This unusually long interval has been consumed with establising a home- away-from-home here in Europe: finding a place to live; learning our way around; making new friends; getting medical coverage and all the day-by-day do’s & don’ts of setting up in a new place.
New movies from the US arrive quickly here. Cinemas in the bigger shopping centers are as, or more, modern than those at home. Unlike Spain, France and others, Portugal doesn’t overdub movies from America into their native language. Movies and TV in English with Portuguese subtitles sure help with learning the language.
Street legal!
Celebration!! After months of jumping through bureaucratic hoops, our Portuguese temporary residence cards arrived.
Most European nations adhere to what’s called the Shengen Agreement regulating movement of non-citizens. Casual tourists or vacationers aren’t so affected, as their visits tend to be less than 90 days at a time. But if you’re a fulltime traveler, a 90 day limit out of the last 180 is a real show stopper.
As legal (temporary) residents of Portugal we can now wander all over Europe as freely as EU citizens. No visa hassles! At airports we can use the line for EU passports. After Brexit, the Brits will have to queue up with ”the others.” That should prompt a few wishes they’d have voted the other way. You think? Hmm?
We have chosen Porto, in northern Portugal, as our base of operations to visit as much of Europe as we can in the next few years. It’s a beautiful, vibrant city located ideally to explore Spain, France, the Med Islands, Morocco and more.
For all my whining about bureaucracy here, Portugal really is one of the easier places in Europe to secure temporary residency. I read somewhere other EU countries complain that Portugal should end it’s tax-free program.
Language Barriers?
Cookie says I have a knack for languages. I think I’m just not intimidated by communicating without benefit of a shared language.
It’s completely unnecessary to let a lack of language stop you from exploring the world. Our travels have shown us just how pervasive English is, in Europe, China and many other countries as well.
Too lazy to learn a few key phrases… “where’s the bathroom?” or “do you speak English”? Just watch for young people staring at smartphones. Most of them will understand you.
The heart and soul of a country is its culture, and the key to a culture is its language.
Every wish for a great holiday season and a super ’20!!
All the very best,
– – Mike + Cookie Durnerin