14 Comments

Congratulations!! follower through Expat in Portugal, Nancy. I'm interested in learning Portuguese and from your experience what would you recommend, apps etc. Thanks

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LaDonna, I’m one of your newbies. Though I do feel like I’ve loved u forever cuz of Matt’s affection for you. Not a question but a thank u this morning. I read your blog this morning to slow my heart down, to rest, to extend extra kindness to my tired heart. You offer so much goodness to the world and I thank u for that. xoxox wishing you beauty as you move ❤️

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Wow, thanks so much Mary. That is high praise and I'm honored & humbled that my words can slow your heart and extend extra kindness.

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Did you start learning the Portuguese before you moved? If so, was it through apps or in person in San Francisco? Also, I just want to say that reading your newsletter is a highlight for me and I look forward to seeing them pop up in my email. My mom, Karen (old Judah neighbor), told me about your move and she forwarded me the link. So happy she did!

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Hi Annyse, please tell your mom hello for me and thanks so much for reading and for your kind comment. I am finally getting around to writing answers to everyone's questions! New post coming soon...

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Thanks, LaDonna. I am very interested in the psychological and emotional aspects of this move to a new country. When and how do you feel that you "belong" - i.e. are there things you can do in advance or add to your routine that strengthens those ties? Have you met any Canadians who've made the move? I'm never sure the extent to which rules and requirements of Americans also applies to Canadians.

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Congratulations on your new Quinta! So exciting!!

I am one of the followers who you’ve never met however we are connected through Marwan:)

What were your biggest challenges during the purchase and things to consider compared to buying a home in the states?

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I'm excited for you. Same question as Margaret, what will you do with the "city house"? I spent my honeymoon (almost 25 years ago) in Portugal, in Tavira, and we're thinking about a visit.

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What do you and Bruce for employment? And have you met any American friends and/or people you feel could be friends with? Also, what does Bruce do in his furniture shop?

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Love the picture. May you never feel to have a stone crown on your head 😉. I live near Sacramento and also spend years in the SF Bay Area ( Los Gatos) which I really enjoyed. I am currently debating whether to look for a house in the Algarve $$$ or Setubal area. Comparing weather charts, the somewhat cooler temperatures wouldn’t bother me, but is it most often clear and sunny in fall/winter or rather on the overcast side?

Good luck with your move.

🙏

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No questions, just super stoked to follow along your journey. It's been inspiring to see what it's like to move from the Bay to somewhere completely different and what that process entails (both the ups and downs).

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Is the "city house" going to be an AirBnB? And what are you most looking forward to growing?

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What is the tax situation like for US emigrants to Portugal?

Do you ponder renouncing your US citizenship?

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Is Lu happy to move to Oliveira do Paraiso? Has she settled well in her Setúbal school and is she going to stay there?

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