"I will never say it’s easy but I will always say it’s worth it." LOVE this! As you know from my own experiences attempting to live abroad, I absolutely agree with this. In fact, something I told myself in this latest attempt is that I will learn far more trying to live abroad than I ever would in a 9 to 5 in the US. Thank you so much for sharing!
Awwww thank you! Yes, and I love living vicariously through you! We teach each other so much!! Can I use that quote? I’ll say it’s from you of course! Love you so much!!!
Thanks for sharing. We just reached month 9 in Portugal and this last month has been hard. Really hard. Just trying to learn from these hard moments and really appreciate the kind people we find along the way.
An interesting and insightful post. I didn't realize it had rained so much in Portugal this year, but I know the Atlantic Coast weather there is not always everything people are hoping for.
Hi Betty, thank you! Well the rain was in Porto, northern Portugal. The weather is not the same in the south or central. It doesn’t rain as much.
We are closer to Galicia, Spain, which is also quite rainy. That said, it wasn’t typical though we haven’t had much of a summer either this year, only 2 weeks of sun. Last year it rained only for 1 month and was quite sunny.
Wow! That’s a lot of trauma in one year even if you were in your familiar surroundings. We moved to Mexico in 2017 from Pennsylvania and I remember the first year was a little overwhelming.
Hi Jen, thank you so much for that acknowledgment! I think a lot of people would have returned to their home country and it certainly crossed my mind but I had nothing to return to. Ooooo Mexico! It looks like you’re still there. Do you love it? Thank you for saying your first year was overwhelming, the pink cloud peeps rile me up LOL.
Brava! I am currently contemplating moving to Portugal… conveniently forgetting I already picked up and moved to a completely unknown country several times in my life already, so this should be no big deal.
Still, every little bit of information and observation helps!
Hi Caroline, If you’ve done it before, that WILL help! You know what to expect somewhat. And my good friend Rebecca is now on her fourth place and is super happy with her current choice. I like to say, “you can always leave” because nothing is forever. And how do you know if you’ll love or hate it if you never try?
You are one courageous woman, and I admire that despite the hardships that hit you square on, you are still standing, and appear to be happy. Your photo says that. I'm glad you have found a special person in your life.
"I will never say it’s easy but I will always say it’s worth it." LOVE this! As you know from my own experiences attempting to live abroad, I absolutely agree with this. In fact, something I told myself in this latest attempt is that I will learn far more trying to live abroad than I ever would in a 9 to 5 in the US. Thank you so much for sharing!
Awwww thank you! Yes, and I love living vicariously through you! We teach each other so much!! Can I use that quote? I’ll say it’s from you of course! Love you so much!!!
Sure you can use that. It's an honor to be quotable!
Awwwww! I was just listening to your voice mails and leaving you one!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for sharing. We just reached month 9 in Portugal and this last month has been hard. Really hard. Just trying to learn from these hard moments and really appreciate the kind people we find along the way.
I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through a rough patch!! I truly hope it gets better soon!!! 💕
Great article. I’ve often thought about becoming an ex-pat for the sunnier climes of Spain. Maybe I should take actions and stop dreaming.
Thank you for reading and commenting! You absolutely will do it too when you're ready!!!
I just love your "this is life" philosophy. Always a mixed bag!
Thank you!!! Yes, life is always a mixed bag!!! :)
An interesting and insightful post. I didn't realize it had rained so much in Portugal this year, but I know the Atlantic Coast weather there is not always everything people are hoping for.
Hi Betty, thank you! Well the rain was in Porto, northern Portugal. The weather is not the same in the south or central. It doesn’t rain as much.
We are closer to Galicia, Spain, which is also quite rainy. That said, it wasn’t typical though we haven’t had much of a summer either this year, only 2 weeks of sun. Last year it rained only for 1 month and was quite sunny.
It was a rainy year in our part of France too — then again we so needed it!
Ah yes, throughout most of Europe. I hope we both get some drier months this winter!
Wow! That’s a lot of trauma in one year even if you were in your familiar surroundings. We moved to Mexico in 2017 from Pennsylvania and I remember the first year was a little overwhelming.
Hi Jen, thank you so much for that acknowledgment! I think a lot of people would have returned to their home country and it certainly crossed my mind but I had nothing to return to. Ooooo Mexico! It looks like you’re still there. Do you love it? Thank you for saying your first year was overwhelming, the pink cloud peeps rile me up LOL.
I hear ya! We are still here in Mexico and yes, we love it! Viva Mexico 🇲🇽
Oh that’s wonderful to hear!!!
Brava! I am currently contemplating moving to Portugal… conveniently forgetting I already picked up and moved to a completely unknown country several times in my life already, so this should be no big deal.
Still, every little bit of information and observation helps!
Hi Caroline, If you’ve done it before, that WILL help! You know what to expect somewhat. And my good friend Rebecca is now on her fourth place and is super happy with her current choice. I like to say, “you can always leave” because nothing is forever. And how do you know if you’ll love or hate it if you never try?
You are one courageous woman, and I admire that despite the hardships that hit you square on, you are still standing, and appear to be happy. Your photo says that. I'm glad you have found a special person in your life.
Awww thank you so much for saying this 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you so much! The worst part is over! :)
YES! Love that succinct summation, nail—>head. I’m not the most succinct person LOL! Thank you so much!!
Thank you so much!
Thank you Emilio.