I am absolutely thrilled to finally unveil the exciting journey I’ve embarked on and put it into words (or rather, keystrokes) to share with you. After years of daydreaming, numerous “what ifs,” and just enough procrastination to make it an art form, I’ve made the bold decision to leave everything behind and pursue a long-standing dream. And where better to do this than the beautiful, sun-drenched landscapes of Portugal—a country that has secretly been wooing me with its charm for years?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had this itch for something different. You know that feeling when you’re stuck in the same routine for so long that you start wondering if you’ve turned into a houseplant? Well, that was me. It didn’t help that, after surviving a global pandemic and the usual ups and downs of life, my job began to feel about as exciting as watching paint dry.
So, I did what any reasonable person would do: I quit. Said goodbye to stability, routine, and the comforting predictability of my weekly grocery shopping. And said a big, enthusiastic yes to possibility, adventure, and a life that doesn’t come with an instruction manual.
Now here I am, standing at the brink of a new chapter, trying to navigate this crazy little thing called “starting over in a foreign country.” The mission? To find a place in Portugal to call home—a charming property where I can live, thrive, and perhaps eventually welcome guests who appreciate the same local warmth and hospitality I’ve fallen in love with. But first, let’s talk about real estate. Spoiler alert: buying a house abroad involves more paperwork than I thought was humanly possible.
Between translating legal jargon and figuring out if that “charming countryside view” in the listing is just code for “backs onto a highway,” I’ve got my hands full. And don’t get me started on renovations—there’s a reason entire TV series are dedicated to that particular kind of chaos.
But amidst the rollercoaster of emotions, the to-do lists that seem to grow like weeds, and the occasional second-guessing of my life choices, there’s a deep sense of excitement. I’m finally doing it—taking that leap and chasing a dream that I never quite shook off.
So, here’s to the start of something new. As I dive into this adventure—complete with all its highs, lows, and “what have I gotten myself into?” moments—I’ll be sharing every twist and turn along the way.
Here’s to embracing change, chasing dreams, and savouring every moment of this unpredictable ride.
com carinho da Holanda,
Paulo