A lot of people have been asking me what the scariest part of this move has been. I think what they’re really trying to understand is: how did we overcome that fear? I don’t have all the answers. I can only tell you my experience. So here it is, honest, imperfect, and raw. But hopefully…
Is It Crazy to Leave the US? For Families Quietly Considering Moving Abroad… I see you.
Most of our friends and family — either explicitly or subtly — implied that we were overreacting. Some said it gently. Others said it defensively. A few online strangers said it angrily. But the message was consistent. The most common refrain sounded something like this: “It’s only four years.”“He’s old. He’ll be gone soon.”“Things will…
🌰 Magusto in the Mountains: Fire, Chestnuts, and Finding Warmth in a New Home
Something I’ve learned recently about life in Portugal is that the most magical experiences aren’t the ones you plan. They’re the ones you’re invited into. Our landlords, Antonio and Aura — who have quickly become two of the kindest, most generous people we’ve ever met — invited us to join them for a local festival…
🎃 Halloween in Portugal: Pumpkins, Saudade, and the Question of Belonging
Saudade – Noun. A Portuguese word that doesn’t have a direct English equivalent… The sentiment is a feeling of longing, nostalgia, dreaming, and wistfulness… Halloween isn’t exactly a big deal in Portugal — at least not in the same way it is back in the U.S. Here, October doesn’t bring front-yard graveyards, inflatable ghosts, or…
A Little Quiet. A lot of Change.
It’s been a while since my last post. Somewhere between unpacking boxes, learning how to drive on tiny one-lane roads, and figuring out which recycling bin takes the milk cartons, I lost my writing rhythm. And truthfully, it wasn’t just logistics. I hit a wall. After months of planning and pushing and documenting every step…
First Week in Portugal: Grapes, IKEA Beds, and a Dash of Culture Shock
Let’s start with the obvious: the journey here deserves its own post — and Stacey is going to tell that story when she’s emotionally recovered enough to type without breaking into a cold sweat. All I’ll say is… two kids, three pets, and almost everything we own in the world made it across the Atlantic…
Visas Approved: The Beginning of the End (and a New Beginning)
The phone rang. It was the consulate. And just like that—we were approved. After weeks of uncertainty and holding our breath, this one short call opened a door we’ve been knocking on for months. The relief came in waves—first disbelief, then laughter, then tears. We’re officially moving to Portugal. It’s the news we’ve been waiting…
✈️ Four Weeks to Portugal: What’s Going On and What’s (Still) Up in the Air
Today is a milestone kind of day. It’s July 2 and our lease in Portugal officially began yesterday. So did our international travel insurance. And we’re flying out in just one month — one-way — on August 3.I keep staring at the date on the calendar and thinking, This is real. This is really, actually…
Finding the Right School Was Our #1 Priority
When we started seriously planning our move to Portugal, we agreed on one thing: we could figure out where to live after we found the right school for our kids. We’re parents to twin 9-year-old girls who are heading into Year 5. They’ve been attending The Grace School in Providence — a warm, progressive, inclusive…
“You’re overreacting…”
We’ve heard that a lot. Since we started sharing our decision to leave the U.S., a common response goes something like this:“Yes, things are really bad right now… but it’s just four more years. Things will get better again. This is just how American politics works.” It’s a comforting thought.It’s also a dangerous one. The…