We hit 5 years early this month, and share many of your feelings. We love our quinta, but know that it won't be manageable for us indefinitely, so we'll need to consider where we land "after." But I'm pretty sure it will be in Portugal. The nationality thing was a disappointment for us, but not more than that. I can't say we'll "never" go back, but that choice would be very low on our list. Like you, we have seen that shift from daily survival to long-term questions, but how lucky we are to be able to consider such things.
Wow, that really hit home! Now that my daughter has decided to move back to the US from Portugal to get married before they eventually move to the Toronto area, my path is quite clear. Six more years in Portugal accompanied by 2-4 trips per year around Europe, will be followed with a return to Canada (after 52 years!) to be near my daughter and grandkids that she and CJ are planning. I did not know what my future would be like when I moved here. Now I do.
We have been here since Feburary 2019 so over 7 years now and for us this summer is make or break. In that time we have had a lot of things to deal with. Multiple floods, a forest fire that nearly took our property (and did burn our small, ancient Olive tree orchard). Seismic activity that has cost us quite a bit as well as experience of the healthcare system after an accident caused serious injuries to my partner. Then we had the 'storm' in January and we are in the hardest hit area. I have spent a lot of time this year in repairs and there is more yet to do. I have very mixed feelings. Bureaucracy is certainly not an incentive. I have direct experience of another country that has moved from behind Portugal to well ahead in the last few years, in terms of efficiency. My difficulty in learning the language doesn’t help. I love my home here and many other things about living in Portugal but I do not fancy another Storm. Im already in my sixties I do not relish another round of fixing extensive damage in my seventies and beyond. So, we have a decision to make but are going to take the whole summer to remind ourselves why we are here first.
Congratulations on reaching this milestone! Time does move quicker than we realize. September will be 7 years here for us. For me, the most important thing has been flexibility. Adapting to not just a new culture but accepting the frequent changes you mentioned. One positive is that after making this move the next one, if necessary, will be easier.
Loved this article! You nailed it! Live in the present but plan for a future as best you can because tomorrow isn’t promised xoxox
We hit 5 years early this month, and share many of your feelings. We love our quinta, but know that it won't be manageable for us indefinitely, so we'll need to consider where we land "after." But I'm pretty sure it will be in Portugal. The nationality thing was a disappointment for us, but not more than that. I can't say we'll "never" go back, but that choice would be very low on our list. Like you, we have seen that shift from daily survival to long-term questions, but how lucky we are to be able to consider such things.
Parabéns!
Wow, that really hit home! Now that my daughter has decided to move back to the US from Portugal to get married before they eventually move to the Toronto area, my path is quite clear. Six more years in Portugal accompanied by 2-4 trips per year around Europe, will be followed with a return to Canada (after 52 years!) to be near my daughter and grandkids that she and CJ are planning. I did not know what my future would be like when I moved here. Now I do.
We have been here since Feburary 2019 so over 7 years now and for us this summer is make or break. In that time we have had a lot of things to deal with. Multiple floods, a forest fire that nearly took our property (and did burn our small, ancient Olive tree orchard). Seismic activity that has cost us quite a bit as well as experience of the healthcare system after an accident caused serious injuries to my partner. Then we had the 'storm' in January and we are in the hardest hit area. I have spent a lot of time this year in repairs and there is more yet to do. I have very mixed feelings. Bureaucracy is certainly not an incentive. I have direct experience of another country that has moved from behind Portugal to well ahead in the last few years, in terms of efficiency. My difficulty in learning the language doesn’t help. I love my home here and many other things about living in Portugal but I do not fancy another Storm. Im already in my sixties I do not relish another round of fixing extensive damage in my seventies and beyond. So, we have a decision to make but are going to take the whole summer to remind ourselves why we are here first.
Congratulations on reaching this milestone! Time does move quicker than we realize. September will be 7 years here for us. For me, the most important thing has been flexibility. Adapting to not just a new culture but accepting the frequent changes you mentioned. One positive is that after making this move the next one, if necessary, will be easier.