Wow! It seems small towns can still have big problems. Not only do you have these lovely erections and any surrounding clutter to look at each day, you also will have the pleasure of the collection truck with its crane to look forward to. "Hark, is that the ice cream truck? No, good sir! 'Tis the dustbin lorry."
It does appear, however, with your subscriber numbers replenished, you got rid of some of your own trash. Good riddance to bad rubbish!
Great job with the petition! Even if it doesn't work, it's a community builder and that may be more important. Your house looks great. And I, for one, totally miss your rants about the US!!!
Oh no! I have a small street can in front of my house and I even hate that for the trash that misses. Just the other night a group of young men kicked it off the pole and left trash everywhere. Luckily the city had it cleaned up promptly the next morning. Where I live in Porto they do a good job of putting trash receptacles away from house fronts. Anyway, I feel for you.
Also, I appreciate your opinions on US politics. Some people want to stick their head in the sand, but for those of us paying attention and still love our country, we have every right to be loudly angry about what’s going on there.
I admit I laughed when I saw you continue to lose subscribers due to political commentary. I honestly find your discussion and analysis helpful and refreshing. While not living in the day to day more of the U.S, can lessen the existential dread, the world is affected by our politics. Pretending it’s not is a luxury.
I happened across a random Substack last night that launched into a humorless essay of why the author “hates” Portugal. It was all sarcasm, it the gist was that it was because it wasn’t exactly like America. I do wonder how successful those immigrants are, who have taken their fervent love of America with them and expect to replicate that experience elsewhere.
I'm so sorry! We have garbage cans on the corners next to us, so no matter which way we go, we have a huge mass of extra garbage spilling out onto the sidewalk and street. I get your frustration.
Interestingly, I was talking with a Brazilian friend. His window overlooks the garbage bins near him. He talked with all the shop owners about making sure the garbage stays in the bin and then watched out the window and spoke with everyone who didn't use the bins correctly. Now there's no garbage outside the containers and people stop him to tell him how nice it is.
It can feel futile to rail against the stupid. But we must. I respect what you're doing and urge you to stand strong in this battle. Your neighbors must be so proud to have you in the community.
When I first came to Évora in 2013 and lived inside the old city walls, I used to watch residents "fish" in these underground containers at night, using ropes and hooks to snag contents and search for food, etc. It was depressing.
So a bunch of trumpanzees canceled their subscriptions because of your concerns about fascism across the pond. I don't even care if the door hits them in the ass. "Lisbob" and all the other right-wing infiltrators of a good country should pack up and go back to trumpistan.
I know it’s unfortunate that they are installing trash bins in front of your house but I don’t think it’s because you’re American it’s because it has to be done and if it’s not you it will be someone else. Think of why you left the USA and came to Portugal, think of how much everything is costing in the USA, the problem you have I’ve fixed it by buying one of those things that can pick up trash without touching it and I walk around my neighborhood with several trash bags picking up the trash at first people would watch at me like I was from Mars but now I get many Obrigados and people picking up the dog poop, on that topic I don’t know how to solve that one but when I find out I write again. Thanks for writing this is article I enjoy reading it.
Life’s too short enjoy it because no where is perfect.
I am so sorry to hear that you lost so many subscribers due to your commentary on U.S. politics. At least take some comfort in knowing that some of us are fully aligned with your views. We thought of exiting the country due to its dark and dangerous hard right turn but so far have decided remaining in blue bubbles (Provincetown, MA and Palm Springs, CA) is sufficient as state/local leadership continues to push back. Also my husband's elderly parents are here. We love Portugal and reading of your experience as Expats. Keep posting!
I have lived across from one of the underground containers for 14 months while waiting for our house renovation to reach completion. (Yes, that's how I found your writing and I have enjoyed being taken along during your arduous process. ) I live near a market so that bin gets emptied every other day, or I should say night, because it usually happens at 11p or around 2:30 am. I've gotten used to it, because it's temporary for me, but it's by no means idyllic, especially when sleeping on gorgeous breezy summer nights. There are worse things but I do empathize with your plight. If the relocation petition is not successful, you might be able to petition to have it emptied only during certain hours, as a compromise. Best of luck and thank you for all the terrific writing!
Political commentary is just opinion. Just because yours may be juxtaposed with mine does not mean I should want to silence it. It was our 1st Constitutional Amendment. Let Freedom ring I say!
Several years ago, our Airbnb in Lisbon overlooked the recycling center. Wait until they empty the glass only container at 3 or 4 in the morning. Go ahead make your morning coffee as you aren’t going back to sleep.
It is a sad state of affairs, and to make you actually find something you miss from the US, only makes it worse. I do hope your efforts do not go unnoticed, I have visions of protesters with signs next. Citizens chained to polls so they can't do anymore digging, if they ever return to finish of course. We have been waiting since 20 Jan for a letter that was supposed to take 4 - 6 weeks. We have been back twice to follow up, "you have to wait, it is in process".
So we wait, and pay rent, and pay storage. Sometimes we drive by our little home that will someday be remodeled. But I have not actually found anything that makes me miss the US, yet.
What a nightmare. Bravo for writing a letter that turned into something the locals wanted to, and did, turn into a petition. Well done!!! You are now a local yourself, and a political activist. On a separate point, I am surprised to learn that you lost a number of subscribers due to your posts about U.S. politics. I somehow assumed that virtually anyone who follows you would be on the same page politically. Ultimately, my feeling is that this is not really a loss. Finally, you reference Heather Cox Richardson. Her 3/20/24 Letter from an American should be read by EVERYONE, including those who dropped their subscriptions to your Substack.
Totally agree with you regarding the placement and look of the units, I am sure a better location could have been agreed upon, if only they had engaged the local residents. While necessary, all efforts should be taken to place them in such a way to minimize negative impacts for the people living near them. You keep speaking your mind about all things Portugal and what is going on in the US. Too many are afraid to speak out, and that is wrong - this is not just about a minor disagreement re: how to spend tax dollars - there are actions being taken that are hurting people and putting Americans at home and abroad at real risk. Not to mention that so much of what is going on is just plain immoral and illegal. You stay true to yourself!
Wow! It seems small towns can still have big problems. Not only do you have these lovely erections and any surrounding clutter to look at each day, you also will have the pleasure of the collection truck with its crane to look forward to. "Hark, is that the ice cream truck? No, good sir! 'Tis the dustbin lorry."
It does appear, however, with your subscriber numbers replenished, you got rid of some of your own trash. Good riddance to bad rubbish!
Great job with the petition! Even if it doesn't work, it's a community builder and that may be more important. Your house looks great. And I, for one, totally miss your rants about the US!!!
Oh no! I have a small street can in front of my house and I even hate that for the trash that misses. Just the other night a group of young men kicked it off the pole and left trash everywhere. Luckily the city had it cleaned up promptly the next morning. Where I live in Porto they do a good job of putting trash receptacles away from house fronts. Anyway, I feel for you.
Also, I appreciate your opinions on US politics. Some people want to stick their head in the sand, but for those of us paying attention and still love our country, we have every right to be loudly angry about what’s going on there.
I admit I laughed when I saw you continue to lose subscribers due to political commentary. I honestly find your discussion and analysis helpful and refreshing. While not living in the day to day more of the U.S, can lessen the existential dread, the world is affected by our politics. Pretending it’s not is a luxury.
I happened across a random Substack last night that launched into a humorless essay of why the author “hates” Portugal. It was all sarcasm, it the gist was that it was because it wasn’t exactly like America. I do wonder how successful those immigrants are, who have taken their fervent love of America with them and expect to replicate that experience elsewhere.
Keep writing!
I think I know the article you're talking about. It's satire, making fun of people who think that way.
Exactly…and yet, terrifying that people do indeed think that way.
The same type ask how much something is in "real money" for prices quoted in anything but US dollars.
I'm so sorry! We have garbage cans on the corners next to us, so no matter which way we go, we have a huge mass of extra garbage spilling out onto the sidewalk and street. I get your frustration.
Interestingly, I was talking with a Brazilian friend. His window overlooks the garbage bins near him. He talked with all the shop owners about making sure the garbage stays in the bin and then watched out the window and spoke with everyone who didn't use the bins correctly. Now there's no garbage outside the containers and people stop him to tell him how nice it is.
It can feel futile to rail against the stupid. But we must. I respect what you're doing and urge you to stand strong in this battle. Your neighbors must be so proud to have you in the community.
When I first came to Évora in 2013 and lived inside the old city walls, I used to watch residents "fish" in these underground containers at night, using ropes and hooks to snag contents and search for food, etc. It was depressing.
So a bunch of trumpanzees canceled their subscriptions because of your concerns about fascism across the pond. I don't even care if the door hits them in the ass. "Lisbob" and all the other right-wing infiltrators of a good country should pack up and go back to trumpistan.
I know it’s unfortunate that they are installing trash bins in front of your house but I don’t think it’s because you’re American it’s because it has to be done and if it’s not you it will be someone else. Think of why you left the USA and came to Portugal, think of how much everything is costing in the USA, the problem you have I’ve fixed it by buying one of those things that can pick up trash without touching it and I walk around my neighborhood with several trash bags picking up the trash at first people would watch at me like I was from Mars but now I get many Obrigados and people picking up the dog poop, on that topic I don’t know how to solve that one but when I find out I write again. Thanks for writing this is article I enjoy reading it.
Life’s too short enjoy it because no where is perfect.
I do not believe that she was saying the bins were placed in front of her house because she is American.
No, I don't believe it has anything to do with our nationality.
I didn’t think so either.
I am so sorry to hear that you lost so many subscribers due to your commentary on U.S. politics. At least take some comfort in knowing that some of us are fully aligned with your views. We thought of exiting the country due to its dark and dangerous hard right turn but so far have decided remaining in blue bubbles (Provincetown, MA and Palm Springs, CA) is sufficient as state/local leadership continues to push back. Also my husband's elderly parents are here. We love Portugal and reading of your experience as Expats. Keep posting!
I have lived across from one of the underground containers for 14 months while waiting for our house renovation to reach completion. (Yes, that's how I found your writing and I have enjoyed being taken along during your arduous process. ) I live near a market so that bin gets emptied every other day, or I should say night, because it usually happens at 11p or around 2:30 am. I've gotten used to it, because it's temporary for me, but it's by no means idyllic, especially when sleeping on gorgeous breezy summer nights. There are worse things but I do empathize with your plight. If the relocation petition is not successful, you might be able to petition to have it emptied only during certain hours, as a compromise. Best of luck and thank you for all the terrific writing!
Oh yes, I dread the sound of the bin lorry in the summer as you hear it for such a long time as it does its job and then moves on to the next.
Political commentary is just opinion. Just because yours may be juxtaposed with mine does not mean I should want to silence it. It was our 1st Constitutional Amendment. Let Freedom ring I say!
Several years ago, our Airbnb in Lisbon overlooked the recycling center. Wait until they empty the glass only container at 3 or 4 in the morning. Go ahead make your morning coffee as you aren’t going back to sleep.
It is a sad state of affairs, and to make you actually find something you miss from the US, only makes it worse. I do hope your efforts do not go unnoticed, I have visions of protesters with signs next. Citizens chained to polls so they can't do anymore digging, if they ever return to finish of course. We have been waiting since 20 Jan for a letter that was supposed to take 4 - 6 weeks. We have been back twice to follow up, "you have to wait, it is in process".
So we wait, and pay rent, and pay storage. Sometimes we drive by our little home that will someday be remodeled. But I have not actually found anything that makes me miss the US, yet.
What a nightmare. Bravo for writing a letter that turned into something the locals wanted to, and did, turn into a petition. Well done!!! You are now a local yourself, and a political activist. On a separate point, I am surprised to learn that you lost a number of subscribers due to your posts about U.S. politics. I somehow assumed that virtually anyone who follows you would be on the same page politically. Ultimately, my feeling is that this is not really a loss. Finally, you reference Heather Cox Richardson. Her 3/20/24 Letter from an American should be read by EVERYONE, including those who dropped their subscriptions to your Substack.
I had the same thought, that most followers would be kindred spirits at least politically. What a surprise.
Congratulations on passing 5K subscribers!
Totally agree with you regarding the placement and look of the units, I am sure a better location could have been agreed upon, if only they had engaged the local residents. While necessary, all efforts should be taken to place them in such a way to minimize negative impacts for the people living near them. You keep speaking your mind about all things Portugal and what is going on in the US. Too many are afraid to speak out, and that is wrong - this is not just about a minor disagreement re: how to spend tax dollars - there are actions being taken that are hurting people and putting Americans at home and abroad at real risk. Not to mention that so much of what is going on is just plain immoral and illegal. You stay true to yourself!