As I look back at our journey, I can't help but remember our first days in Port Saplaya. The above image captures our temporary apartment—our cozy little haven by the beach, where we landed before finding our forever home.
When we first arrived, a wave of excitement washed over us as we received instructions on getting our keys and locating our apartment. Unlocking the door for the first time was a thrill! The space was more than we had hoped for—rooms filled with light and breezes from the beach just a stone's throw away.
Once we settled in, we spent some time visualizing our new life there: where we’d set up the desk, where our son Jamie would sleep, and where we would lay our heads at night. The process of moving our essentials from the cars left us worn out but exhilarated—we were finally here!
With our hearts racing, we quickly turned our attention to our top priority: obtaining our NIE, a crucial document for foreigners living in Spain. This piece of paper is vital for all sorts of legal matters. Thankfully, we found an agent who guided us through the process, scheduling our appointments for the first week.
My wife’s first appointment took place in Denia, but we quickly learned that the success of these encounters often hinges on the mood of the official you meet. It can feel almost like a game of chance! Unfortunately, my wife didn’t get her document that day.
The very next day, it was my turn in Benidorm. We decided to try our luck with my appointment, hoping it would be a better experience for both of us. Perhaps it was the anticipation of the weekend, but the officer we met this time had a more positive demeanor and was gracious enough to issue both our documents!
This felt like a huge victory for us, and with that milestone behind us, we set our sights on a more permanent place to call home.
After about a month of exploring options, we finally discovered a lovely apartment in Paiporta. There was a moment when we considered another place in Benetusser, but it just didn’t feel right. After weighing our options and considering the vibe of each, it became clear that the place in Paiporta was our perfect match. Excited for this new chapter, we decided to take it!
Hasta Luego, mis Amigos!
