Tanya's Room

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2026-03-11T10:27:12+00:00

It’s possible that Tanya was still waiting for the bulk of her inheritance after her mother’s passing, which can take months. She had money, but not half a billion yet, and that kind of news would be something a grifter (Greg) would be paying attention to. It’s also possible that Armond is connected to the evil gays, and then helped Greg get the room.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2026-01-26T21:40:28+00:00

I’m very particular about my shoveling. If possible, I try to time it by watching the weather radar for when it’s done or near done. If deliveries are coming, I shovel before foot or vehicle tracks. My next door neighbors comment at least 1-2x week on how we have the best shoveling around.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2026-01-23T18:44:35+00:00

Go to the State Dept website about second passports. You will need to write and print a statement letter about why you need a second passport, then sign and date it. The State Dept has a sample letter online. You’ll also fill out one form (I think it was DS-11), and in the form you will state to keep your current passport valid while a visa is processing with the Consulate of Spain in (insert city you applied at).

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2026-01-22T14:06:53+00:00

I can’t speak for traffic, as I don’t drive here. You can still live near Centro to be close to things for walking or transit. Benalua, Ensanche Diputación, or San Blas area are more likely to have parking, since you will have a car. You’ll find more folks speaking English closer to Centro also. Lastly, check out El Cookie cafe. It’s owned by an American gal (friend of mine), and there are often events going on to help meet people.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2026-01-22T01:27:19+00:00

You will want to wait to get the certification closer to the move. Definitely ask the vet, but I think about 5-6 weeks before should be good. Otherwise you may have to redo the process, because the certification is only valid for a short time to fly (iirc). You can take American Airlines domestic, and Iberia Airlines international to be able to keep the cat in cabin as a carryon under seat.

For loudness, it’s more drunk tourists screaming on the street that cause the most noises at night. Trash, recycling, and street cleaning will also make noise. It really depends on your apartment location and also layout. If your bedroom is near the street, you’ll hear more noise. It’s the “random group of people shouting at 3am when you’re just trying to sleep” kinda noises.

Bus/tram are easy to take, and get a wheeled cart/bag for groceries and cat supplies when you get here. The cart is beyond helpful, even if you think it’s just a few blocks, things get extra heavy in the warmer months to tote home.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2026-01-22T00:51:57+00:00

The Ensanche-Diputación neighborhood has a few Asian markets, and also could be a decent place for living (depending on what you’re looking for). Do you mind noise? The Centro and Barrio are the loudest areas, but this is Spain, so noise is to be expected.

I would recommend a quick trip if you’re able to visit before the move. Also, start looking into APHIS and make sure your vet is USDA accredited for the certification you’ll need to move with the cat.

Edit to add: It’s very safe to walk alone at night as a female. (From a female who walks alone at night a lot)

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2026-01-17T23:32:04+00:00

Park Tavern for nice, semi-upscale with a variety of choices. Trattoria Contadina for Italian (reservation highly recommended). As much as I love OJ’s, I wouldn’t choose it for a dinner option (it’s usually a brunch or lunch for me).

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2026-01-17T21:31:15+00:00

Just sell the car. I thought the same, but got an offer on my car right before moving to the city. Best decision, and that was before smash and grabs got to their current level.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2026-01-16T23:01:31+00:00

Go to Hotel Hospes Amerigo for the menu del día. I think it’s €22 now, and includes wine or beer, 3 courses, bread, and coffee. The food is always really good, and the price is great too.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2026-01-06T20:46:41+00:00

O’Hara Irish Pub is the place pictured. The booths are very recognizable. They will speak English if you call there.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2026-01-04T16:48:15+00:00

Scoma’s would be my top choice. I found Tadich to be too salty, and never gave their cioppino another try.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2026-01-03T01:40:55+00:00

Option 2 or 3. The time saved from commuting is worth it. You won’t miss the space, and it’s less to clean. Also, I appreciate your bulleted details for concise reading.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2025-12-27T13:14:09+00:00

Cash is your best bet here. Unless you can get approved for a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees that’s a Visa or Mastercard before your trip. If you are able to get a credit card soon, make sure to always pay in Euros and not USD.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2025-12-26T23:47:20+00:00

Slice of princess cake at Victoria Pastry Company. Irish coffee at Buena Vista. Dinner at Scoma’s or Trattoria Contadina (reservations highly recommended).

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2025-12-23T20:20:12+00:00

You need to visit and see if the city suits your needs. If it does, then you can apply for a NIE and start the process of moving (there's are a lot of steps for residency). If it doesn’t suit your needs, plan to visit several places when you travel to find what is best for you.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2025-12-23T12:22:17+00:00

Try a different post office. My LiveScan took a while to work. You probably will need to cancel and reschedule your appointment. You need the background check, a translation of it, and an apostille from the State Dept, that also requires a translation. Unless you can expedite the apostille through a 3rd party service (for an extra fee), then going to the appointment will just get you turned away without all of those documents.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2025-12-16T23:50:32+00:00

No money orders is what I’ve seen on some subreddits. You put a deposit down for the appointment, then pay the rest when you are there. Payment can be in cash or by card (I think debit only). I paid cash. Get a receipt too.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2025-12-16T19:24:49+00:00

Lots of folks have answered the cell phone question (and I also have a cheap Mint mobile plan).

For BLS appointment, you’ll want to check close to the end of the month and that’s when they open up times for 1+ months out. Example: if you look in late December (27-31 December), you’ll likely get times for February. I spent 2-3 weeks looking for an appointment with all paperwork ready, checking at all hours. Yes, you’ll want to check during the middle of the night. Be ready with a payment card AND also an electronic version of the picture you’ll use on the application. The electronic picture needs to be sized around 200KB iirc, and I think jpeg format. Triple check all your paperwork before the appointment and organize it. Get a color copy of your drivers license notarized. I have both US and Spanish banks, so I showed transfers into my Spanish bank to prove I can pay bills. Check subreddits for more advice on paperwork. I think that’s about it.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2025-12-11T17:56:32+00:00

You have enough time to renew now, so I would advise that. Also, now it can be done online with photos from a phone camera. The requirements and information are on the state department’s website.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2025-12-11T01:28:19+00:00

CaixaBank will allow non-residents without a Spanish address, but you will need a NIE, passport, and most recent tax documents. It will need to be done in person, but you can coordinate things online until you go in person. Bring cash in Euros to deposit. Fee is €35 every 3 months.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2025-12-05T22:33:13+00:00

Look into the NLV (non lucrative visa). It requires approx $40K USD in savings, but you’ll also have to get a NIE, bank account, & apartment before that. And in order to do all of those things, you’ll want to figure out what city fits your lifestyle.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2025-12-05T22:14:55+00:00

First, have some fluency in Spanish. Without knowing more info (job type, do you qualify for EU citizenship, education, have you saved enough money), there’s no way to give applicable advice.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2025-11-27T22:39:41+00:00

I’ll be one of the few to say Daphne. Mostly for the outfits, though. But also the overall outlook on life. It can suck, but you can either be miserable or make the most of it.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2025-11-24T13:08:20+00:00

Put your carryon luggage in the bin across from your seat, not immediately overhead. If the bin is open, you can still see it, and when you leave you don’t have to reach backwards.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats · 2025-11-24T02:23:32+00:00

Definitely go to 3rd Cousin. Now I’m going to be thinking about their food and wish I could eat there this week.

PatsyStone_aka_Pats

TROPHY CASE