I am so grateful for your honest assessments of this new adventure! I learn something every time I read a new post. After this one, I think we should set up a little care package system. For example, I have a Levi's outlet about 15 minutes from my house. I can't imagine it would cost me more to buy and ship you a couple of pairs than the $160 needed to buy one pair over there! Maybe your ex-pat circle could do a trick-or-treat party next year? Here's to 2023 being a blend of assimilation of Portugal and an importation of what's good about America. (Speaking of which, feel good about being thousands of miles removed from Trump's NFT trading cards. They're horrifying.)
Fortunately, I managed to snag a complete set of the trading cards before they sold out. I'm sure they'll be worth a fortune in a couple years. *eye roll*
While I deeply appreciate the care package system offer/idea, the fear of customs is deeply ingrained after only two brushes with the system. Yes, the price of the clothes and mailing won't be prohibitive but there seems to be know way to tell how much it will cost to free it up once it lands in Portugal. There must be a cheaper way to get Levi's here, I just haven't looked hard enough yet.
Gosh, I’ve been following you from the start and it has been quite the adventure. From my comfy home I’ve lived in for almost 40 years, here’s wishing you a happy new year, many more days of enjoying your new environment — and adventures that fulfill you.
Hmmm. So, on balance? You miss Halloween? I still think you haven't found the "real" fish in Portugal, or their national dish (which name I can't remember). And there is a fado restaurant in Lisbon where I had a fabulous meal (also can't remember the name; too many years have passed). Have you been down to the Algarve yet? Anyway, Happy New Year; it hasn't been the greatest one here, as you have noted. Life since covid is often a hard slog, not to mention the deterioration of our once wonderful country. One day at a time, and trust God. Love, Phyl
I think the fish dish you're referencing is cod, or bacalhau. It is said there are over 365 different ways to prepare it. We've tried two or three. Miles to go before we sleep ...
Thank you for sharing this thorough assessment. As my husband and I consider possibly moving to Portugal (Silver Coast) we are trying not to romanticize what daily life would be like and consider how we'd feel about, say, 25 straight days of rain in November.
Thank you. We're still a year or two from making the leap. In the meantime, we'll be back on the Silver Coast in early February and looking forward to it, rain and all.
I am so grateful for your honest assessments of this new adventure! I learn something every time I read a new post. After this one, I think we should set up a little care package system. For example, I have a Levi's outlet about 15 minutes from my house. I can't imagine it would cost me more to buy and ship you a couple of pairs than the $160 needed to buy one pair over there! Maybe your ex-pat circle could do a trick-or-treat party next year? Here's to 2023 being a blend of assimilation of Portugal and an importation of what's good about America. (Speaking of which, feel good about being thousands of miles removed from Trump's NFT trading cards. They're horrifying.)
Fortunately, I managed to snag a complete set of the trading cards before they sold out. I'm sure they'll be worth a fortune in a couple years. *eye roll*
While I deeply appreciate the care package system offer/idea, the fear of customs is deeply ingrained after only two brushes with the system. Yes, the price of the clothes and mailing won't be prohibitive but there seems to be know way to tell how much it will cost to free it up once it lands in Portugal. There must be a cheaper way to get Levi's here, I just haven't looked hard enough yet.
Gosh, I’ve been following you from the start and it has been quite the adventure. From my comfy home I’ve lived in for almost 40 years, here’s wishing you a happy new year, many more days of enjoying your new environment — and adventures that fulfill you.
Thanks for being along for the ride! And happy new year to you and yours as well, Betty!
Hmmm. So, on balance? You miss Halloween? I still think you haven't found the "real" fish in Portugal, or their national dish (which name I can't remember). And there is a fado restaurant in Lisbon where I had a fabulous meal (also can't remember the name; too many years have passed). Have you been down to the Algarve yet? Anyway, Happy New Year; it hasn't been the greatest one here, as you have noted. Life since covid is often a hard slog, not to mention the deterioration of our once wonderful country. One day at a time, and trust God. Love, Phyl
I think the fish dish you're referencing is cod, or bacalhau. It is said there are over 365 different ways to prepare it. We've tried two or three. Miles to go before we sleep ...
Thank you for sharing this thorough assessment. As my husband and I consider possibly moving to Portugal (Silver Coast) we are trying not to romanticize what daily life would be like and consider how we'd feel about, say, 25 straight days of rain in November.
It's easy to romanticize. I know I did plenty of that before the move. Good luck with your decision and if we can be helpful don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you. We're still a year or two from making the leap. In the meantime, we'll be back on the Silver Coast in early February and looking forward to it, rain and all.