American Explains Why He Moved to Portugal and Then Left

Comments · 1.6K

• TH

  @Thxihateit · 1 year ago

  I don’t understand NEVER VISITING before moving somewhere…that is bizarre.

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• RM

  @Rmandinho8 · 1 year ago (edited)

  Spoiler Alert - they moved back because they missed their family. Thanks for wasting 15 minutes on the reveal. 🙄

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• PE

  @pepita46 · 1 year ago (edited)

  A lot of people, regardless of nationality, grossly underestimate the difficulty of learning a new language to the level of being able to have a good conversation with a native speaker.Without this knowledge, they are limited and dependent on the expatriates already living there, which is a very transient community, and not being  able to immerse and understand the local culture well.

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• NI

  @nickthequick · 1 year ago

  Mistake number 1: Thinking that YouTube provides you with a realistic view of ANY place.

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• IA

  @ianworley8169 · 1 year ago

  I moved to Portugal from the UK initially in 2002, bought and renovated our home, then returned to resume our careers in 2005.  The intention was to use the house for holidays until we could early retire.  We returned permanently in 2013.  I've never been back since.  I have to go back for a funeral in a few days and am dreading the prospect.  I'll be there for a few days at the absolute most.  I love Portugal more than words could ever express.

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• BE

  @beachbreath2504 · 1 year ago

  It’s always interesting to me how so many people are ok moving to a foreign country when they still have aging parents that are still alive. I was glued to my Mom’s hometown until she passed-she was a wonderful Mom ❤

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• TO

  @togetherrrr · 1 year ago

  My apology if my post isn't quite relatable, just want to share my story. At 40, in 1999 I permanently moved from Moscow, Russia, to Chicago. Took me 6 months to get papers together, get visa, also sell / give away my possessions, excluding my condo (that I sold six years later)... I left in June, so I even did not have winter clothes with me, I basically has a crossbody bag and a gym type bag, that was it. One dress, three pairs of jeans, second pair of shoes, couple t shirts, couple tops and one knit sweater in case of cool weather. Today, 26 years later and older, I still can't believe I did it. All alone, to no one waiting for me. No regrets ))

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• KE

  @kevinsmith9899 · 1 year ago

  We sold everything and moved to a foreign city that we had never visited. We liked it, but it wasn't a perfect fit, so 8 months later, we moved to a different city (on a different continent). It helps to think of it as moving "for now", rather than "forever".

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• PL

  @planet5259 · 1 year ago

  Short version. Never set foot in the country. Got rid of all our crap. Couldn't understand people, missed our family. You're welcome.

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• SU

  @SukiExTexas · 1 year ago

  I'm emigrating to France in 13 days. Two dogs, one suitcase, one duffel, and three 24x19x16 boxes. 66 years old, solo. I've taken monster leaps my entire life, starting at 18. I'm ready for this possibly final one!

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• AL

  @alexandrapatricio2727 · 1 year ago

  I am portuguese and i really was moved by this interview. I myself never thought about moving abroad. ( iam almost 60 too). Watching this interview, seeing the brilliant eyes of the interviewed, seeing his enthusiasm talking about our country made me think if the idea of moving hasnever crossed my mind may be because I feel great here?

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• AL

  @Alexandra-qn4xv · 1 year ago (edited)

  I was born and raised in Portugal and visit periodically. Even though Portuguese is my first language and I understand the culture because it’s my own, I also realize how American I became after living in the US for almost 25 years. Always consider that moving, anywhere, will change you. All countries have pros and cons for sure, but I would say that speaking the language is “a must” when moving to a new country. At the very least, one person in the couple or family unit should be able to communicate in Portuguese to better and fully integrate.

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