Have you met people? Have you made some friends?

It’s easy to meet fellow expats here. There are multiple Facebook groups sharing information, events, and experiences. I joined a group called International Womens Chat. We exchange information on WhatsApp (the must-have app in Europe, everyone uses it). This is an amazing group, hailing from many countries. They tend to be lively, smart, and well-educated, with interests ranging from the arts to outdoor activities, and of course, traveling. Any time someone has a question or needs help they respond, and there is never any unpleasant snarkiness in the chats. One lady posted a request for a thermometer because she was housebound with Covid. Within minutes, another member showed up with a thermometer and a little goodie basket. We meet for coffee, lunch, and other events. It provides a great social network, and the security that there is someone to reach out to when needed.

I have numerous Portuguese acquaintances, but it will take time to truly be accepted as an insider. Learning the language will knock down a lot of barriers.

The best social surprise is my neighbors in my building. I’ve met most of them. Ryan and Eric are a delightful couple from Portland, Oregon. We hit it off right away, and we enjoy going out to dinner, or on long, exploratory walks. They are a dynamic couple who have traveled and adventured widely – Eric will be with a pal on a big hiking trip in Argentina soon. Ryan is a lovely person and a yoga instructor (yea!). She has a way of making astute observations that make me think and challenge my own perceptions. Bridget is a fantastic lady who lights up the scene the minute she enters. Her glowing energy and sense of humor is contagious. She left a successful, big-time corporate career and launched her own company called Reimagined, and I can’t wait to see how she helps people transform their own lives. Della is a brilliant, fascinating scholar and conversationalist. If I had to choose one person in the world to accompany me on 3-week train trip across Siberia, I’d nominate her, because I’d never be bored and I’d be so much more knowledgeable by the time we pulled into Anadyr. The five of us enjoy sharing drinks and snacks on the balcony, engaging in lively conversations about anything from the latest find at the China store, to American history, or philosophical conversations about Einstein’s “spooky action at a distance.” (China stores are like miniature Walmart’s. You go into a small, unprepossessing entrance to find a store that meanders across an entire block, carrying cheap everything from hammers, to potting dirt, to lingerie. And of course, 99.9% made in China, though I’m not sure about the origin of the dirt.) Carla, a Portuguese student, also resides here, but she’s been busy with studies, and I haven’t seen a lot of her. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better and trade language help, though her English, like most of her generation, is quite good.

Do You Get Lonely?

I don’t mind being alone, which is not the same as being lonely. As a natural introvert, I feel most lonely at a big, crowded party full of people I only sort of know. It can be lonely here. It’s a handicap to not be able to converse easily with people you meet along the way. But there are way more expat groups and meetups than I could ever attend and Zoom calls with friends back in the US make it easy to visit. I can honestly say, no, I seldom feel lonely, and if I do, I get up and go explore and inevitably have a great encounter with someone, leaving me upbeat and energized.

Is the Portuguese Language the Same as Spanish?

No. Não.

Is French the same as Italian?

Is Carolina the same as Duke? (#Amy Wilder, I sense your hair standing on end.)

Americans insist on believing that the Portuguese language must be Spanish, because they are neighbors. But their mutual history is one of entanglement and resistance. Both are Romance languages, and there are plenty of similarities, but also significant differences. It is irritating to Portuguese citizens when tourists try to ply them with Spanish. Granted, they can generally understand Spanish speakers. They will politely respond when someone speaks to them in Spanish because they are polite people. But unless you are a native Spanish speaker, it is not appreciated, and it demonstrates ignorance of the culture that is hosting you.

Portuguese is considered one of the most difficult Romance languages to learn. But like anywhere, even a few little phrases can go a long way to establishing communication. Language classes here generally go by semester, and I hope to be signed up for the fall semester. Meanwhile, I use apps and videos to learn on my own. (#Tomer, I still can’t keep up with you, but everyone says Brazilian Portuguese is easier to learn!)

Why Did You Choose Portugal?

Years of online rabbit hole explorations around the globe led to a long list of potential countries. Asia did not call to me, much as I’d like to explore Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Medellin, Columbia, with its year-round spring climate, was a serious candidate. Ecuador. Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, the usual suspects. England, Ireland, Scotland, where the language would be easier. Monte Negro. Croatia. Italy, France, Spain. I wanted a good cost of living, access to good health care, a safe environment, and a climate with moderate seasons. Portugal ticked the boxes, plus it’s easy to go anywhere in Europe from here. I took a research trip to Lisbon and Porto, and I liked what I saw. I didn’t need to look further. This was all before it became the hot destination it is now.

Stay Tuned

I can’t wait to tell you about Festa de São João do Porto, or Festival of St. John of Porto. It involves a lot of sardines, hot air balloons, hammers, and fireworks. Quite a party!

---

Thanks for your encouragement and feedback. Please keep it coming!

Please post your thoughts in the comment box at the bottom of the page. You will be required to provide your email in order to block spammers.

To receive notifications about new adventures, enter your email below. You should receive a confirmation email in your inbox. Check your spam/junk folder if you do not see it. It is not necessary to create a WordPress account to subscribe. If you have problems, please email me.

^{Your email will only be used to notify you about new stories. Nothing else.}

Para português nativo e especialistas, por favor, perdoe quaisquer imprecisões nestes blogs. Sou iniciante, otimista de que, à medida que aprendo, vou melhorar.