Another great article, Kimberly. Safety considerations are so different for women - I’m sorry you had to experience some of those situations that you related. But I’m glad you are in a place where safety isn’t constantly the front-and-center concern in your life.
Thanks so much Mike! It’s very true that safety considerations are different for women and men (thank you for understanding this) and for the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities as well. I still have a few issues here, but nothing like I had in the US. I hope that doesn’t change!
So comprehensive, covering so much. How freeing for you to be in Portugal. In US I don’t think people even factor safety in much any more bc it’s so spotty. Glad you landed well!!
It is but unfortunately it’s a tourist trap now (Livaria Lello). You have to pay €, wait in a huge long line to get in and can’t see anything once inside because it’s always packed with people 😟 But there many other amazing things here!!
It's reassuring to read that you feel safer in Porto. About the observation that people there don't smile at strangers, I guess it may be something to do with Porto but it may be different somewhere else in Portugal and the rest of Europe. For example here in Ireland saying "good morning" and "how are you?" to complete strangers is the norm. 🙂
Oh wow! I didn’t know that about Ireland! That’s awesome!! People don’t greet each other here in Portugal unless they know you and I know it’s the same in Paris where my sister lived for 20 years. I’ve been to several other countries in Europe & found the same in Prague, Germany and also in Italy and Spain. Both in smaller towns ands bigger cities. 🤷🏻♀️ My sister’s theory is because of the wars but who knows. I just don’t think it’s a common cultural occurrence here.
I see! My hometown Trieste in Italy is like Porto and the places you described, it's all about who you know so if you haven't been introduced to someone you are not worth saying hello to! 😁 Again, so glad that you found somewhere you feel safe.
Insightful article, Kimberly :) I loved reading about how moving to Portugal helped you feel safe and at ease after everything you went through in the U.S. It’s great to hear how much calmer your life has become. Do you think living in Portugal has changed your view of safety in a lasting way, or are there things about the U.S. you still miss?
Hi Tapo. Thank you so much for your nice comment! To answer your questions: yes living in Portugal has definitely changed my view of safety in a lasting way, maybe forever but I believe in change so I’ll say “for now”!
And there isn’t much I miss about the US. My besties and Ethiopian food. That’s really it. If I didn’t have to go back every year to visit my aging mom, I wouldn’t visit at all. This week I’m re-posting an older article because I’m at a conference but next week I’ll be posting about the values, emotional, mental and physical differences differences between the US and Portugal and these are the reasons why I prefer Europe. I hope to add more insight!
Hey Kimbery ! Ahh.. I feel you. I hope your mom is doing well. Looking forward to your article highlighting the emotional differences between the two lifestyles :)
Haha, I am sure she will and I pray to God for her long life too 😇 I do visit India once a year at-least. Its a super long journey for me though! More than 15 hours of Non Stop flying time 😕
I had no idea you'd had so many horrendous and dangerous experiences happen to you in the US. I know you've had your challenges in Portugal too but am super glad it's on a far smaller scale. The "resting bitch face" probably helps! 😂
Thank you so much! And I need to add a paragraph about what also happened with mr. aggressivo here in Portugal but sometimes I just get tired even thinking about it, you know?
Another great article, Kimberly. Safety considerations are so different for women - I’m sorry you had to experience some of those situations that you related. But I’m glad you are in a place where safety isn’t constantly the front-and-center concern in your life.
Thanks so much Mike! It’s very true that safety considerations are different for women and men (thank you for understanding this) and for the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities as well. I still have a few issues here, but nothing like I had in the US. I hope that doesn’t change!
So comprehensive, covering so much. How freeing for you to be in Portugal. In US I don’t think people even factor safety in much any more bc it’s so spotty. Glad you landed well!!
Thank you Jeanine!!! I talked to someone today who said that Porto in particular has become SAFER in the last 20 years, which gives me so much hope!
How wonderful! Isn't Porto the city with that magnificent bookstore? Forget the name.
It is but unfortunately it’s a tourist trap now (Livaria Lello). You have to pay €, wait in a huge long line to get in and can’t see anything once inside because it’s always packed with people 😟 But there many other amazing things here!!
It's reassuring to read that you feel safer in Porto. About the observation that people there don't smile at strangers, I guess it may be something to do with Porto but it may be different somewhere else in Portugal and the rest of Europe. For example here in Ireland saying "good morning" and "how are you?" to complete strangers is the norm. 🙂
Oh wow! I didn’t know that about Ireland! That’s awesome!! People don’t greet each other here in Portugal unless they know you and I know it’s the same in Paris where my sister lived for 20 years. I’ve been to several other countries in Europe & found the same in Prague, Germany and also in Italy and Spain. Both in smaller towns ands bigger cities. 🤷🏻♀️ My sister’s theory is because of the wars but who knows. I just don’t think it’s a common cultural occurrence here.
I see! My hometown Trieste in Italy is like Porto and the places you described, it's all about who you know so if you haven't been introduced to someone you are not worth saying hello to! 😁 Again, so glad that you found somewhere you feel safe.
🤣🤣🤣 ohhhh that’s super interesting! Thank you did that perspective!!!
Insightful article, Kimberly :) I loved reading about how moving to Portugal helped you feel safe and at ease after everything you went through in the U.S. It’s great to hear how much calmer your life has become. Do you think living in Portugal has changed your view of safety in a lasting way, or are there things about the U.S. you still miss?
Hi Tapo. Thank you so much for your nice comment! To answer your questions: yes living in Portugal has definitely changed my view of safety in a lasting way, maybe forever but I believe in change so I’ll say “for now”!
And there isn’t much I miss about the US. My besties and Ethiopian food. That’s really it. If I didn’t have to go back every year to visit my aging mom, I wouldn’t visit at all. This week I’m re-posting an older article because I’m at a conference but next week I’ll be posting about the values, emotional, mental and physical differences differences between the US and Portugal and these are the reasons why I prefer Europe. I hope to add more insight!
Hey Kimbery ! Ahh.. I feel you. I hope your mom is doing well. Looking forward to your article highlighting the emotional differences between the two lifestyles :)
Thank you!! Yes my mom will probably outlive us all. 😂
I was wondering, do you miss India? Do you go back to visit?
Haha, I am sure she will and I pray to God for her long life too 😇 I do visit India once a year at-least. Its a super long journey for me though! More than 15 hours of Non Stop flying time 😕
Thank you! WOW, that is far! I’m sure your family is happy you visit each year :)
I can relate! The first question I get about spending time in Mexico City is, "But is it safe?" I feel safer here than in big cities in the US.
Yes yes! We are led to believe Mexico especially is extremely unsafe 😳😬
I had no idea you'd had so many horrendous and dangerous experiences happen to you in the US. I know you've had your challenges in Portugal too but am super glad it's on a far smaller scale. The "resting bitch face" probably helps! 😂
Thank you so much! And I need to add a paragraph about what also happened with mr. aggressivo here in Portugal but sometimes I just get tired even thinking about it, you know?
Yup - and not worth wasting space on him here either. He ain't worth it!
I want to show others it’s not perfect here either. Aggression may be found the world over.
True. But so can kindness. ❤️