I got up early this morning to finish a few small jobs and then hopefully have the rest of the day off (yes, but I have a full queue for the weekend!). By the time I was done around 10:30, a torrential downpour had eased off, so I decided to go to INM to pick up my new residente temporal card. Since my truck was parked on the street and I was worried about getting caught in another downpour, I decided to drive.
That was a rather meh decision. The truck is so much hotter than is a bus and on the bus, I can do other things than avoid other drivers. Driving in Mérida isn’t hard/stressful, but it’s also not much fun. It was also surprisingly difficult to find parking (last time I parked in that area was to sign my lease and parking wasn’t an issue). I was finally able to ditch the truck just off of Reforma, one street north of INM (map below).
The waiting room was packed, but the queue moved quite quickly. I was finally funnelled to window 5, but told to wait in the main lobby. The second wait was barely worth mentioning. The person at window 5 was the same lady who had done my fingerprints last week and she asked how she could help me. She was surprised that my card was ready and I told her I got notice of that on the 23rd. That seemed to be the magic words because she went from doubtful to promising she’d be right back, which she was. I signed a ton of paperwork and finally was presented with my new card, good through April of 2021! Hard to believe that the next one will be for permanent resident status!
So now, I don’t need to go to INM again for nearly three years unless I need to file a change of address, want to add permission to work (ie. in my case start a business), or have a change in civil status (Prince Charming, you out there?!). What a relief this is! Now, to run up to Progreso to give Aduana a copy and possibly to SAT also for good measure. Although, I am coming up fast to the end of SAT’s “If you get through that period without news from us, your refund is imminent” period… Miracles could happen!
Going home from where I was parked wasn’t super obvious. I thought of turning right at Colón to go grab 60, but wasn’t sure I’d be able to make that left-hand turn. I ended up continuing to Cupules, going left, turn right (northish) on the first major street I crossed, and ended up at Circuito Colonias right in front of Bodega Aurrera and able to continue straight on a street that would, with a few turns, take me straight home. I’m really learning how to navigate here!
I got in and realised that Bonita is getting to very loud (yippy) when I arrive. I can’t imagine it bothers the neighbours, but it’s something to be aware of. I don’t think she makes noise when I’m not around — she starts when she hears me. It’s rather lovely to know that someone cares that I’m home. I love her so much. 🙂
Congratulations on the card. Bonita getting barky upon your arrival is indicative of both attachment but also of confidence. You are definitely very good for her. Nice she is also good for you.
Bonita also does a happy dance when I get home — she’s so cute!
Thanks — we needed each other! 🙂
It will be interesting to see how Bonita handles being left with a sitter. “Hey! This wasn’t part of the contract”!
Sometimes they can be very noisy when left alone. You have a spare phone, maybe leave it recording when you go out. See what happens.
My sitter specialises in pets with special needs, so I’m optimistic!
I know how she is when she’s alone — she sleeps outside. I’ve only ever heard her once at night and that’s when every dog in the neighbourhood was howling. When I come down in the morning quietly and she doesn’t know I’m up, she’s very contently sitting on the porch listening to the birds. Same thing when I sneak up to the house — I never hear her until the key is in the lock.
Why is it that your errands and shopping trips are so much more interesting than mine? I look forward to each post.
I couldn’t be happier for you and Bonita.
Maybe because I’m doing them in another country in and in another language? 🙂
Thank you!