by day!

  2. Welcome to southern Europe Mitch! The UK, Germany and Scandinavia don't tend to be like that (for the most part). Something to do with the heat I suspect. Good luck for today.

  3. Ellen: We're having less trouble understanding the concept of manana than we would have expected.

    J&L: We've had no trouble adjusting to dinner at 10 p.m.

    Scott: And there are so many good things coming.

    Peter: And that's all that matters.

    Craig: As for today… We agreed to get up early(ish) and beat the heat. Breakfast out by 9, we said. Just rolled out of bed at 9:30. So much for OUR posted hours!

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