This time, I embarked on a personal adventure: renewing my passport!
With my old passport nearing its expiration date, the task at hand was clear. I could either visit the Dutch embassy in Madrid or use the services of their partner, VFS Global. However, after some frustrating experiences with VFS, I confidently chose to head straight to the embassy, nestled in the vibrant heart of Spain's capital.
For those in Barcelona, VFS Global has locations in both Madrid and Barcelona, but I was determined to experience the official atmosphere of the embassy.
The requirements for renewing my passport were straightforward. I gathered my passport, my Empadronamiento (proof of residence), a filled-out request form (easily done online), and a handful of passport photos that conformed to strict Dutch standards.
With my documents in hand, I made my way to Madrid by train. Opting for this mode of transport was a no-brainer—it was swift, comfortable, and allowed me to relax and enjoy the journey ahead.
Upon reaching Madrid, I headed to a co-working space just a stone's throw from the embassy, where I settled in and worked until it was time for my appointment.
Arriving at the embassy, a striking building amidst the city’s skyline, I zipped up to the 36th floor in a lightning-fast elevator. I was greeted by the embassy officer, only to be met with an unexpected hiccup: my passport photos were deemed unacceptable—something I had dreaded.
In a whirlwind, I darted out, found a related studio, had new photos taken, and raced back to the embassy before the doors closed. With everything resubmitted and checked, I breathed a sigh of relief.
After that little escapade, I returned to my co-working haven, braving the chilly air conditioning while concentrating on my tasks, all the while hoping I wouldn’t catch a cold.
In just a few hours, I’ll catch the train back home, hop in the shower, and retreat to bed, ready to tackle another day of work.
Hasta luego, mis amigos!
