Today I was determined to get my visa. Not the credit card, but my permit to stay here longer than 3 months. It took forever to get to this point because, like everything else, you need this whole long list of documents. Michael checked the webpage for the office and they didn’t open until 2pm today. So I left the house at around 2:30pm (had to let the boys nap, eat, chane their clothes and diapers). I brought the bank statement that shows that we paid our rent, Michael had the rest of the paperwork, or so I thought. I called Michael and told him I was on my way. After I hung up, I realized that maybe he didn’t have our rental contract. I called him back and he said that no, he didn’t have it and also he didn’t have the paystub from work. So, I turned around and got those. I headed back out and met Michael at Odeonsplatz. On the way there, I thought, I hope he has our passports and anmeldung (residence permit). It turns out he didn’t. I wanted to get this done and out of the way, since it blocks me from getting on to the bank account and who knows what else. So, Michael went back home and returned with the passports. We went to the Poccistrasse office, the same place we went to to get the anmeldung a couple of weeks ago. We had to go to the 1st floor instead. We waited for awhile and filled out the long (4 page) application. We got all of our documents in order, our passports, anmeldungs, rental contract, proof of payment for rent, employment contract, paystub, and proof that the payment was made into our account. We were a little worried because they wanted 3 paystubs, but Michael gets paid monthly, so that would put me beyond the 3 months that I’m allowed to stay without more paperwork. It turns out that it was ok. Our number was finally called, and we went into the room. The guy said, you also need visas for the children and each of them need to get the 4 page application filled out. Ugh! Michael tried to convince the guy that he could fill it out while the guy was working on my application, but the guy wouldn’t let us. We had to go back outside, fill out the paperwork and come back in. At least we didn’t have to get another number, he just said to come back. In the mean time, the babies were getting a little fussy, so I had to find a handicap restroom so that I could fit the stroller in and change their diapers. I found one, changed them, got their bottles made, and then headed back out. I haven’t seen a restroom with changing tables. They probably do exist, I just haven’t seen them. I’m lucky enough just to get a restroom! A lot of places here don’t let you use their bathroom. Isn’t that awful? You have to go to a big department store or to one of the places that you have to pay. I don’t mind paying, but just have it available! OK, back to the story, we got everything in order and got our papers. We had to take it down to the Kasse (cashier) to pay (100 euros!), and then we got our passports with the official looking document pasted in there. You have no idea what a big hurdle it is to get this thing! As a bonus, Michael also got his tax exemptions changed for next year, which is another hurdle! I think we’ll get a little more money now. Michael went back to work and I went home. He got some good information about public vs. private insurance from his boss, which convinced us that public is what we want. First of all, the private insurance is like regular insurance where if you make too many claims, they try to kick you out or make your life hell. So, for Elijah, that is not an option. Also, for us, it would be more expensive monthly. It is true that many doctors are changing to private only, and the government is trying to change that. It’s not fair that they can drop their existing public patients (and not take new ones) just because they want to make more money. So, basically, once we find our doctors, we should be ok. Please keep your fingers crossed that we find a good pediatrician!!! This evening I went for my 10 minute walk/run, around Lehel, woo hoo! Right when I left, there was this guy with a flashlight and an official looking jacket shining his light in the windows. Could this be one of those guys who is trying to collect the TV/radio fee? I heard that they go around listening in on apartments and try to “ticket” those that are not paying. We’re in a gray area right now. Yes, we do have a TV, but we do not have cable or an antenna, therefore, technically we don’t have to pay this fee. Only when we start watching TV will we have to pay this, and I heard that most local Germans don’t pay this but foreiners do because they are easy to catch? I have no idea. I’ve heard stories where they make up something for you to open your door and then they write you up a bill or something. It’s 17 euros a month, so it’s not expensive, but not cheap either. In addition to any cable bill, this is added on top. We’ll stick with movies for right now. This evening we watched “Blue Crush”.