Awaiting My Maltese ID Card

Maltese ID Card Finally Within Reach

Guess What I Got?

No, it's not the new G4 i-phone (white, please) that I hope to receive as a gift from anyone sometime in my lifetime.

It's my Maltese ID card. With this, I can finally do something I've always wanted to do in Malta but could not before: present my Maltese ID card when someone asks for it once a year or so in Malta. Actually, it does make life easier in such things as banking and some other kinds of transactions. My doctor even asked for it during a routine blood test.

I'm actually quite proud of it. It took one and a half years to get it. Before getting that ID card, I had to:

• get a job and a work permit (in that order)
  
• become a temporary resident
  
• get denied the renewal of the work permit and risk losing my resident status
  
• become an "other" family member of an EU national and receive a residence certificate pasted into my passport which was about to expire
  
• renew my American passport
  
• renew my residency certificate and have it pasted into my new passport
  
• apply (at least three times) for the ID card, bringing my new passport with my new residence certificate, my authentic divorce papers from the US (with an official apostile stamp on it)--and my partner (Mr. S.) whose ID card mine depends on.

Then after several arguments at the application window (there was even one with the ID clerk, not just between Mr. S and me), my application was accepted. Ten business days later, I received the coveted letter to pick up my ID card. All this happens in an office in Valletta near the water.

Another trip to the ID office and I've got it. There only a slight problem, however. After receiving the little piece of plastic, I noticed that they spelled my name wrong--not a big deal. They just put an "s" on the end of my first name, essentially making me a plural.

When I pointed this out to the clerk, she launched into a tirade of how I didn't check it before, how I approved the pre-card status by signing the form--and how I had to start the process all over. I told her never mind--I'm NOT starting over. I'll change my name if I have to before starting this process over--and so, I remain...

Yours truly,

Ilenes

Comments

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Thanks for the advice, Mike. I'm not even going there... xx Ilene(s)

[Mike Owen]

Do not change your name. Think about it.......
If you should end up marrying Mr. S, you will then become Mrs. Ilene S.

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Thanks a lot, Dee. I had a drink for/with you. Something will happen for you soon. I think, I hope xxxxx Ilene

[Dee]

What a great feeling that must be and such hard work to get it! Congratulations! Wish we could be there to buy you a celebration drink.
Luv us 2 waiting for something to happen here.

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Hi Mary--thanks for the update. I don't think the extra "s" will affect anything. We'll see. Yes, BP business is always on the news here. Glad to hear that my parents' house looks good. I hope the guy who bought it is enjoying it. BTW, may I see your real estate license, please? xxx Ilene

[Mary Bartolotta]

Hello Ilene(s),
First thing I noticed was the extraneous S. Are you sure that won't effect any business transactions that you may have? I certainly hope not. Great picture! I'm really happy for you that you finally got the d----d card. Weird how it is so important to have the card when noone asks for it. Just like here with the broker's license ID. Been in RE for 25+ years and have NEVER been asked to produce the little bugger, but the State knows every time it needs to be renewed and they hungrily glom the fee they charge. Typical summer weather here now-warm days, cool nights. No long hot humid spells yet. All really upset about the whole BP fiasco. So very sad for the livelihoods of many and the lives of all the flora and fauna etc. Be well. Mary
PS The house of your youth is looking very good.

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Thanks a lot, Matt. Listen, if I did it--you will, too--Ilene

[Matt Tomich]

congratulations! :D

i hope i'll be able to say the same...before, maybe say 2014!