Who Am I - A Solo Female Expat in Portugal

A Short Bio

I want to introduce myself and my million accolades, just kidding!

I’m a US Expat and recovering Californian who moved to Portugal solo, sight unseen, without a support group in 2022.

My background: I’ve worn many hats and had many careers throughout my life. Maybe because as soon as I “master” something, I want a new challenge. Maybe it’s because I’m fickle. Maybe it’s because I’m Gen X and that’s one of our many “qualities”. Whatever the reason, the outcome is simply, I have gained knowledge and experience in several areas.

The ones that are relevant here are: I spent almost twenty years as a television producer, writer, director and actor though the acting part was the least of it because I wasn’t very good. I have a Bachelors of Arts in Film (Screenwriting and Production) and a Masters of Science in Chinese medicine. Completely different ends of the spectrum, I know!

After flitting from one career and interest to the next, in 2016 I followed my lifelong passion and ended up as a writer. To date (September 2023) I’ve written twenty-five novels and published eighteen. I write in several genres, mostly fiction and, I’ve yet to “make it”!!! But I keep on writing. I’m indie published and it’s been a slow road.

I’ve written blog posts for many years, I had a weekly podcast and I’m new to substack. So new that I’ve already made too many mistakes to list!

I hope you will read, like and/or subscribe to my “expating journey” to glean entertainment and value.

I’m not the only one talking about my experiences here in Portugal. I love that others share their expat experiences in this space, and beyond. Before I moved out of the US, I gobbled up as much information as I could and all of it was different. Everyone has a different take, bend, spin and most importantly, experiences!

I still enjoy reading about other people’s experiences in Portugal. Some are similar and other experiences are vastly different. I find this both incredible and helpful!

For short, how-to, personal tidbits and informational vids on living in Portugal, check TikTok.

For photos of Portugal and travels (including vanlife) please follow on instagram.

For Facebook users, you can find the FB page here.

The old/er podcast (live your dream and how to travel full time) is on the website.

Thank you so much for being here and please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Thank you so much for reading! If you don’t want to become a paid subscriber but enjoyed this article, you can buy me a coffee below or simply share this article with a friend. Your support (in all ways) is greatly appreciated!