Today, we're diving deep into the sunny shores of Cascais, Portugal, and trust me, it’s not just a pretty postcard! Our guests, Alastair and Wes, share their journey from bustling city life to the chill vibes of this coastal gem, where they’ve found a safe haven to retire. They spill the tea on what it’s like to live in a place that’s all about art, food, and a good dose of relaxation, while also touching on the LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're curious about the cost of living, healthcare, or just how to hold hands without an audience, we've got you covered. So, grab your shades and let’s take this virtual trip together! Cascais, Portugal is a vibrant spot where Alastair Cull and Wes Williams have found their happy retirement after years of dreaming about life in Europe. In this episode, Mark Goldstein takes us through the pair's journey from the hustle and bustle of North America to the serene coastlines of Portugal. Alastair and Wes share how they navigated the challenges of relocating during a pandemic and embraced the new lifestyle that came with it. They fell in love with the warm climate, stunning beaches, and the friendly atmosphere that welcomed them with open arms. Listeners get a peek into their daily lives, filled with relaxing walks along the beach, engaging with the local community, and enjoying delightful meals at charming cafes. The duo emphasizes how easy it is to blend into the vibrant culture of Cascais while still feeling safe and accepted for who they are. They talk about the significance of finding a place that allows for true self-expression, where love can be celebrated freely, and life can be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace. Through witty anecdotes and heartfelt discussions, Alastair and Wes provide insights into the practical aspects of retiring in Cascais, such as healthcare, cost of living, and the overall quality of life. They reflect on the beauty of their new life, filled with joy and adventure, and encourage anyone considering retirement abroad to dive in and explore the possibilities. This episode of Where Do Gays Retire? is not just about finding the perfect location; it’s about discovering a lifestyle that resonates with one’s true self.

Takeaways:

1. Cascais, Portugal is a chill place for LGBTQ retirees, offering safety and a decent cost of living.
2. Mark interviews Alastair and Wes about their move to Cascais and life post-retirement.
3. Life in Cascais is all about relaxation, art, food, and enjoying the calm ocean vibes.
4. Public displays of affection are totally cool in Cascais, no weird looks, just love!
5. The cost of living in Cascais is manageable, especially if you're smart about your choices.
6. Cascais offers beautiful beaches, rich history, and a welcoming community for everyone.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. wheredogaysretire.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Introducing LGBTQSeniors.com – A Free Community for Connection & Pride

Mark Goldstein, host of the Where Do Gays Retire Podcast, shares exciting news: LGBTQSeniors.com is live! It’s a free online community for LGBTQ folks 50+ featuring: Private messaging & forums Monthly Zoom meetups Real connection—without the social media clutter If you love what Mark’s building, please support the cause at 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/unlonelylgbtqseniors 🌈 Join today at LGBTQSeniors.com — because pride doesn’t retire.

Summary

In this episode, Mark Goldstein interviews Brad Shreve and Maurice Chevalier, a couple who recently relocated to Oliva, Spain, after years of contemplating a move abroad. They share their journey of deciding between Ecuador and Spain, ultimately choosing Spain for its quality of life and community. The couple discusses their specific criteria for choosing a location, including a preference for smaller towns, affordability, and a welcoming atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community. They emphasize that their move was not an escape from the U.S. but rather a pursuit of a different lifestyle and culture.

Brad and Maurice recount their experiences of moving to Oliva without ever having visited, highlighting their extensive research and the importance of community connections. They discuss the cultural adjustments they’ve faced, including the pace of life, meal times, and the siesta concept. The couple also touches on the cost of living in Spain compared to their previous life in California, noting significant savings in rent and utilities, as well as the quality of food. Their story is a testament to the joys and challenges of relocating to a new country, and they offer insights into the vibrant life they are building in Oliva. In this episode, Maurice Chevalier shares his experiences of living in Oliva, Spain, particularly as part of the local gay community. He describes the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, noting that being gay is a non-issue in the area and that a strong expat community regularly gathers for social events. Maurice discusses the ease of making acquaintances and the importance of community in their new life, emphasizing that they enjoy the local culture and the relaxed pace of life. He also touches on the practical aspects of living in Oliva, such as transportation, walkability, and the unique dining culture that differs from the U.S. lifestyle.

The conversation shifts to the logistics of relocating to Spain, including the visa process and the importance of hiring relocation specialists to navigate the bureaucracy. Maurice explains the differences in daily life, including the Spanish dining schedule and the social norms surrounding coffee culture. He concludes by reflecting on the long-term prospects of living in Oliva, expressing a strong sense of belonging and contentment in their new home, while also acknowledging the importance of adaptability and openness to new experiences.

Takeaways

"We wanted somewhere that was openly gay friendly."

"We did not want to work 60 to 70 hours a week to buy things that we then didn't have time to enjoy."

"We are purposely not putting ourselves in that bubble."

"We want to be able to converse, even if it's just minimal conversation."

"We could change that overnight if we wanted to."

"We love the concept of siesta. There's nothing about it that's negative in our mind."

"We are actually trying to learn the language and practice it."

"We felt instantly at home. It was just like this place has been waiting for me my whole life."

"We are living in a much larger space for less money."

"We are trying to build ties to the local community, not just the expat community." It's a non-issue, quite honestly.

We wanted to have an active gay community.

We can go be gay for the weekend.

Everything's pretty much within a 15-minute walk.

It's a clean town because people physically sweep the streets.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. wheredogaysretire.com
2. www.youtube.com/@ourchosenspanishlife

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Marriott

Mentioned in this episode:

Introducing LGBTQSeniors.com – A Free Community for Connection & Pride

Mark Goldstein, host of the Where Do Gays Retire Podcast, shares exciting news: LGBTQSeniors.com is live! It’s a free online community for LGBTQ folks 50+ featuring: Private messaging & forums Monthly Zoom meetups Real connection—without the social media clutter If you love what Mark’s building, please support the cause at 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/unlonelylgbtqseniors 🌈 Join today at LGBTQSeniors.com — because pride doesn’t retire.

Summary

In this conversation, Mark Goldstein interviews Chad Pitts and Jorge Pitts about their experiences living in Zaragoza, Spain. They discuss their motivations for moving, the research they conducted, and their first impressions of the city. The couple shares insights into the cultural vibe, community building, cost of living, transportation, food scene, and healthcare in Zaragoza. They also touch on the challenges of navigating Spanish bureaucracy and the benefits of living in a city that is both family-friendly and LGBTQ+ safe. Overall, they emphasize the importance of embracing the local culture and the rewarding experiences of expat life in Zaragoza.

Takeaways

Zaragoza offers a very authentic Spanish vibe, with a strong sense of community.

The cost of living in Zaragoza is significantly lower than in larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

Transportation in Zaragoza is excellent, with walkable streets and a reliable public transport system.

Cultural experiences in Zaragoza are rich, with festivals and events happening regularly.

Making friends in Zaragoza can be challenging, but it is possible with effort and openness.

Healthcare in Zaragoza is accessible and affordable, especially compared to the US.

The climate in Zaragoza can be extreme, with hot summers and cold winters, but it is manageable.

Zaragoza is a safe place for LGBTQ+ families, with a welcoming community.

The food scene in Zaragoza is diverse and delicious, with many international options available.

Navigating Spanish bureaucracy can be frustrating, but it is part of the expat experience.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. wheredogaysretire.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Introducing LGBTQSeniors.com – A Free Community for Connection & Pride

Mark Goldstein, host of the Where Do Gays Retire Podcast, shares exciting news: LGBTQSeniors.com is live! It’s a free online community for LGBTQ folks 50+ featuring: Private messaging & forums Monthly Zoom meetups Real connection—without the social media clutter If you love what Mark’s building, please support the cause at 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/unlonelylgbtqseniors 🌈 Join today at LGBTQSeniors.com — because pride doesn’t retire.