An Update on the Bureaucratic Process
“Anyone in a free society where the laws are unjust has an obligation to break the law.” — Henry David Thoreau
Today was an opportunity to enjoy the efficient public transport system in Athens. I walked 500 metres up the road, picked up a coffee at Coffee Berry and caught a bus to meet Ian in town.
We had a meeting with a notary (Συμβολαιογρὰφος) today. A lovely-looking office in a building that looked like it would be condemned if in downtown Joburg. I needed to give permission to the third lawyer to submit my papers to the online residence permit application system. And once I had signed the paperwork, I signed in a big black ledger-type book that in 2024 validates the process.
For €100 we got the original and a certified copy of the document with the fancy embossed stamps. For that price, I would have thought they would send the original directly to the lawyer who appointed them to be the notary. But no, I get to take home the original and the copy, find a copy shop, and pay another €2 to get the papers scanned and emailed.
Still, the process to get my residence continues. I count down my days in the country (gotta be out by 8 March) as the validity of my visa draws to an end (Schengen Visa stipulates only 90 days in the area over 180 days).
The connectivity of the public transport systems impresses me. I just google map the address, click for public transport directions and trains, buses, and trams are all made available. At the small charge of €1.20 a trip. A trip is considered any transport used in a 90-minute time period ‘cos that’s how long it can take to get from one side of Athens to the other 😅.
The bonus of the outing was eating at The Greco Project, a favorite of ours when we are in the Syntagma area. They serve great potato chips, zucchini fries, tzatziki, and halloumi giro, all of which we last ate with Zoe and Cody in December. Feels soooo long ago now.
And while this immigration law may not be unjust, the process to get my papers does leave me feeling that I could just stay here as an undocumented immigrant, except that I do want the freedom to travel, to see my girls at the very least.
