In some ways we seem to have been here forever, in others it feels still so very new. So for Team CL, here's the latest update on how we are progressing 2 months in.
Firstly and most importantly, we have seen a huge change in our little man - after a few dreadful weeks where he seemed so dazed and confused after starting school for the very first time, he is now running into school and is laughing and chatting when we pick him up. It's still very early days from a language perspective but he is proudly telling us his new Spanish word of the day and is now singing with Spanish 'sounds'. He has a little English girl in his class who is fluent in Spanish so I think that has been a big help to him too. All very very pleasing to a very guilt ridden mother for taking him away from what he knew and loved in the UK!
The other major success was getting involved with the school and it's participation in the Carnival. Our theme was Circus and what a fabulous way to not only start to get to know the parents and children in the school but to emmerse ourselves into the Spanish culture. I also found that my hubby has a fabulously creative side and found endless fun in making our Magos costumes. So Sunday was spent with all the excitement of getting dressed up and joining our school in the local town's Carnival procession. Not only was it tremendous fun but we also came 3rd and won a cash prize for the school. Monday morning at the school was a turning point for us - lots of chat and involvement that we hadn't had before.
Now that leads me on to the next progress update - the language. Well, I thought my Spanish was OK - not fluent but good enough to scrape by. Mmm, that was until you listen to a group of 15 Mums at the school gate speakng at a 100 miles an hour, with the local dialect, local expressions and a whole vocabularly that I had never come across. My historical Spanish lessons didn't really cover the ins and outs of costume making for a Carnival!!! So, I have found a local class which suits my level and its onwards and upwards with the language.
As we have been coming here for a few years, we have also been lucky enough so meet some lovely Spanish and English people who have continued to be so supportive in helping us settle. That for me has been critical as I miss my family and friends so much. Keeping busy has been key so together with the Spanish lessons, I have also joined a local quiz - not something I would have every have fancied in the UK, but its good to get out and socialise. Yes, it's in English and yes I want to and am trying to intergrate with the Spanish community too. For me, it's about doing both and I am happy with the so far Spanglish existance.
The Admin side is also coming together too. We now have our Residencia certificates (or little paper cards as they are now). It was a bit of a nightmare morning when we went to apply at the local City Police Station as a 'rule' had changed literally the night before. Luckily, through 25 years in the Police, my husband was able to use his police driving skills to the max and get us from the city, over the mountains, collect the new piece of supporting documents we now needed, drive back over the mountains and get us back to the Police Station ten minutes before midday and therefore, get the process completed in the 'nick' of time (excuse the pun!).
So the downsides? Well like I said, missing family and friends. Sadly, we received some very bad family news at the weekend and so that always will bring home how far (even though it's only a few hours on a place) we are versus being able to hop in a car. It is something we are going to have to manage and deal with as our family life here in Spain continues.
Hasta luego until the next installment!