What warmed us all more than anything was the kindness displayed from strangers coming together. It showed a “wanted and craved” short moment in this dystopian age when we are all far too “connected” and addicted to our phones.
I lament often how I miss the quiet and stillness of my childhood yesteryears. It came back for me during the blackout
Helping a stranger, looking at someone and throwing your arms and laughing and waiting in a group for transport, an ATM et al provoked conversation and community far ever more than being plugged in….
This was a much needed human connection moment…...
Nancy, I was surprised at how people were upset and angry about the blackout. Level headed friends of mine were sure it was the Russians or North Koreans with terrorism and extortion. There were accusations towards politicians. Are we that spoiled to believe that electricity is a God given right? There was a news report that an elderly woman died because her ventilator stopped working. I'm sorry for her, but c'mon... shit happens.
We were about 30 seconds from the escalators at Cais do Sodre down to the Metro to go home. Our hurricane/blizzard reflexes kicked in and yes, we filled the tub, etc. with water. Normal water pressure with gravity feed is usually rated for about 30-50 feet of head, thus our rule: never live above the fifth floor (also: knees). So the folks above us didn't have water or elevator. Parts of Lisbon were turned off as the reservoirs were drawn down. We were out about 16 hours, a drop in the bucket compared to the US, where our outages were usually measured in 4-15 days.
Great video Nancy! 😂 Thank you again for the tour of VRSA in September. We sold our business in January and are here now scouting towns on the Silver Coast.
Oh my gosh, my hot water heater hasn't worked in five days. I've been waiting on a Portuguese repairman to come all of this time! The first one canceled, the second didn't show up and today, finally a repairman who completed the repair. Lol I did just fine, continued to enjoy life and used my classic electric kettle and microwave for heating water.
This post really hit home for me and I totally enjoyed it and the reality it expressed. In spite of the many challenges a person can experience living abroad (language, lost in translation experiences, etc.), I'll take this life any day over living in the United States. Like you Nancy, I've learned to flex, adjust and speak up when it's indicated. Though not perfect (what is?), the overall, improved quality of life for us here is undeniable. Thanks for both the laugh and the important reminder!
Hi Nancy, you might want to clarify for your non-U.S. readers that Labor Day isn't always celebrated on 9/1 here -- it's celebrated on the first Monday of September, which this year happens to fall on 9/1.
Re: Labor day. You're missing an amusing Laor Day ritual on 125 between Fuzeta and Olhão (apprximately) The life sized dolls/ dummies celebrating or protesting a variety of topics. Some can be seen in Moncarapacho as well. BTW, I enjoy your articles and look foward to moe.
What warmed us all more than anything was the kindness displayed from strangers coming together. It showed a “wanted and craved” short moment in this dystopian age when we are all far too “connected” and addicted to our phones.
I lament often how I miss the quiet and stillness of my childhood yesteryears. It came back for me during the blackout
Helping a stranger, looking at someone and throwing your arms and laughing and waiting in a group for transport, an ATM et al provoked conversation and community far ever more than being plugged in….
This was a much needed human connection moment…...
Nancy, I was surprised at how people were upset and angry about the blackout. Level headed friends of mine were sure it was the Russians or North Koreans with terrorism and extortion. There were accusations towards politicians. Are we that spoiled to believe that electricity is a God given right? There was a news report that an elderly woman died because her ventilator stopped working. I'm sorry for her, but c'mon... shit happens.
We were about 30 seconds from the escalators at Cais do Sodre down to the Metro to go home. Our hurricane/blizzard reflexes kicked in and yes, we filled the tub, etc. with water. Normal water pressure with gravity feed is usually rated for about 30-50 feet of head, thus our rule: never live above the fifth floor (also: knees). So the folks above us didn't have water or elevator. Parts of Lisbon were turned off as the reservoirs were drawn down. We were out about 16 hours, a drop in the bucket compared to the US, where our outages were usually measured in 4-15 days.
Great video Nancy! 😂 Thank you again for the tour of VRSA in September. We sold our business in January and are here now scouting towns on the Silver Coast.
Happy birthday to Denise! And thanks again for writing.
Oh my gosh, my hot water heater hasn't worked in five days. I've been waiting on a Portuguese repairman to come all of this time! The first one canceled, the second didn't show up and today, finally a repairman who completed the repair. Lol I did just fine, continued to enjoy life and used my classic electric kettle and microwave for heating water.
This post really hit home for me and I totally enjoyed it and the reality it expressed. In spite of the many challenges a person can experience living abroad (language, lost in translation experiences, etc.), I'll take this life any day over living in the United States. Like you Nancy, I've learned to flex, adjust and speak up when it's indicated. Though not perfect (what is?), the overall, improved quality of life for us here is undeniable. Thanks for both the laugh and the important reminder!
Thank you for the Lansky videos—they are much needed.
Love the Doug Lansky nod- so funny
Hi Nancy, you might want to clarify for your non-U.S. readers that Labor Day isn't always celebrated on 9/1 here -- it's celebrated on the first Monday of September, which this year happens to fall on 9/1.
Oh sorry, you do say that later. I should have kept reading!
Não faz mal....at the speed that you read I expect you got to it very quickly.
Re: Labor day. You're missing an amusing Laor Day ritual on 125 between Fuzeta and Olhão (apprximately) The life sized dolls/ dummies celebrating or protesting a variety of topics. Some can be seen in Moncarapacho as well. BTW, I enjoy your articles and look foward to moe.
Yes, if you read the Estoi post I show examples including signs. As these were shortly after Covid the signs were quite interesting.