One Month In

I’m writing this in the evening curled up on the sofa with the Pellet Stove going to keep me warm, waiting for Top Gear.

I’ve just realised that I’m one month into this adventure. It was Feb 25th that I got in the car and headed off to the Eurotunnel. I’m still not completely settled – but I’m getting there. The work is becoming familiar – its easier when not everything is new – but it is hard. Just standing up for 8 hours with hardly a break always being pushed to get more done faster is both physically and mentally tiring. The busy time hasn’t kicked in yet (Easter). Then I understand that there will be two months of mayhem and overtime as we reach full capacity. I’m finding that when I do get my time off I’m pretty much done and therefore jumping on the bike isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. It’s a good team and good to be a part of it – they call me ‘Swabes’ and are getting used to me as I am to them

Life in the flat will evolve as the weather gets better and the tourist season really kicks in. It’s really quiet outside in the evenings as none of the restaurants are opening the outside areas in the evenings yet. I’m told Easter is when it all kicks off – so – at the end of this week then! I’m even beginning to get used to living alone – although its not comfortable. I announce my arrival when I get home – to an empty flat – and the radio is on a lot. I get moments when I have to pinch myself to make sure this is really happening like when I’m driving through the mountains or the endless glorious scenery. Or when I’m out on the bike and realise it’s a weekday and not a holiday (that said – I’ve only been out 3 times so far).

I now have a Social Security Number, an NIE (needed to get work and will let you live out here for 3 months), a Spanish Bank Account and a Spanish SIM. I’m booked in to get my Residencia at the beginning of May which makes me a ‘real person’ and makes Spain my primary residence!

There have been a few times when I’ve thought about giving it up – but those are getting fewer. Currently I’m up for the challenge. Even if the job doesn’t pan out for some reason as time goes by I’ll still stick around for a few months as I’m looking forward to the family coming out in April and May. That said when the weather finally improves (they say they’ve never seen anything like this torrential rain and howling wind at this time of year before – just my luck) and I settle in to my shifts and the routine of the life I hope there will be more time to get out and enjoy this wonderful island!