Settling in and becoming a resident

I'm relieved to say that E found a cafe right next to our apartment that has free wi-fi (even if it didn't let me surf longer than about 20 minutes) with good/decently priced food/drinks, and that is comfortable to sit at, and safe to use your laptop. Being without Internet is not fun and frankly not very easy. With that being said, I did sweep our place yesterday, clean the bathroom floor, do laundry, exercise, and unpack/organize. So I guess not having cable and Internet is good for something.


Today I woke up early to run errands with the HR woman from the school (as well as with the other two American teachers who have just recently arrived).  I was able to begin to apply for my Brazilian ID today after getting my picture, photocopy my passport/visa application, and get fingerprinted as well. However, I was not able to complete my application without a copy of E's Brazilian ID since I am requesting permanent residency. He was not with me so I couldn't do that at that time. Tomorrow the HR woman from my school will return to the Policia Federal (without me) to complete the application, get my passport and receipt stamped, and walk out of there with everything for me. It's great because the school helps with each step and pays for everything. On Wednesday I'll have a temporary ID (while I wait up to 6 months for my "green card"). 


I also opened up a bank account today and will be able to add E to the account once I receive confirmation in the mail. Tomorrow I don't have any plans with the school so I can explore a little bit more on my own; E went to the gym to train in jiu jitsu this evening and will go check out another place tomorrow morning. He may have a fight coming up in a few months in the States so cross your fingers. He's also looking for a job and trying to make contacts in the BJJ/MMA area here in Brasilia.


Everything is going well for us. The apartment is the right size - Sebastian is happy there and our next door neighbors are great. We live in a very safe, middle class neighborhood with bars/cafes/stores everywhere. Although we've only been able to check out the area on our side of the highway, we hope to "travel" a little further up to see what else is in Asa Sul. I also need to find a post office ASAP so I can mail my (second) defective Kindle back to Amazon; they sent me a replacement yesterday (to my mom).


I need to enjoy myself as long as I have some free time before starting work next week....