The Adventures of a Language Assistant in Madrid

First of all, sorry for the lack of posts! I am just so busy!

This week I (finally) managed to get my NIE number; similar to a National Insurance Number, but for foreigners. In order to obtain this number you first have to send off a form, a copy of your passport and a copy of your nombramiento (work contract). Then you have to fill in another form and take it to a bank and pay 10E and get it signed (for administration costs). Then you have to wait for an appointment. So I found out my appointment was last Tuesday at 8:45am!! So, on Monday I went to the bank and waited 45mins in the queue, only to be told that I couldn't pay 10E as the number at the top wasn't recognised by their computer! So, I go to another bank. And they say the same thing. So I come home and spend the rest of the day worrying that the police arn't going to give me this number. Then on Tuesday morning I get to the police station early and tell them my problem. They tell me to go to the bank next door and try again. So I did, and it worked!! I was so happy :) The rest of the morning was spent queueing outside in the cold, waiting for this piece of paper with a number on it.

I'm just glad it's done now, nothing else to worry about. It also means that I won't get charged by the bank, for being a foreigner, which is good.

On Friday, myself, Andrew and Damaris were invited to Mary-Beths house after school for food and vino. She lives in a small pueblo about 30mins from Alcala. Her house is beautiful; it's completely made of wood and is so cosy and open. It doesn't have central heating; instead a massive wood burner. She had cooked a gorgeous stew with yummy bread and salad. After lunch we went on a walk with her husband Alex and their dog, Chanel - who is the cutest! Then we came back, lit the fire, and ate pumpkin pie with whipped cream :) I could have stayed there all night, it was just so cosy; sitting by the fire chatting.

Also, on Monday, Damion and I 'celebrated' our 1 year. I received a gorgeous bunch of roses to my door, which are sadly wilting a little now! But they were so lovely and I also got a little message with them which made me awww!! We spoke on Skype briefly before he had to go into uni, but we'll have a proper date/celebration when I see him in the Christmas holidays.

This afternoon I am thinking about making some chocolate chip buns, although I don't have any eggs and I don't know if I can be bothered to go and buy any! I think I will though, in half an hour or so.

Tomorrow, I may go and find the swimming pool and see how much it costs, because I really need to do some more excercise....

Besos :*