Living not at home

When we arrived here, late in 2020, it seemed too simple: we drove across the border from Spain and we were in. We were in the country which we'd chosen from afar. A private decision, with no apparent link to official records. We were experiencing the ease of movement customary for white Europeans.   But then the country tilts and you need some solid points, some handholds, something to stop you sliding out of view, some means to prise access into the common necessities: housing, doctors, dentists. Those born here can't give much worthwhile advice about how to get a taxpayer number, a social security number, a valid driver's licence. Neither can the long-term residents. Either they didn't have to get these things for themselves, or it was so long ago that they can only remember the effort but not how it was applied.   Our most recent achievement is getting STCP transport passes for all thee children (Sociedade de Transporte Colectivos de Porto). Getting the travel p...