What I’m Reading

Blogs about Portugal I recommend. [April 2022]

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Thanks for being a subscriber to Our Portugal Journey. Whether you're an avid fan of my posts, or an occasional reader, the fact that you read any of my articles truly flatters and humbles me. 

It’s not easy for writers to put themselves out there for public scrutiny – it’s certainly not easy for me anyway. Each time someone subscribes to my newsletter, I’m thrilled because when I started this blog, I wasn’t sure anyone would find my information valuable enough to subscribe. And while I have had a few “unsubscribes,” I realize that I can’t be all things to all people. But the positive response to my posts keeps me motivated and I’m grateful to you for helping me become a better writer with your comments, suggestions, feedback, and recommendations.

I’m paying it back (and forward)

Writers work hard to provide their readers with useful information. It takes a lot of thought, research, planning, image selection, and editing before the finished product is ready to publish.

So, today I’d like to pay it back (and forward) with a list of other subscribe-worthy blogs that I personally read, learn from, and enjoy. Some of the talented writers on this list have been kind enough to promote my blog and others have offered me valuable insights.

These newsletters focus on different perspectives of expat life in Portugal and each writer has their own unique style. Perhaps you’ll find a valuable nugget or two in these writings and give another writer the privilege of an email subscription to their publication.

What I’m reading

Listed alphabetically by title

Expat in Portugal

Onix the dog arriving in Lisbon with her moms. Photo courtesy Expat in Portugal.

Nancy Whiteman is an unapologetic liberal who speaks her truth. She and her wife Denise moved to Portugal during the Pandemic and hit the ground running. Nancy’s blog provides factual information about living in Portugal including the places they visit, the culture, and the joys and frustrations of renovating an old building in Vila Real, to turn into their new home in Portugal. Nancy and Denise have become our friends and have helped us along the way on our own Portugal journey.

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Letters to My Generation

Padraic Veum is a writer, thinker and chef born in Nebraska. He currently lives as an expat in Portugal. He writes in prose about nature, expat life, food, and literature. His posts are reflective, thought-provoking and sometimes moody.

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life:examined

Writer and creative strategist, Shanna Trenholm addresses a myriad of ideas, thoughts, and questions about living a creative and intentional life. While Paul and I were in the States watching YouTube videos about Portugal during the height of the Pandemic, we stumbled across Shanna’s video about life in Setubal, where she resides. Shanna’s blog posts are honest and sometimes raw - encompassing everything from places in Portugal she visits, to living a full life in Portugal as a solo person with a dog.

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Off-grid and Ignorant in Portugal

Alastair Leithead in his vineyard. Photo courtesy Off-Grid and Ignorant in Portugal.

For nearly twenty years, Alastair Leithead was a foreign correspondent for the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). Alastair and his wife Ana decided to start a new life in Portugal a few years ago, by purchasing a small off-the-grid farm in the southwestern part of the country in the Alentejo region where they’re learning about trees, vegetation, wine, beaches and many other things as they work towards the goal of developing an eco-tourist lodge. Alastair’s posts are accounts of his new life in Portugal, the successes, failures and challenges of living in a new country, and the crazy twists and turns life takes you on.

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The Cook and The Writer

Mike and Mary. Photo courtesy The Cook and The Writer.

Husband-and-wife team, Mike and Mary have had many adventures in their lives. They have traveled extensively throughout the world and have even owned an organic farm! This Indiana duo now reside in Portugal (and currently live just up the street from us). Their blog features their experiences of living in a new country as well as their impressions of Portuguese food and wine (check our Mary’s recipe for the Portuguese Bifana sandwich). Mike and Mary take turns writing posts which are always engaging, honest, full of humor, and enjoyable. Both Paul and I have fun spending time with these two new friends, exploring our new country together and tasting food and wine along the way.

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The Long Scrawl

Writer LaDonna Witmer is an expat from San Francisco who is trying to figure out life in a new country with her husband, young daughter, dog, and parrot. She writes openly about her feelings, frustrations, successes, and fears with uprooting her family and her life by moving to Portugal. If you’re already an expat, you can relate to some of her posts, and if you’re contemplating a move abroad, you’ll find comfort knowing that your fears and concerns (and even joy) are pretty normal stuff.

Do you have a favorite blog about Portugal?

I’d love to know! Contact me with your comments and suggestions.

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Until next time…

Obrigada!

Carol.