Book > Living Abroad in Spain

As part of our preparation for the big move, I have purchased the book Living Abroad in Spain. Technically, it's the second of the series I have purchased but this one is the latest edition that was published just last year.  This book is worth every cent and is definitely one we will be taking with us because of all of the excellent resources mentioned through out.

The book is great because it gives you a first hand account from a real expat in Spain.  It covers details such as visas, employment, apartment leasing, transportation and the medical system as well as the  basics like culture, climate and prime living locations.  If you are considering moving to Spain I highly suggest picking up a copy of Living Abroad in Spain.

Getting the baby a passport

The baby needs a passport in order to apply for a visa.  It seems funny to get passport photos and going to the passport office for a 4 month old, but it's necessary.  Since it will be just me taking her to apply for one, my husband needs to send in a notarized parental consent form (Statement of Consent DS 3053) and photocopies of his ID. 

Here are the complete instructions on how to get a passport for your baby or minors.

Set in stone.

After years of discussing it, we finally made the decision to live a year abroad.  We, meaning me and my husband and our two girls.   I've decided to document the entire planning, moving and living abroad experience.  Our plans are to move to Spain in June of 2011, although it could be another European country.  He is applying for various MBA programs in Europe and although Spain is our desired destination, it really depends on the outcome of the application process.

There's so much to do before the big day. It's really up to me to take care of the visas, packing up and a my fair share of overall planning. 

To Do:

• Pack Up - Minimize all unnecessary crap from our home and move only the most important and treasured items to a storage unit. My goal is to make it all fit in a 5x4 unit Is this even possible?
• Visa's - I know he will be on a student visa but what about our daughter and I?  Do we apply for family member of a student or apply under a general visa? No clue!
• Learn Spanish.  Even if we don't end up in Spain - I really should know Spanish.  After all, my favorite American cities have many Spanish speakers.

I better get started then.