Thank you for these words of hope. I am still at the starting line. January is the month for shedding my existing life--the comfortable, the known, my worldly possessions as I prepare to sell the condo. Where will I live in the meantime? How will I get the D7 done? Will I find an apartment in Portugal in time? Fear of the unknown (and there is a LOT that is unknown) sometimes makes me freeze in place. But it's words of hope such as yours that keep me going. Thank you!
I'm in the same boat! In the middle of selling our condo, winnowing down possessions, and strategizing our exit plan, whilst simultaneously freaking out about where I'm going to live before we leave the US and where we will live in our first moments when we arrive. (We're going to Spain, not Portugal, but it's the same process...) It's a comfort to read that others feel similarly, in addition to Nancy's posts showing that it can be done, one step at a time.
I read that post as well. I used to use "inBetweener", (as I am not a citizen and not a tourist), but she's right, we are immigrants. Here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we "immigrants" are under the office for "foreigners". Have a wonderful transition into the New Year, Bests as Ever 🎊
Wise first year learnings, I know one thing is that I have met some long term Expats here and know in my first 8 months here there are those I will taking a wide berth of in the future! I was mortified at their behavior recently when eating in a restaurant with them and watching the other dignified and quiet local Portuguese diners looking at us. The phrase came to mind “Beam me up Scottie”, get me out of here. You know when you get that moment when you’re watching a “whodunnit” movie 🎥 and suddenly the penny drops and the camera zooms in on the face and you totally get it!!!
How did one year disappear so quickly? I do still watch Nicole and Rachel. Right on I yell at the TV even though I love them. Unfortunately I’ve watch All the Jurassic Parks, Hunger Games, and Bourne series 15 times. Now I’m doing Spanish subtitles in case I move to Spain. LOL
Nancy/Denise, congratulations on your first year anniversary. Everything you touch, everything you do, everything you learn is done over a thousand times ONLY once. That once or one time allows you to feel more and more connected as an immigrant. The light bulb 💡 goes off and you say to yourself, I got it or I figured that out. 👏👏👏👏👏Patience and a daily dose of more patience helps you understand a system you have embraced and yet don’t understand as sometimes it simply doesn’t make any sense. You have learned another step forward makes life rewarding. Congratulations and Happy New Year to your both. 😘😘😘. The last kiss is for Onyx.
Dear Nancy & Denise - Happy New Year from across the pond. Nancy - Thank you for your insights, thoughts, photos .... re: your adventures in Portugal. All the Best in your new life adventure in Portugal in 2022. Denise C.
I'm an English teacher and love to read. YouTube and podcasts are great - but there is still something special about the written word. New subscriber - so now I need to go back and read from the beginning. I'm 57 and plan to teach English abroad just as soon as I get my daughter safely settled into college. Portugal at the top of my list, but still researching.
Hi Sylvia, I also provide an index of sorts by topic. A link to it was in the welcome email you received. And of course you can email me at any time if you have a question. Hope you enjoy!
Thank you for these words of hope. I am still at the starting line. January is the month for shedding my existing life--the comfortable, the known, my worldly possessions as I prepare to sell the condo. Where will I live in the meantime? How will I get the D7 done? Will I find an apartment in Portugal in time? Fear of the unknown (and there is a LOT that is unknown) sometimes makes me freeze in place. But it's words of hope such as yours that keep me going. Thank you!
I'm in the same boat! In the middle of selling our condo, winnowing down possessions, and strategizing our exit plan, whilst simultaneously freaking out about where I'm going to live before we leave the US and where we will live in our first moments when we arrive. (We're going to Spain, not Portugal, but it's the same process...) It's a comfort to read that others feel similarly, in addition to Nancy's posts showing that it can be done, one step at a time.
I read that post as well. I used to use "inBetweener", (as I am not a citizen and not a tourist), but she's right, we are immigrants. Here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we "immigrants" are under the office for "foreigners". Have a wonderful transition into the New Year, Bests as Ever 🎊
Yes, you can!
Wise first year learnings, I know one thing is that I have met some long term Expats here and know in my first 8 months here there are those I will taking a wide berth of in the future! I was mortified at their behavior recently when eating in a restaurant with them and watching the other dignified and quiet local Portuguese diners looking at us. The phrase came to mind “Beam me up Scottie”, get me out of here. You know when you get that moment when you’re watching a “whodunnit” movie 🎥 and suddenly the penny drops and the camera zooms in on the face and you totally get it!!!
Wow one year and dont you love so
Much to soak in! Patabens 🎊
How did one year disappear so quickly? I do still watch Nicole and Rachel. Right on I yell at the TV even though I love them. Unfortunately I’ve watch All the Jurassic Parks, Hunger Games, and Bourne series 15 times. Now I’m doing Spanish subtitles in case I move to Spain. LOL
Feliz ano novo Barb
Wonderful recap. I’m so enjoying the vicarious adventures I get to take! Have a wonderful New Year and good luck on the home remodel.
Happy New Year girls, it's hard to believe it's been a year....see you soon, I hope:)
Happy New Year, dear Nancy and Denise . I always looking forward to your new stories! ! Love love love it 🥰
Love your incite! Happy New Year to you and Denise.
Hi Barb….best wishes to you! Feliz ano novo!
Feliz e Próspero Ano Novo!!!!!
Becoming an immigrant in another country requires courage above all else, but with it comes adventure and new experiences.
While I have a lot of advantages (like residency and language), it will be a major change - it’s life renewed!
Fabulous post! Congratulations on your anniversary! Happy New Year and cheers to living your life.
Nancy/Denise, congratulations on your first year anniversary. Everything you touch, everything you do, everything you learn is done over a thousand times ONLY once. That once or one time allows you to feel more and more connected as an immigrant. The light bulb 💡 goes off and you say to yourself, I got it or I figured that out. 👏👏👏👏👏Patience and a daily dose of more patience helps you understand a system you have embraced and yet don’t understand as sometimes it simply doesn’t make any sense. You have learned another step forward makes life rewarding. Congratulations and Happy New Year to your both. 😘😘😘. The last kiss is for Onyx.
Dear Nancy & Denise - Happy New Year from across the pond. Nancy - Thank you for your insights, thoughts, photos .... re: your adventures in Portugal. All the Best in your new life adventure in Portugal in 2022. Denise C.
I'm an English teacher and love to read. YouTube and podcasts are great - but there is still something special about the written word. New subscriber - so now I need to go back and read from the beginning. I'm 57 and plan to teach English abroad just as soon as I get my daughter safely settled into college. Portugal at the top of my list, but still researching.
Hi Sylvia, I also provide an index of sorts by topic. A link to it was in the welcome email you received. And of course you can email me at any time if you have a question. Hope you enjoy!