"The husband needed a personal escort on every leg of the trip to help him navigate the uneven surfaces, steps, etc."
And yet, it didn't stop him from traveling. I suspect that you won't be stopped either. Slowed perhaps-- "slow travel" may master us all before we master it-- but not stopped.
My parents continued travelling too - to the point when both had wheelchair support at airports but were game enough to find hotels where they could venture out to bars and restaurants. We shall all try to keep going as long as the brain functions.
Anyone over a certain age should strongly consider requesting wheelchair assistance at airports. It’s not a matter of whether you normally need one, but rather whether your trip would be better without having to stand in long lines or walk kilometers to your gate. It’s a free service, probably the only thing for free in the airport. Best part— you get moved to the front of the security lines.
Great read. I think so many people don't understand that it isn't going to be rainbows and unicorns the first few years. A great reminder that it's all a journey. Thanks for your article.
Thank you for continuing to inspire me! I do 5-6 weeks by myself every year. Portugal, France, Italy, Spain. And a bucket trip with the spouse (2025 will be the 5 'stans on the Golden Eagle train). Doing it while I can, saving the slower trips for when I become slower.
We are in the process, working with Global Citizen Solutions and Goldcrest. It’s more complicated than it was when we first moved to Portugal in 2007, and ridiculously more complex than when I first got Residency back in 1976. Back then it was pretty much a matter of walking into the office and requesting it— no need to show your income or a lease, and NIF apparently hadn’t yet been created. I did some freelancing during the election (some 30 parties on the ballot, from Maoist-Trotskyites to Monarchists!), and then taught English, primarily to refugees from Portugal’s African colonies, displaced by Cravos. I still have my original Residência permit and foreign press credentials, hand written by the funcionária.
Hi Francis and thanks for sharing your story. While it may seem tedious and complex, it is among the easiest in Europe. It took us 60 days to get everything together and 28 days for approval. Of course during covid there were not any in person interviews...we fortunately did everything by mail. And finding an AirBnb which would provide a long term lease was also pretty easy.
Love it, keep doing what you're doing. Love the reads, the trips, the pics. Everyday is another experience worth reading about. Tomorrow is not guaranteed today, but they can't take back yesterday!! Happy New Year and Holidays!!
Nancy, I reached the end of your post and thought "Whew! That's a lot!" But what great adventures you have had. We're looking forward to traveling vicariously with you in the new year. Bom ano novo to you, Denise, and Onix.
Nancy...this blog is an inspiration to those who love to travel, and are open minded about different cultures, and languages. There are many articles about the "Go-go, Slow-go, and maybe even No go years". My wife and I are truly blessed to be experiencing the Go-go years with full time travel. We are truly grateful for you and Denise plus your readers and many others that share their journeys and experiences. Muito feliz ano novo!
Eagerly awaiting your Denmark content. With six months now between our life there and being. Ack in the U.S., I look forward to hearing your experiences and observations.
Nancy, I enjoy every one of your posts, even though my spouse and I decided against emigrating to Portugal. We chose to nomad instead, and I eagerly read your travelogues for ideas. A happy and healthy New Year to you, Denise and Onix!
A very enjoyable read! Although still in the US, I am traveling often as well and it is the most mind-expanding adventure. I extend every good wish for your continued happiness.
Go, go until you have to crawl. Much respect to you both for your courage and for all the sights and knowledge of other cultures in your brains. As January 20 approaches, you will again be comforted by having made the best decision ever!
At the age of 81, I am about to embark on the move from the U S to Portugal with my 58 year old daughter. I have wanted to live in Europe for many years. I am a little slower on stairs and hills, but otherwise fit and active. We appreciate all the insights and inspiration you give us.
Your posts have inspired us to move ahead with confidence and prepared us for the challenges ahead. Thank you.
"The husband needed a personal escort on every leg of the trip to help him navigate the uneven surfaces, steps, etc."
And yet, it didn't stop him from traveling. I suspect that you won't be stopped either. Slowed perhaps-- "slow travel" may master us all before we master it-- but not stopped.
Muito feliz ano novo!
My parents continued travelling too - to the point when both had wheelchair support at airports but were game enough to find hotels where they could venture out to bars and restaurants. We shall all try to keep going as long as the brain functions.
Anyone over a certain age should strongly consider requesting wheelchair assistance at airports. It’s not a matter of whether you normally need one, but rather whether your trip would be better without having to stand in long lines or walk kilometers to your gate. It’s a free service, probably the only thing for free in the airport. Best part— you get moved to the front of the security lines.
I totally agree. I couldn't manage the distances in some airports.
Great read. I think so many people don't understand that it isn't going to be rainbows and unicorns the first few years. A great reminder that it's all a journey. Thanks for your article.
Thank you for continuing to inspire me! I do 5-6 weeks by myself every year. Portugal, France, Italy, Spain. And a bucket trip with the spouse (2025 will be the 5 'stans on the Golden Eagle train). Doing it while I can, saving the slower trips for when I become slower.
I’m sure this well written piece will inspire others to join us as US expats!😎
I'm on my way!
We are in the process, working with Global Citizen Solutions and Goldcrest. It’s more complicated than it was when we first moved to Portugal in 2007, and ridiculously more complex than when I first got Residency back in 1976. Back then it was pretty much a matter of walking into the office and requesting it— no need to show your income or a lease, and NIF apparently hadn’t yet been created. I did some freelancing during the election (some 30 parties on the ballot, from Maoist-Trotskyites to Monarchists!), and then taught English, primarily to refugees from Portugal’s African colonies, displaced by Cravos. I still have my original Residência permit and foreign press credentials, hand written by the funcionária.
Would that things were so easy now…
Hi Francis and thanks for sharing your story. While it may seem tedious and complex, it is among the easiest in Europe. It took us 60 days to get everything together and 28 days for approval. Of course during covid there were not any in person interviews...we fortunately did everything by mail. And finding an AirBnb which would provide a long term lease was also pretty easy.
Welcome Home!
Love it, keep doing what you're doing. Love the reads, the trips, the pics. Everyday is another experience worth reading about. Tomorrow is not guaranteed today, but they can't take back yesterday!! Happy New Year and Holidays!!
Nancy, I reached the end of your post and thought "Whew! That's a lot!" But what great adventures you have had. We're looking forward to traveling vicariously with you in the new year. Bom ano novo to you, Denise, and Onix.
Congratulations!!!
Very nice summary and congrats on 4 years!!
Nancy...this blog is an inspiration to those who love to travel, and are open minded about different cultures, and languages. There are many articles about the "Go-go, Slow-go, and maybe even No go years". My wife and I are truly blessed to be experiencing the Go-go years with full time travel. We are truly grateful for you and Denise plus your readers and many others that share their journeys and experiences. Muito feliz ano novo!
What an amazing 4 years! I have read every post but this was the perfect summary. Happy New Year to you and Denise!!
Bom ano novo Barb.
Eagerly awaiting your Denmark content. With six months now between our life there and being. Ack in the U.S., I look forward to hearing your experiences and observations.
I have to find time to write about all the wonderful places we visited in Denmark.
Nancy, I enjoy every one of your posts, even though my spouse and I decided against emigrating to Portugal. We chose to nomad instead, and I eagerly read your travelogues for ideas. A happy and healthy New Year to you, Denise and Onix!
A very enjoyable read! Although still in the US, I am traveling often as well and it is the most mind-expanding adventure. I extend every good wish for your continued happiness.
Go, go until you have to crawl. Much respect to you both for your courage and for all the sights and knowledge of other cultures in your brains. As January 20 approaches, you will again be comforted by having made the best decision ever!
Beijinhos!
At the age of 81, I am about to embark on the move from the U S to Portugal with my 58 year old daughter. I have wanted to live in Europe for many years. I am a little slower on stairs and hills, but otherwise fit and active. We appreciate all the insights and inspiration you give us.
Your posts have inspired us to move ahead with confidence and prepared us for the challenges ahead. Thank you.
Terry, how very exciting. If, by chance, you find yourself in Eastern Algarve please contact me. I'd love to hear about your adventure!