Yes, I am embarrassed to be an American these days. I should take a page out of your book and stop with the news.
That picture!!! I love it. For some reason, it makes me think Manhattan. Funky telephone booth after too many drinks at some random bar. Don't miss the last 2am train back to NJ, or you are very screwed.
My first apartment in NYC was in the West Village. I can remember many a time seeing folks bolting for the Christopher Street PATH station in the early AM.
Your comment nudged me to scan through my hundreds upon hundreds of photos of Manhattan. (in case you are curious, they begin on page 3. https://www.flickr.com/photos/iconeon/ )
We can relate to so much of what you are saying. We saw the handwriting on the wall and arrived in June 2023. We too cut our ties with WP but have kept the Times, NPR and of course Heather. We also watch BBC news from time to time. If we didn’t have kids and a grandkid in the US we’d just say f-it entirely. Sometimes we do resort to saying we’re Canadian if we just don’t want to have to explain the stupidity of the US one more time to our European and Portuguese friends. Hang in there with the language, I’m finally getting better after passing A1 and A2, but I’m a B- 1 drop out in favor of private conversational lessons. If it gets too cold for you up there, come visit us in the Algarve. We have heat!
Wendy, Thanks for the encouragement with the language. I am fortunate to only have a handful of extended family in the US, everyone else is no longer with us. Yoav has his parents in NYC, but no other close family. Fortunately, we have each other and plenty of good friends who can come for a visit. 😊
Thanks for your inspiring writing. We dithered too long and are now working our way through the visa process. We saw this coming years ago and my son moved to another country then. My daughter and I were not so smart so here we are trying to get out as soon as possible.
I love to read your posts. I first came across you years ago when I was researching kitchens and looking for reviews of deVol kitchens. There weren’t any but you had mentioned them in a post so Google delivered me to your door. I have quietly followed your journey ever since.
On languages, I did French and German right through school and can barely speak a word of either. However, I took Italian lessons as an adult and was more successful. Rather than focussing on grammar the course focussed on things we need to do like going to a restaurant, train journeys, hair cuts etc. Perhaps you just need to find the right class.
I live in London and have noticed a marked increase of Americans in our area - it may just be because there is a Google office nearby!!
The next few years are going to be tough for Europe as well as the US but I have to believe we can do it x
You are so not alone in how this makes you feel. I remember well when he defended down the escalator at his (tacky) tower on 5th Ave back in 2015 and everybody thought he was a joke. While I too thought he was a joke, I knew he was trouble. Of course, I could never have conceived he would be this much trouble. 😡
As for language, we've been here almost 2 years and still struggle. We finished our A1/A2 classes but feel not at all prepared to take the CIPLE test. So, we've started taking online courses with our original professor who is someone who gives the CIPLE test - and has for many many years. We've learned more in a couple of months with him than we did in a whole year at a more formal school. Stick with it - You'll be fine. Talk with your neighbors. We've found that dealing with contractors is very helpful - so few of them can or will speak English. Now, as for the clownfuckery - OMG!!!! It's inescapable. I'm shocked that people from this tiny island understand more about what a threat this is than most people in the US!!!!! And "flee" is the proper verb. Thanks for writing!!! Your posts and your photos are great. (PS - The Bullwark podcast and newsletters and YouTube channels are fantastic).
It is our great fortune that the Portuguese equivalent of Dept of Education thought it wise to teach English in the schools. My understanding is that it is a required class, however like language classes in the US, it's not always retained in adulthood. I only occasionally come across someone who grew up here under the age of 40 that doesn't speak any English. Often they are afraid they don't know it well, but whatever they know, it is more than my knowledge of Portuguese.
Our neighbors are great, always nice to us. I feel embarrassed with they start talking to me in the elevator and I can only respond with "Eu não falo português"
We get a fair amount of sympathy from the locals when they realize we chose their country to escape to. If Americans were as tuned in as many foreigners, he would never have been elected.
The Bulwark along with The Humanist Report are also on my YouTube subs. I just try to be selective as I cannot watch all of them.
Negative remarks about Portugal? I am not aware that I have been negative about Portugal. I am happy to be enlightened if I have been negative about Portugal.
Aside from dog crap on the sidewalks (my one true negative which I haven't mentioned before now), I very much enjoy being here.
I am especially grateful that we were in the position to be able to move here and start a new life.
You have to get your driving US *record* apostilled, and you have to have a photocopy (color) of both sides of your US driver’s license notarized in order to exchange them for your Portuguese license. I did both well before I left the US, and when I went to IMT for my exchange appointment, I sailed through in about 10 minutes. Now, how long it takes for them to actually send me the license (I have a piece of paper that’s a temporary one) is anybody’s guess. But I *have* a Portuguese driver’s license.
The main requirement is to provide an apostille copy of your driving record from your state. This is the part that in my case will be a huge pain in the ass as I tried to do this before I left and learned that it takes several weeks to get a copy of your certified driving record from the state of Pennsylvania and only then can you send it right back to Harrisburg to have the apostille.
On this side, I don't have all the details, but my understanding is you make an appointment with the DMV equivalent here and they take your license and documentation and give you a temporary card which lets you drive in Portugal (but may not be valid in other EU countries.)
I always enjoy your blog. You have a unique perspective and style that puts the reader right there with you. 😎
I try to just get the headlines now. It’s heartbreaking and devastating to watch the dismantling and burning down of our country/democracy.
I still cry like a child about once a month over it. (Like Holly Hunter in Broadcast News.) 🥲
It evident to me how chill and relaxed we are here in Portugal, when we have visitors from the US. Sometimes it’s simply exhausting and I realize how much we were so task oriented and busy. Now reflecting and enjoying each day, each moment takes priority.🇵🇹
Our two years here, the only regret is that we didn’t come sooner. I’m so thankful we were able to meet you both via ExpaCity and become good friends. Hugs to you and Yoav. This is quite the journey! ✌️
Thank you for continuing to share your journey with us! I am seriously considering moving to Porto later this year (I've visited twice and have researched for yearrrrs). However, my partner can't come with me. Do you know many solo immigrants/expats to Portugal? I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the details (and with the sadness of leaving my partner here) but posts like yours help feed my soul and give me courage.
I’m single and I just did it. Arrived in September. Worked full time (in healthcare, so 10-12 hour days) until the end of June. I *highly* recommending hiring someone to assist you with all the paperwork. I used Heather Binder at www.bootsonthegroundpt.com and she was a lifesaver. It was money very, very well spent.
Megan, I am happy that you are benefiting from my posts.
There are certainly several folks who have done it as a single person. Depending upon where you land, there are plenty of groups of immigrants who have get togethers and meet-ups. We have had an incredibly busy social calendar, much more than we expected. It has helped to have so many folks to connect with, even it they won't all become long term friends.
I think it can simplify things a bit when you are only having to apply as one person. But, it does indeed feel overwhelming at times. As Butch mentioned, hiring help to smooth the process out was invaluable. It was very beneficial for us, and saved many headaches.
Try as I may, there are certainly days when I get lost in the rabbit hole of news overload. I will check out The Contrarian. Sounds interesting. It pains me to let go of NYTimes and WaPo, mainly because I enjoy the lifestyle news. As a former New Yorker, the NYTimes helps me stay connected... That said, there are other sources which are not focused on politics.
Nearly word for word what I’ve written for my Substack… Even with all of its many quirks and frustrations for Americans used to instant everything, I’d still FAR rather be here than there.
Hey Devyn. Just came across your blog for the first time. Love it. We too, left the US determined to be gone before the elections and have now been in Porto (well, Gaia) for almost 6 months. We are struggling with the same things happening in the US that you are but are so happy to be struggling here in Portugal. To be surrounded by some of the kindest, most human people I have ever met, makes me truly blessed. I look forward to reading more.
Yes, I am embarrassed to be an American these days. I should take a page out of your book and stop with the news.
That picture!!! I love it. For some reason, it makes me think Manhattan. Funky telephone booth after too many drinks at some random bar. Don't miss the last 2am train back to NJ, or you are very screwed.
My first apartment in NYC was in the West Village. I can remember many a time seeing folks bolting for the Christopher Street PATH station in the early AM.
Your comment nudged me to scan through my hundreds upon hundreds of photos of Manhattan. (in case you are curious, they begin on page 3. https://www.flickr.com/photos/iconeon/ )
Thanks for the Flickr link. So many wonderful photos! I look forward looking at all of them.
Love the phone booth! Thank you for your honesty about everything!
We can relate to so much of what you are saying. We saw the handwriting on the wall and arrived in June 2023. We too cut our ties with WP but have kept the Times, NPR and of course Heather. We also watch BBC news from time to time. If we didn’t have kids and a grandkid in the US we’d just say f-it entirely. Sometimes we do resort to saying we’re Canadian if we just don’t want to have to explain the stupidity of the US one more time to our European and Portuguese friends. Hang in there with the language, I’m finally getting better after passing A1 and A2, but I’m a B- 1 drop out in favor of private conversational lessons. If it gets too cold for you up there, come visit us in the Algarve. We have heat!
Wendy, Thanks for the encouragement with the language. I am fortunate to only have a handful of extended family in the US, everyone else is no longer with us. Yoav has his parents in NYC, but no other close family. Fortunately, we have each other and plenty of good friends who can come for a visit. 😊
Thanks for your inspiring writing. We dithered too long and are now working our way through the visa process. We saw this coming years ago and my son moved to another country then. My daughter and I were not so smart so here we are trying to get out as soon as possible.
Portugal is but a dream away.
You are taking action now... That gives you a jumpstart. I am guessing there will be a flood of folks wanting to leave in the coming months.
I love to read your posts. I first came across you years ago when I was researching kitchens and looking for reviews of deVol kitchens. There weren’t any but you had mentioned them in a post so Google delivered me to your door. I have quietly followed your journey ever since.
On languages, I did French and German right through school and can barely speak a word of either. However, I took Italian lessons as an adult and was more successful. Rather than focussing on grammar the course focussed on things we need to do like going to a restaurant, train journeys, hair cuts etc. Perhaps you just need to find the right class.
I live in London and have noticed a marked increase of Americans in our area - it may just be because there is a Google office nearby!!
The next few years are going to be tough for Europe as well as the US but I have to believe we can do it x
Hi Gail 😊
Thank you for commenting!
Wow, that is a long time back... Two blogs ago. That kitchen was my dream kitchen. If only I'd known we would be selling shortly after we finished it.
(For my other readers if they your curious, you can see the finished kitchen here: https://halfclassicsix.com/the-kitchen-is-finished-finally/ )
I agree the next few years will be tough in Europe, but I have a much stronger feeling that Europe will be okay. They have been through this before.
Wonderful article it really touched home. It made me feel that I wasn’t alone in my feelings or thoughts… Thank you for sharing
Keith, Thanks for leaving your thoughts. 😊
You are so not alone in how this makes you feel. I remember well when he defended down the escalator at his (tacky) tower on 5th Ave back in 2015 and everybody thought he was a joke. While I too thought he was a joke, I knew he was trouble. Of course, I could never have conceived he would be this much trouble. 😡
As for language, we've been here almost 2 years and still struggle. We finished our A1/A2 classes but feel not at all prepared to take the CIPLE test. So, we've started taking online courses with our original professor who is someone who gives the CIPLE test - and has for many many years. We've learned more in a couple of months with him than we did in a whole year at a more formal school. Stick with it - You'll be fine. Talk with your neighbors. We've found that dealing with contractors is very helpful - so few of them can or will speak English. Now, as for the clownfuckery - OMG!!!! It's inescapable. I'm shocked that people from this tiny island understand more about what a threat this is than most people in the US!!!!! And "flee" is the proper verb. Thanks for writing!!! Your posts and your photos are great. (PS - The Bullwark podcast and newsletters and YouTube channels are fantastic).
It is our great fortune that the Portuguese equivalent of Dept of Education thought it wise to teach English in the schools. My understanding is that it is a required class, however like language classes in the US, it's not always retained in adulthood. I only occasionally come across someone who grew up here under the age of 40 that doesn't speak any English. Often they are afraid they don't know it well, but whatever they know, it is more than my knowledge of Portuguese.
Our neighbors are great, always nice to us. I feel embarrassed with they start talking to me in the elevator and I can only respond with "Eu não falo português"
We get a fair amount of sympathy from the locals when they realize we chose their country to escape to. If Americans were as tuned in as many foreigners, he would never have been elected.
The Bulwark along with The Humanist Report are also on my YouTube subs. I just try to be selective as I cannot watch all of them.
I enjoy all you have to say about your move to Porto except for the negative remarks. Why stir up negativity?
Enjoy where you are.
Negative remarks about Portugal? I am not aware that I have been negative about Portugal. I am happy to be enlightened if I have been negative about Portugal.
Aside from dog crap on the sidewalks (my one true negative which I haven't mentioned before now), I very much enjoy being here.
I am especially grateful that we were in the position to be able to move here and start a new life.
What post did you read? I don’t see anything negative about Portugal in this one.
For those of us still here for several more months, we walke up every day wondering if some Trump-caused disaster will derail our plans...
Please say more about your driver's license requirements. What else do you need from the US?
You have to get your driving US *record* apostilled, and you have to have a photocopy (color) of both sides of your US driver’s license notarized in order to exchange them for your Portuguese license. I did both well before I left the US, and when I went to IMT for my exchange appointment, I sailed through in about 10 minutes. Now, how long it takes for them to actually send me the license (I have a piece of paper that’s a temporary one) is anybody’s guess. But I *have* a Portuguese driver’s license.
The main requirement is to provide an apostille copy of your driving record from your state. This is the part that in my case will be a huge pain in the ass as I tried to do this before I left and learned that it takes several weeks to get a copy of your certified driving record from the state of Pennsylvania and only then can you send it right back to Harrisburg to have the apostille.
On this side, I don't have all the details, but my understanding is you make an appointment with the DMV equivalent here and they take your license and documentation and give you a temporary card which lets you drive in Portugal (but may not be valid in other EU countries.)
I always enjoy your blog. You have a unique perspective and style that puts the reader right there with you. 😎
I try to just get the headlines now. It’s heartbreaking and devastating to watch the dismantling and burning down of our country/democracy.
I still cry like a child about once a month over it. (Like Holly Hunter in Broadcast News.) 🥲
It evident to me how chill and relaxed we are here in Portugal, when we have visitors from the US. Sometimes it’s simply exhausting and I realize how much we were so task oriented and busy. Now reflecting and enjoying each day, each moment takes priority.🇵🇹
Our two years here, the only regret is that we didn’t come sooner. I’m so thankful we were able to meet you both via ExpaCity and become good friends. Hugs to you and Yoav. This is quite the journey! ✌️
Thank you Michelle! ☺️
It's difficult to see what is happening and not let it get to us... But we're definitely thankful for the distance.
I sometimes wished we had come sooner, but looking back and knowing the amount of preparation involved, I am just glad we made it when we did.
BTW-Happy B'day!
Thank you for continuing to share your journey with us! I am seriously considering moving to Porto later this year (I've visited twice and have researched for yearrrrs). However, my partner can't come with me. Do you know many solo immigrants/expats to Portugal? I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the details (and with the sadness of leaving my partner here) but posts like yours help feed my soul and give me courage.
I’m single and I just did it. Arrived in September. Worked full time (in healthcare, so 10-12 hour days) until the end of June. I *highly* recommending hiring someone to assist you with all the paperwork. I used Heather Binder at www.bootsonthegroundpt.com and she was a lifesaver. It was money very, very well spent.
Megan, I am happy that you are benefiting from my posts.
There are certainly several folks who have done it as a single person. Depending upon where you land, there are plenty of groups of immigrants who have get togethers and meet-ups. We have had an incredibly busy social calendar, much more than we expected. It has helped to have so many folks to connect with, even it they won't all become long term friends.
I think it can simplify things a bit when you are only having to apply as one person. But, it does indeed feel overwhelming at times. As Butch mentioned, hiring help to smooth the process out was invaluable. It was very beneficial for us, and saved many headaches.
Devyn, another great article! Keep writing and telling your story.
You have a lot more discipline than I do around amount of news you consume from the States. I'm trying to keep it lower, but...
One thing you might want to add to your reading list... "The Contrarian" on SubStack. This is a group project from those that departed WaPo recently. Some really good reporting without the billionaire looking over their shoulder. Here's the link. https://open.substack.com/pub/contrarian/p/contrarians-day-afternoon-roundup?r=of9qr&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thank you Steve 😊
Try as I may, there are certainly days when I get lost in the rabbit hole of news overload. I will check out The Contrarian. Sounds interesting. It pains me to let go of NYTimes and WaPo, mainly because I enjoy the lifestyle news. As a former New Yorker, the NYTimes helps me stay connected... That said, there are other sources which are not focused on politics.
Nearly word for word what I’ve written for my Substack… Even with all of its many quirks and frustrations for Americans used to instant everything, I’d still FAR rather be here than there.
Hey Devyn. Just came across your blog for the first time. Love it. We too, left the US determined to be gone before the elections and have now been in Porto (well, Gaia) for almost 6 months. We are struggling with the same things happening in the US that you are but are so happy to be struggling here in Portugal. To be surrounded by some of the kindest, most human people I have ever met, makes me truly blessed. I look forward to reading more.
Glad you found me Mitchell 😊
We have a fabulous view of Gaia from our apartment 😂
Good to hear from kindred folk... Perhaps we can meet up for a coffee some time.
That would be great. I’ll send you a DM in the next week or so. Always up for meeting new people.
It’s so fun to get your dispatch’s!