Thursday thoughts

One thing that is surprising about our move to Portugal is the lack of walking. Local people generally drive here so although there is a bus system we’re told it’s not terribly dependable and, final nail in coffin, no dogs outside of small ones in a bag. Mark’s suitcase is definitely big enough for River and I suppose we could poke holes in it…not what they mean, I think. Long winded way to say Mark is out looking at cars. Cars big enough for his giganticness, not an easy find anywhere and we’re in Europe with its’ tiny streets and even tinier parking places. And we don’t want to spend a fortune, quite the task.

I have my European Certificate appointment next Wednesday and then an application for a public health number will go on file. I’ve no idea what to expect so a little research is in order. Once I get mine, Mark can apply for his as my spouse. His application is a bit more complicated than mine but as an EU spouse still quite a bit easier than applying as an American alone. After that I apply for a public health card and…something else…

We went out tonight. The weather has cooled so it was perfect. We had our first burger in Portugal and it was surprisingly good. And they eat fries with everything here. So we drank wine out of plain old juice glasses with our burgers on the sidewalk under the twinkly lights.

Mark saw and drove a car he liked yesterday so he’s off now negotiating a bit and arranging details. It’s daunting to say the least and he was waiting on insurance quotes as he left. The dealers here also sell insurance so it’s best to have an idea of cost before you arrive with serious intent. Registering the car is a bit tricky too so we are being very careful and checking facts at each step. He will put a deposit down today and then they will put the car through its’ paces, fixing, tuning, cleaning, getting it ready for pick up on Monday provided we have the right documentation – passport, address to send more documentation, aforementioned NIF number (tax #), insurance. The law is firmly on the side of the used car buyer in Portugal but you are solely responsible for making certain the title is clear because cars are sold with their debts! Scary. You do receive a one year warranty and can bring the car back at any time in that period if you aren’t happy, I think. Used cars are what most people drive here and they do not lose their value as quickly cars in the States. It’s a whole new world for us, as we wanted, but you just cannot anticipate all the questions to ask and how much you take for granted in your everyday life.