Well, that’s one more old age task dispensed with this evening. Because of my age, my Spanish driver’s licence needs to be renewed every three years. The three years is up in February 2020. I no longer have a UK licence as I have no UK address. The authorities like to get applications in early. They take a long time to issue in Spain.
The process is more or less routine but not as routine as in the UK. Here, a fitness to drive test has to take place. Not an ‘on the road’, or theory test. There is an aptitude braking and steering test on a device rather like a gaming machine with handles. The handles control two ‘cars’ on separate rolling roads that go both ways at once. I hate it. There is an eyesight test. Brief questions about medical condition, a stethoscope listen to heart and chest and finally blood pressure readings. If successful, and I’ve not heard of anyone failing, a photo is taken, a temporary licence is issue and 35€s is coughed up. A new full licence is sent out from ‘Traffico’ the licensing authority in due course.
I was able to tell the doctor that my cataracts have been removed and my driving vision is much improved. He wanted to know how my diabetes was and seemed happy with the much reduced blood sugar readings. My blood pressure was much better than before because of the blood pressure medication. So he was quick to sign me off. I now have a folded piece of paper in my wallet alongside the soon to expire long term one. Good. I’d hate to be put off the road living out here with no public transport.
So, down to considering things Christmassy and going to Albir. I have so many clothes, what to pack is a bewildering issue. We may be taking friends to Benidorm on our way. He is suffering and is unable to walk/drive and she doesn’t. It is only a small diversion. Jeanie’s pre Christmas events are almost finished: one singing engagement, one last church service.
We are hoping that Phyl has got off to Tenerife this morning. When we were with her for supper last night she was really low and still missing Ken her late husband a year after his death. I hope three days in a good hotel and a seven day cruise does her good. She didn’t want to go. Of course, our mutual friends, Rick and Jose are away on their holiday and she is missing the fuss and attention she gets from them.
Jeanie and I may be about to acquire a dog. We miss Sophie, regretting rehoming her before committing to Spain. J has been in contact with a dog adopting agency in Benidorm and we may meet this pooch while we are away. I love dogs but I’m not sure I want to be tied down again. On the other hand it might ensure that I get more exercise. We have been discussing it for some time and looking at adoptadog adverts. We will see.
Ready for the Christmas break
Well, that’s one more old age task dispensed with this evening. Because of my age, my Spanish driver’s licence needs to be renewed every three years. The three years is up in February 2020. I no longer have a UK licence as I have no UK address. The authorities like to get applications in early. They take a long time to issue in Spain.
The process is more or less routine but not as routine as in the UK. Here, a fitness to drive test has to take place. Not an ‘on the road’, or theory test. There is an aptitude braking and steering test on a device rather like a gaming machine with handles. The handles control two ‘cars’ on separate rolling roads that go both ways at once. I hate it. There is an eyesight test. Brief questions about medical condition, a stethoscope listen to heart and chest and finally blood pressure readings. If successful, and I’ve not heard of anyone failing, a photo is taken, a temporary licence is issue and 35€s is coughed up. A new full licence is sent out from ‘Traffico’ the licensing authority in due course.
I was able to tell the doctor that my cataracts have been removed and my driving vision is much improved. He wanted to know how my diabetes was and seemed happy with the much reduced blood sugar readings. My blood pressure was much better than before because of the blood pressure medication. So he was quick to sign me off. I now have a folded piece of paper in my wallet alongside the soon to expire long term one. Good. I’d hate to be put off the road living out here with no public transport.
So, down to considering things Christmassy and going to Albir. I have so many clothes, what to pack is a bewildering issue. We may be taking friends to Benidorm on our way. He is suffering and is unable to walk/drive and she doesn’t. It is only a small diversion. Jeanie’s pre Christmas events are almost finished: one singing engagement, one last church service.
We are hoping that Phyl has got off to Tenerife this morning. When we were with her for supper last night she was really low and still missing Ken her late husband a year after his death. I hope three days in a good hotel and a seven day cruise does her good. She didn’t want to go. Of course, our mutual friends, Rick and Jose are away on their holiday and she is missing the fuss and attention she gets from them.
Jeanie and I may be about to acquire a dog. We miss Sophie, regretting rehoming her before committing to Spain. J has been in contact with a dog adopting agency in Benidorm and we may meet this pooch while we are away. I love dogs but I’m not sure I want to be tied down again. On the other hand it might ensure that I get more exercise. We have been discussing it for some time and looking at adoptadog adverts. We will see.