Welcome to the country. I came a dozen years ago myself, partly because I observed that the people here are much friendlier to children and less hateful to foreigners than those in various parts of Germany I lived in. It's more of a challenge than some places I've lived, but Portugal is in fact the most satisfying country I have lived in. I am able to live as I choose, and if there are some annoying hurdles to overcome to make that possible, so what?
Thank you, Kevin ~ yes, it's still a bit of a challenge for me, esp wrapping my head around the language, but I agree – there are worse problems to have!
Well, you're welcome to DM for language recommendations. I have a number of resources I've collected over the years, and a lot of the recommendations one sees on the FB expat groups are largely nonsense.
Here's an article I wrote on that subject last year on my old blog. There are a few relevant updates, but the main points are covered:
I love the old men who sit on the benches by the fish clearing house. Though I suspect they are not all that much older than I am. I imagine that they have known each other since boyhood adn every day they meet and find something to talk about. They have no idea how delighted they make me feel.
Kristin it's so fun to live vicariously through you and have a Portugal experience! :) Maybe some day I will write something similar when I move to a small town here in Mexico and hopefully build a house of my own. Cheers! Thanks for the inspiration.
I love your art! We have a billion stone walls on our property, and someday in the not too distant future I want to cover them with murals, scenes of Portugal.
I love your illustration and it makes me think of how uprooting is also a form of unshackling. We find freedoms that somehow just weren’t there in our ‘lives before’. I’m so glad you have found a way to combat the rain 😁
I had no idea you hadn’t always been an artist. I love your drawings because of the bright colors you use. So glad you came to Portugal to be inspired to make them!
Welcome to the country. I came a dozen years ago myself, partly because I observed that the people here are much friendlier to children and less hateful to foreigners than those in various parts of Germany I lived in. It's more of a challenge than some places I've lived, but Portugal is in fact the most satisfying country I have lived in. I am able to live as I choose, and if there are some annoying hurdles to overcome to make that possible, so what?
Thank you, Kevin ~ yes, it's still a bit of a challenge for me, esp wrapping my head around the language, but I agree – there are worse problems to have!
Well, you're welcome to DM for language recommendations. I have a number of resources I've collected over the years, and a lot of the recommendations one sees on the FB expat groups are largely nonsense.
Here's an article I wrote on that subject last year on my old blog. There are a few relevant updates, but the main points are covered:
https://www.translationtribulations.com/2024/03/resources-for-learning-european-portuguese.html
I love the old men who sit on the benches by the fish clearing house. Though I suspect they are not all that much older than I am. I imagine that they have known each other since boyhood adn every day they meet and find something to talk about. They have no idea how delighted they make me feel.
I feel the same way, Barbara! What is mundane to them is charming to me ☺️
Kristin it's so fun to live vicariously through you and have a Portugal experience! :) Maybe some day I will write something similar when I move to a small town here in Mexico and hopefully build a house of my own. Cheers! Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you, Thomas — I look forward to reading about your next chapter!
It’s been the small things all strung together that have made me love Portugal, even on the less easy days. Beautiful illustrations — Obrigada.
That’s a great way to put it, Maria!
Your paintings are delightful, charming and colorful.
Are you used to the bells yet?
Oh yes, the bells have become my friend 😆
Happy to be the owner of some of them! And I love this one too! Lucky Dante!
Thanks GV ☺️
Lovely! ❤️
Thank you, Justine ☺️
I didn't know you were taking commissions. How lovely!
Thanks Liza ☺️
I love your art! We have a billion stone walls on our property, and someday in the not too distant future I want to cover them with murals, scenes of Portugal.
Thanks Sandra! That sounds like a cool idea ☺️
I love your illustration and it makes me think of how uprooting is also a form of unshackling. We find freedoms that somehow just weren’t there in our ‘lives before’. I’m so glad you have found a way to combat the rain 😁
Thank you, Michelle, that's a great perspective!
I had no idea you hadn’t always been an artist. I love your drawings because of the bright colors you use. So glad you came to Portugal to be inspired to make them!