With my new ...

With my new UK chip encoded Passport I set out for the Spanish Consulate in Sydney this morning to apply for my NIE number. The office is on level 24 of the St Martins Tower in Market Street. I arrived at the little office expecting to wait, but there were no other people there. No sooner had I approached the counter several people came in behind me. Good timing I thought. They were very helpful and a delightful young girl completed the form for me and all I had to do was sign it. Her only question was why I wanted the NIE number and I replied that it was to buy a property, which seemed to be fine.

The application cost $13.95 and the girl said it would take about 5 days and they would email it to me.

I noticed on the little receipt they gave me that the spelling of Sydney was in fact Sidney! Is that Spanish for Sydney or a mistake I wonder?

About a week ...

About a week ago I started my TESOL course.  TESOL stands for 'Teaching English as a Second Language'. I have always wanted to do this course. When I was at school one of my career choices was to teach English, but I went in another direction. The idea is to have this as another string to my bow and teach English when we move to Spain.

I have already set up a TESOL information page on the website wwwenglishforspeaking.com. It isn't linked to my blogger site yet so if you want a look go to 'www.english4speaking.blogspot.com.au'

I can't believe how difficult English is to learn. Jeepers I must be clever being able to know the language so well! What takes the joy out of learning a language is all the technical stuff. Speaking a language is a bit like driving a luxury sports car, but learning all the past perfects and other stuff is like opening the hood and getting to know all the bits of the engine and how it works. Eek!

Courtesy of Her ...

Courtesy of Her Majesty's Passport Office ... via DHL ... my new biometric UK Passport arrived yesterday. This new passport contains an electronic chip which stores my information including my image! Can't wait to use it. Off to the Spanish Consulate in Sydney today to apply for my NIE number. Sarah is holding off visiting Spain until I start my new job. The contract at Westpac finished on 12 February so I am looking for a new role. She doesn't want to leave me on my own, but I am keen to secure a property while the prices are still low.